The European Gull Screeching Championship is back. On 26 April 2026, participants from all over Europe will once again compete for the title in Adinkerke (Belgium).
Can you convincingly imitate the sound and behavior of a seagull? Then why not go for the European Gull Screeching title? After five editions, the goal of this competition remains the same: to create a more positive image of our coastal gulls. And this seems to be working quite well. The championship attracts attention from supporters all over the world throughout the year.
Seagulls are the sound of the sea. At the coast, you always hear their cries. They are true acrobats in the sky, bringing a sense of joy and freedom. The sound of a screeching gull often brings back fond memories. Is gull screeching a science? Absolutely, because if you want to imitate gulls well, careful observation is essential. Take the time to really watch them, and you’ll start to appreciate them more. Around the world, there is sometimes tension between gulls and people: gulls nesting on rooftops, searching for food in waste, or even leaving droppings on cars. People should be smart enough to avoid conflict. After all, gulls are simply opportunists.
As a European citizen, you can take part in three categories: individual, junior (up to 16), or colony (groups of 2 to 5). Supporters with a positive attitude toward gulls are more than welcome!
When?
26 April 2026
Where?
Café De Verloren Gernoaere
Stationsplein 3, 8660 De Panne, Belgium
Programme
14:00–14:30: Participant registration
14:40: Audience warm-up
15:00: Youth category
15:30: Adults
16:15: Colony category
16:55: Special guest
17:00: Award ceremony
More information about registration: www.gullscreeching.eu
The Gull Screeching Championship is organized by stand-up comedian Clause Willaert. Partners – who also take part in he jury – include the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), the Wildlife Rescue Centre Oostende (VOC Oostende), De Kerkuil Nature Group, and the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ).