Hof der dingen - European Championship ‘Seagull Impersonation’

What on earth is the European Championship Seagull Impersonation – you might ask. Excellent question – you’re not the first one to have wondered. And who came up with the idea to organise a championship to honour the person best at impersonating a seagull anyway? 

Well, that was Koksijde resident Claude Willaert. The organisation of the European Championship was his way of cleaning up the image of this protected species and sticking up for these creatures. 

It might sound fun and a bit crazy, but it’s a highly professional event. Participants are divided into three categories: individual, colonies (groups) and juniors (-16 years). 

The championship is always held in Café De Verloren Gernoare (café The Lost Shrimp – what’s in a name) in De Panne and has become increasingly popular. The fourth edition took place in 2024 and was sold out in mere minutes. 

Thirty-two enthusiastic participants mimicked those typical seagull screams in the hope of being crowned ‘Best Seagull Impersonator’. The jury not only judges the actual sound, but also the presentation in general. The event has even garnered international attention, with people from all over the world trying to win the prestigious title. In 2024, the title was even won by a Portuguese scientist; third place went to Joke De Keyerel from Diksmuide, West Flanders. Het tagline? Make seagulls sexy again.