Preserving English Eccentricity: Celebrating 20 Years of the World Marmalade Awards
What delightful threads tie together octogenarian Cumbrian farmers, diplomats from across the globe, and the beloved Paddington Bear? The answer, of course, is marmalade—specifically, the illustrious World Marmalade Awards.
A Feast of Eccentricity at Dalemain Mansion
Imagine a colorful extravaganza set against the picturesque backdrop of Dalemain Mansion near Penrith—a realm brimming with spray-painted orange sheep, a towering red squirrel, and Paddington himself mingling amongst a cheerful crowd, many clad in orange. The scene is further enlivened by a choir of schoolchildren performing a whimsical marmalade song, making this gathering a true showcase of English eccentricity.
The Visionary Behind the Awards
Founded in 2005 by the indomitable Jane Hasell-McCosh, the Marmalade Awards were birthed out of a desire to revitalize her community following the foot-and-mouth disease crisis. As she puts it, “I love marmalade and I was trying to think of a way of getting people to come to Cumbria.”
From humble origins, the awards began as a local competition where Jane urged residents to submit their own jars of homemade marmalade. The following year, inspired by an optimistic spark, she transformed it into a vibrant festival. Although initially met with skepticism by a tourism advisor—who called it a “silly idea”—the event has since flourished, drawing over 3,200 entries from countries as diverse as Portugal, Switzerland, South Korea, and beyond.
A World of Flavors
The competition has become a melting pot of innovative flavors. This year’s entries featured everything from Scotland’s iconic Irn-Bru to Belgian blue beer and Taiwanese orchids. The top honor, however, went to Hitomi Wakamura from Tokyo, whose yuzu and pear marmalade captivated the judges’ palates.
A Record-Breaking Win
Wakamura’s victory marks a historic moment: it’s the first time in the awards’ 20-year history that an international contestant has claimed the overall title. After a grueling 14-hour flight and a three-hour train journey to reach Penrith, she received her coveted prize from Chris Bishop, the past master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, all while flanked by Masaki Ikegami, the deputy chief of mission for the Japanese embassy.
For her part, Wakamura expressed immense gratitude: “I’m so honored to be able to receive this.” The winning marmalade is to be sold at Fortnum & Mason, with proceeds benefitting Hospice at Home.
Notable Categories and Unique Entries
The awards celebrate a range of categories from savoury marmalades to the unique “prison marmalade”, this year won by inmates of HMP Styal in Cheshire. Notably, Simon Bowden, a 72-year-old baker residing in New York, showcased his Amalfi lemon and Seville orange marmalade, winning in the “man made” category.
Engaging Young Minds
Among the brightest stars at the event was 12-year-old Liberty Brooks, who claimed the children’s marmalade title for her orange and bay marmalade. “I grew the bay myself,” she proudly declared. "I wanted to do something more interesting than just plain marmalade."
Susan Aglionby, an 80-year-old farmer with roots tracing back almost 900 years, won the local flavors category using honey from her farm and herbs from her garden. "I’ve entered right from the beginning," she said, her excitement palpable.
A Judging Journey
With the judging panel comprising about 60 judges, each tasting dozens of jars daily, the quest for the finest marmalade is a rigorous yet joyous endeavor. Jane Maggs, head judge in the artisan category, remarked, “This year’s entries were astonishing.”
In reflecting on the spirit behind the awards, Hasell-McCosh remarked, “I’m often asked which is my favorite. I always say it’s probably mine.”
The World Marmalade Awards not only honor the art of marmalade-making but serve as a jubilant celebration of community, creativity, and, above all, the sheer eccentricity that is quintessentially British. Whether you’re a seasoned jam connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, this event invariably connects people from across the globe, unified by their love for this zesty preserve.
So, gather your ingredients and perhaps plan to join this delightful festival in the years to come—embrace your inner gourmet, and who knows? You might just find yourself among the next generation of marmalade artisans!
