London Sumo Tourney at Royal Albert Hall warns front-row spectators

More than 40 top Japanese sumo wrestlers will compete in a five day Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall in London from October 15 to 19, with organisers warning that front row spectators take on the risk of contact from competitors and debris from the ring. Tournament officials said the event will be presented in the traditional style without barriers between the ring and ringside seats, and that wrestlers may fall or be thrown into the audience as part of the competition.

Officials have advised that food and beverages will not be permitted at ringside and that sand or salt used around the dohyo may occasionally be thrown from the ring. They also cautioned that the low cushions used for traditional ringside seating may not be suitable for people with mobility issues and that children under eight should not be seated in that area. The guidance appears prominently on the venue’s information pages to help attendees assess seat choices and safety.

The five day basho marks only the second time a top level Grand Tournament has been staged outside Japan, the last held at the same London venue in 1991. The event sold out quickly, organisers said, reflecting a surge in...