When Muhammad Ali credits you as the strongest puncher he’s ever faced you know you are a strongman.
Cult 1980s heavyweight Ernie Shavers was the man given that accolade but strength of a different kind will be needed to win one of Scotland’s quirkiest titles.
For at the world puff-a-box championships, it is the competitor with the strongest pair of lungs that will inevitably be crowned king or queen.
Inhaling deeply and then furiously blowing-out, dozens of hopefuls will line up in a bid to “puff” their matchbox’s inner tray across a barroom.
Video: How it’s done
The enduring appeal of the unusual competition is not difficult to fathom as the event is fun-filled, straightforward and sits in the midst of four days of fantastic music at the Glenfarg Folk Feast.
The 39th annual event returns this weekend with its usual selection of top acts, workshops and opportunities to pick up an instrument and join in the fun.
It begins on Friday with a sold-out ceilidh concert at Backstage at the Green Hotel, Kinross, followed by a free “singaround” session.
The main event then gets under way on Saturday with various events taking place throughout the day at the Green Hotel, including a guitar workshop with Maurice Dickson and an evening concert featuring Dallahan, John Tams and Barry Coope, Robyn Stapleton and The Farg Folk.
The Feast’s first full day will also feature the hugely popular Original Song Competition, with this year’s theme being wildlife.
There will be no let up on the Sunday as the morning kicks-off with a chance to meet John Tams, followed by a children’s concert starring the McDougalls from 1pm and the 32nd annual World Puff-a-Box Championship from 3pm.
Anyone wishing to compete will require to turn up a little earlier and hand over £2 for the chance to take three puffs at immortality.
The day closes with a concert featuring Steve Tilson and Jez Gomez, Na Leanai and Maurice Dickson.
This year’s Feast then comes to an end of Monday April 10 with what’s being called a “Survivor’s Singaround” at the hotel at 8pm, with admission just £3.
For full details of the entire Feast or tickets for the concerts, visit www.glenfargfolkclub.com or call 07944 665617.
