THE RICOH Arena has become used to hosting relatively low attendances in recent years following the decline in fortunes and eventual departure of the Sky Blues last summer.
But hosting the UK’s first ever streaker contest on Saturday could be a new low.
The summer has brought us the likes of Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Oasis and Kings of Leon to the stadium.
For this most bizarre of contests, it had to settle for The Only Way Is Essex star Tom Pearce and glamour model Brandy Brewer who were among the judging panel for the National Streaking Competition.
And if they were expecting large crowds and plenty of entries at the home of the UK’s most infamous streaker, Lady Godiva on Saturday they would have been disappointed,
Entrants were encouraged to show off their best dance moves or singing to prove why they should be the winner of a trip to Brazil for the World Cup.
But only around a dozen people bothered to turn up and out of over 30 expected entries only four people decided to actually take party.
Our photographer Jon Mullis, who was there to capture all the action, said: “It was all a bit embarrassing really.
“I’ve been to some big events here in the past like the Olympic football matches two years ago and some of the big music gigs too, but this really did feel like a new low.”
The competition was organised by Taste Inc to mark the launch of a new burger – The Streaker.
Antony Dugan from Telford was crowned the winner after his audacious routine to the popular Gangnam Style track saw him get on top of the judges table before shaking his stuff for all to see.
No-one from the Ricoh was available for comment as we went to press yesterday (Wednesday).
Streaker James Hamblin looking for dandruff in the locks of TOWIE star Tom Pearce. Picture by Jon Mullis 23.014.009.cov.jm10 (www.buyphotos247.com)
The judges give their verdict on streaker James Hamblin. Picture by Jon Mullis 23.014.009.cov.jm11 (www.buyphotos247.com)
Picture by Jon Mullis 23.014.009.cov.jm7 (www.buyphotos247.com)
The judges l/r Mark Cheadle and Chris Whenham both directors of Taste Inc. Page 3 girl Brandy Brewer and TOWIE star Tom Pearce. Picture by Jon Mullis 23.014.009.cov.jm4 (www.buyphotos247.com)
The judges are interviewed before the start of the competition. Picture by Jon Mullis 23.014.009.cov.jm3 (www.buyphotos247.com)
Picture by Jon Mullis 23.014.009.cov.jm12 (www.buyphotos247.com)
Fans show their support for the streakers. Picture by Jon Mullis 23.014.009.cov.jm13 (www.buyphotos247.com)
Page 3 girl Brandy Brewer and TOWIE star Tom Pearce. Picture by Jon Mullis 23.014.009.cov.jm2 (www.buyphotos247.com)
Dean Smith makes a dramatic entry to the Ricoh and goes down in history as the first competitor in the competition. Picture by Jon Mullis 23.014.009.cov.jm5 (www.buyphotos247.com)
