May 1, 2026

World Puddle Jumping Championships 2026 Winner Announced

A five-year-old girl from Leighton Buzzard has been crowned the World Puddle Jumping Championships 2026 winner after recording one of the highest scores in the history of the competition.

Bonnie Howard scored top marks for enthusiasm and the distance of her splash in the annual event, held by Wicksteed Park, Kettering, since 2013.

Judges were particularly impressed with her ingenuity – using a hosepipe to create her own muddy puddle in the garden so she could splash around in the sunshine despite the lack of rain during the recent mini heatwave.

Proud mum Gemma Hill said: “Bonnie is beside herself with excitement at winning. We had a great time, although I can’t say the same for my geraniums! She has destroyed part of the garden, caking us all in mud in the process!

“She even got her paddling pool out to jump up and down in that, turning it into a swamp too.”

world puddle jumping championships 2026

The World Puddle Jumping Championships has attracted many thousands of entries over the years, with previous winners including a nine-year-old girl from Kettering and a three-year-old boy from Monmouthshire in Wales, with entries coming from as far away as Australia.

Read about the 2022 champion here!

Judges give scores based on the height of the jump, enthusiasm, distance of splash and stickability (the amount of mud which clings to each competitor).

Competitors film themselves jumping in naturally-formed puddles at Wicksteed Park, puddles that they’ve made or found elsewhere, with judges allowing paddling pools entries this year because of the dry weather.

People submit their video entries by posting them in the comments on the Puddle Jumping posts on the Wicksteed Park Facebook page, with the winner rewarded with a free day out at the park..

Wicksteed Park Director Kelly Richardson said: “Bonnie’s entry was the perfect example of what the competition is all about. She clearly had an amazing time out in the fresh air and sunshine, creating her own puddles and jumping with real enthusiasm, getting extra marks for managing to splash mud all over her mum in the process!”

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Customer Reviews

"Had a wonderful day at wicksteed in half term. Not overly busy, children went on all the rides and as many times as they wished. We booked wristbands for them on line and was great value for money. Staff were all friendly and professional. Love being able to go back to a place I lived as a child with my own child and nieces and nephews."
Emma
"We booked the day before as we knew it would be warm but not too hot. The number of places to pick up wristbands was pretty good so you weren't to be queuing for ages. The ride operators were so lovely and if no one was in the queue they let my daughter stay on. She had the best day ever. Though saying that the queues never got very long which was really handy, especially if you have restless kids."
India
"Fabulous day out, pre-ordered wrist bands and love you do a 'family of 3' option ❤️ All staff were super helpful and cheerful, no long queue times and site was all clean and tidy. All on a sunny day in half term so it was busy but never felt crowded. Thank you"
Claire
"Fantastic day with my grandchildren aged 4 and 2. All of the staff were so friendly and helpful. The “ Time for Tots” day was excellent value- very easy to book- just the perfect sort of rides available made even more enjoyable as no queues. A big thank you to everyone who is involved with Wicksteed Park."
Shelley
"This historic fun park and country park has something for all ages. There is a parking fee but it is low and supports the charity which owns and runs Wicksteed Park. There are a variety of rides for children of all ages. Without children, the park has great views, walks, miniature train, garden, etc. We had a drink at the Carousel Cafe, coffee and cake was great and sat on a nice table outside on the veranda."
Robert
"Had a wonderful time in the park today! Had lunch at the garden café, brioche baguettes and jacket potatoes, and the food was amazing !! Generous portions and super tasty! Staff in there were lovely, smiley and helpful, with lots of recommendations about what to do in the park! We took some cakes home too and they were also fab!! Will definitely be back."
Lucy