COLIN – Countdown in Lincoln – is, famously, our longest-running event. Set up in 2005 by Series 46 champion Ben Wilson and returning every year since then, it’s doubled in size since its inception and despite being a bit awkward to get to, has become practically folkloric in the murky Countdown underworld.

This year’s COLIN events are on 28th/29th January, and all the details are here. But the most important part is that you can join in the 2017 fun by PayPalling your entry fee to hulla.mahulla@btopenworld.com right now – it’s £14 for just the Saturday, £9 for just the Sunday, or £20 to enter both events!

With less than a month to go until the big day(s), we asked Ben to share his favourite images from each year’s COLIN with us.

 

2005

“I like this one as it was taken at the end of the day, after the games had been played and won. There are smiles on everyone’s faces – I knew we were off to a good start.”

 

2006

Sometimes, random things just happen at COLIN. Such as people playing a game of Countdown wearing blindfolds whilst the crowd watches on.”

2007

“The first ever COLIN afterparty was just five people and wasn’t even held at the Fox and Hounds, but at a different pub entirely. The venue may be different, but the atmosphere isn’t.”

2008

“One of the greatest photos ever taken at COLIN. Scott was about to beat Dan on a crucial, Dan buzzed in with a total guess and nicked it.”

2009

“I just like this one as it shows everyone together having fun. As COLIN should be. 🙂 ”

2010

“COLIN isn’t all about Countdown, it’s also about desserts. This’ll be the eighth year the Fox and Hounds will have hosted the afterparty. Hopefully they’ll have spotted the pattern by now.”

2011

“Do I really need to explain my love for this photo? 🙂 ”

2012

“The many faces of a COLIN weekend.”

2013

“The Morricock family, brought together by Countdown.”

2014

“You wouldn’t have thought, judging by their faces, that these two were about to play a tense and nerve-wracking grand final.”

2015

“COLIN is usually such a serious and tense event… Umm…”

2016

“See previous comment.”