World Championship Tin Bath Chaos Returns to Castletown

Get ready Castletown, the world’s most gloriously ridiculous sporting event is back this Saturday (June 14), as the World Tin Bath Championships take over Middle Harbour from half 1.

Now in its 53rd year, this annual chaos-fest involves brave souls climbing into metal bathtubs (yes, really) and attempting to paddle their way to glory without sinking like a stone.

Some succeed. Many don’t. It’s all part of the charm.

Organised by the Castletown Real Ale Drinkers Society, because of course it is, the event has raised over £300,000 for Manx charities since it first launched in 1971.

There’ll be over 100 racers, the legendary ‘Snake Race’, and even a bit of human-powered flight (don’t get your hopes up, it usually ends in a big splash).

The forecast is sunny spells with a small chance of showers, which, compared to this year’s TT, practically counts as a heatwave.

It’s very much family-friendly, and it’s probably the only time you’ll see someone wearing a snorkel in a Victorian bath tub shouting ‘I’ve lost my oar!’ while being cheered on by hundreds of spectators.

Godspeed, you daft floating legends.