IT is the contest that, quite literally, pulls in the crowds. The world’s biggest tug-of-war takes place next week, with thousands of people expected to join in.

The Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival, in Japan’s Okinawa, runs from October 7 to 9 – but the main event is the giant grab and pull of a 200 metre-long rope weighing around 43 tonnes.

What’s more , it will have some 280 smaller ropes attached to it for everyone to get in on the action. When the battle is over, participants take a piece of the rope home for good luck.

Certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest tug-of-war event, the festival also includes traditional music, dance performances and colourful street parades.

Large-scale tug-of-war events are a traditional hallmark of Okinawan festivals, originating as a ritual to pray for a bountiful harvest, sound health, and fertility.

For timings, and how to take part, see the festival website.