Reporter’s Challenge: Beat the Bricklayer

Friday, June 19, 2026

FixFest on July 11 at Delapré Abbey will feature the “Beat The Bricklayer” challenge, where attendees can compete against professional bricklayers in a test of skill and technique. The event highlights bricklaying as both an art and a trade, while also offering music performances and workshops to engage a diverse audience.

At this year’s FixFest, taking place on July 11 at the 900-year-old Delapré Abbey in Northampton, attendees will have the chance to participate in the “Beat The Bricklayer” challenge, a test of bricklaying skill pitched between amateurs and seasoned professionals. The event aims to combine hands-on construction experience with entertainment, alongside musical performances and workshops scheduled throughout the day.

In a recent trial of the challenge, reporter Josh Whorms faced off against an experienced bricklayer, highlighting the difficulty of mastering the craft. Despite the reporter’s earnest attempt, he laid just seven bricks within the set timeframe, falling short of his opponent’s eight. By comparison, professional bricklayers can lay bricks at a considerably faster rate; the current world record holder, Brit Charlie Collison, set a benchmark of 1,065 bricks an hour, averaging roughly 36 bricks every two minutes.

Whorms described the challenge as both physically demanding and mentally demanding, noting that technique and confidence play a crucial role in bricklaying success. “I was completely dialled in on my technique, and the feeling was exhilarating,” he said, reflecting on the exhilaration that comes from skillful execution in masonry. Participants need not focus on speed alone; according to advice from the master builder overseeing the challenge, steadiness and confidence outweigh haste.

The event offers a unique opportunity for visitors to test their construction skills in a competitive but supportive environment. Organizers emphasize that bricklaying is as much an art form as a practical trade, underscoring the mastery involved in the profession. Beyond the bricklaying challenge, FixFest will feature musical acts including Hard-Fi, Ocean Colour Scene, and Sigma, alongside a variety of other activities aimed at engaging a broad audience.

Tickets for FixFest start at £50, with free entry for children under 14, encouraging families and enthusiasts to experience the blend of cultural heritage, music, and hands-on workshop offerings. The “Beat The Bricklayer” challenge has proved a popular highlight, attracting those keen to test themselves against professionals in a friendly yet competitive setting.