To find out if a melon is ripe enough to eat, many people like to use the thump test. (That's how our festival got its name.)

True thump experts say that a perfectly ripe watermelon will 'thump' and the thump will be about a b -flat note. Although a lot of people rely on that method, if you are like me, I can't tell a b-flat from a hole in the ground.
So:

1. Look it over, choose a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free of bruises, cuts and dents.
2. Lift it up – the watermelon should feel heavy for its size – it is 92% water.
3. Turn it over – on the underside of the watermelon there should be a creamy, yellow spot (called the ground spot) from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.