A crab fair and competitive gurning in Cumbria

This weekend, Cumbria will host some competitive face pulling, alongside one of the oldest fairs in the world and a quirky apple tradition.

The annual Egremont Crab Fair takes place on Saturday 21st September with a whole day of events including the World Gurning Championships.

The Crab Fair originally began in 1267 and is one of the oldest fairs in the world. The fair gets its name from the giving away of crab apples, a tradition started by the Lord of Egremont.

The fair day still begins with the unique Parade of the Apple Cart, where apples are thrown to the crowds along the street. This year’s parade will take place at 12.30pm.

There will also be entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening on the Crab Fair Field with Crab Fest. This year’s Crab Fest will feature children’s entertainers, a fun fair, magic shows, a beer tent, and a gin and fizz bar.

Traditional sports will also take place in the field, with events such as ferret racing, Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling, wheelbarrow races, pig’s bladder football games and terrier racing. On the sports field there will also be craft and food stalls, a mobile zoo and donkey rides.

The World Gurning Championships will take place in the evening at the Falcon Club. The competition is free to enter, although donations are appreciated. Participants simply need to turn up and be able to pull a good gurning face. The championships are a popular event, so turn up in good time!

A gurn is simply a distorted facial expression. Those judged to be the best on the night will be crowned the champions. So get practising and head to the World Gurning Championships!

As well as the championships, there will be a Dancing in the Street event on the Friday night, with live music. The event is free to attend but donations are welcomed to help keep it running.

When: 20th & 21st September 2019
Where: Egremont, Cumbria
£: Most events are free but donations are appreciated. Entry to the fair field for Crab Fest costs £6 for adults, and £3 for seniors and children. Children under 5 years go free

More info: www.egremontcrabfair.com