A NEW strongman competition is coming to Cumbria, using only local stone for weights.

Dave Straughton, known for organising the Cumbria’s Strongest Man competition, is bringing the King of the Styans to Cumbria later this month.

The competition is ready to welcome competitors from across the country to Honister Slate Mine where strongmen will complete various challenges, all involving native stone.

Natural stone competitions are more traditional and are popular in Cumbria, but Cumbria has not taken advantage of the medium yet, according to Dave.

“We have a lot of competitors who have done Britain’s Strongest Man coming, and Natural World’s Strongest Man too,” Dave said.

Cumbria’s Strongest Man winner Karl Gorman will compete as well to represent host talent.

Times and Star: Dave Straughton holding the 'Buttermere Stone', one of the smoothed down, naturally-found stones that will be used in the King of the Styans competition.Dave Straughton holding the 'Buttermere Stone', one of the smoothed down, naturally-found stones that will be used in the King of the Styans competition. (Image: Dave Straughton)

“I think this will grow to be massive, and the venue is spectacular.

“There is no strongman competition with a location like this,” he added.

Stones were selected by Dave after the area was scouted for perfect specimens, which were then smoothed to remove sharp edges, ready to be lifted.

“The people at Honister have been a huge help and have been very supportive.

“This is next level, I’ve not seen any strongman show like it,” he concluded.

Tickets for the event, which takes place on September 23, 2023, and starts at 1pm for a 3pm start and 7pm finish, cost £10.

They can be bought upon entry, or in advance by messaging Dave on Facebook.