Loved or loathed – and all from standing still in silence. Living statues compete in Holland for the title of World Champion

It may sound a bit ridiculous but it's actually very popular and the Dutch absolutely love it.

Living statues from around the world have been congregating in Arnhem, in Holland to take part in the 8th Annual World Championship of Living Statues.

The event is being held during the World Statues Festival, which last year attracted around 300 000 visitors.

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A living statue competes at the International World Championship of Living Statues in Arnhem

The annual contest draws hundreds of professional and amateur living statues as well as hundreds of thousands of visitors

Living statues are mime artists who pose like a statue or mannequin, usually with realistic statue-like makeup

In total, more than 150 living statues are competing in three categories: children, amateurs and professionals.

Preliminary rounds were held in Belgium, Romania, Portugal, Honduras and the Ukraine and the respective champions, along with the Dutch champion, have all be competing for the title of World Champion.

Competitors are divided into three categories: children, amateurs and professionals

Living Statues have different reactions from their audiences; whilst some are drawn to their performance, seeing beauty, others are terrified, or see an object for derision

A Living Statue can consist of one, or of several performers Each category has its own jury, consisting of experts in performing arts, visual arts and street performances. They judge by four criteria: content of the act, craftsmanship of the costume and body paint, aesthetic sensation and entertainment of the act. Living statues seek to confuse or astonish the audience with brief moments of motion Each Living Statue is judged by a jury of experts in performing and visual arts and street performances. They have regularly been a feature of performance art installations, notably by Gilbert and George in the 1960s Believe it or not, but living statues are actually very popular and the Dutch absolutely love it VIDEO: T he 8th Annual World Championship of Living Statues

