Trish Clemit from Hebden Bridge in west Yorkshire has claimed the overall title at the 2026 Seagull Festival Championships held on 22 August 2026 at Weston Museum in Weston-super-Mare, north Somerset. The competition, which was back even bigger and louder after the inaugural event in 2025, saw Clemit travel more than 200 miles to perform her winning seagull impersonation. She discovered her talent for mimicking the birds at Butlins when she was eight years old.
Clemit expressed her enthusiasm for the competition and her affection for seagulls despite their controversial reputation.
All my life I've been waiting for a competition then I found out about this one through a friend and I thought right, I'm going down all the way from Hebden,she explained.
I've always loved seagulls. I know they have problems and stuff but I've got an affinity with them.
Why do seagulls have a negative image?
Clemit believes the birds receive unfair treatment in public perception.
I think the birds get a 'bad press' and sound 'fantastic.'she said, defending the animals against widespread criticism. Her victory at the championships represents a celebration of these often-maligned creatures and their vocal abilities.
How is the competition structured?
The festival features separate categories for under-12s and over-12s, including adults and grandparents, making it accessible to competitors of all ages. The event at Weston Museum combined the impersonation contest with seagull-themed games and seagull-themed Morris dancing, creating a full day of entertainment centred on the coastal birds.
Who judged the competition?
Cooper Wallace, widely known as 'Seagull Boy', returned as head judge for the championships. The viral sensation, who became an internet sensation after winning a European seagull screeching championship at age nine, brought considerable expertise to the role. Cooper outlined his judging criteria:
I look for good volume, good costumes and the most happy people basically.
Since his initial rise to prominence in 2024, Cooper has achieved remarkable international recognition. He successfully defended his European title in April 2026 and has been interviewed by television and radio stations across the globe. A Korean film crew followed him for three days while producing a documentary about seagulls, and he won €1,000 (£867) on a German game show, cementing his status as a global ambassador for seagull appreciation.
Clemit expressed her delight at winning the championship.
I was really, really pleased to win,she said of her victory.
What made the 2026 festival significant?
The 2026 Seagull Festival represented a continuation and expansion of Weston-super-Mare's commitment to celebrating these distinctive birds. The event ran from 12pm to 2pm on 22 August 2026, with advance sign-up encouraged and limited entries accepted on the day. The festival's growth from its inaugural year demonstrated the growing appeal of seagull-focused entertainment and the community's embrace of this unique cultural celebration.
Key Facts:
- Trish Clemit won the 2026 Seagull Festival Championships on 22 August 2026 at Weston Museum
- The competition features separate categories for under-12s and over-12s, welcoming all ages
- Cooper Wallace, 'Seagull Boy', judged the event and has won multiple European championships and international recognition since 2024
- The festival combined impersonation contests with seagull-themed games and Morris dancing
- Clemit travelled over 200 miles from Yorkshire to compete in the championship
