World Gurning Championship
Outsiders can watch freely from the street; joining the crowds in town square provides best views.
~12:00
Egremont Crab Fair
Egremont, United Kingdom
Sep 19 - 20, 2025Expected
Each September, the Cumbrian town of Egremont holds its Crab Fair, a street fair dating back to 1267 and among England's oldest. Market stalls, music, and a fairground fill two days, crowned by the famous World Gurning Championship, where contestants pull the most outrageous faces through a horse collar.
Key moments
Day 2 · Sep 20
Where it happens
Egremont Town Centre
Egremont, United Kingdom
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Warm attire for September weather
Bring the right payment
Cash for fairground tickets and market stalls
Respect local boundaries
Respect the performance area during gurning; follow event schedule
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: moderate.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Egremont Crab Fair
Egremont, United Kingdom
Each September, the Cumbrian town of Egremont holds its Crab Fair, a street fair dating back to 1267 and among England's oldest. Market stalls, music, and a fairground fill two days, crowned by the famous World Gurning Championship, where contestants pull the most outrageous faces through a horse collar.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Sep 19 - 20, 2025Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Founded by Henri III in 1267, the Crab Fair claims to be one of the oldest festivals in England. 'Crab' may refer to old English coinage, not crustacean. Local folklore and history are celebrated through medieval-themed events, town parades, and age-old competitions. The Gurning Board in Egremont Honors Hall displays past winners, underlining the importance of this quirky contest to the community identity.
Key moments to know
Day 2Sep 20~12:00Expected
World Gurning Championship
Outsiders can watch freely from the street; joining the crowds in town square provides best views.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Warm attire for September weather
Bring the right payment
Cash for fairground tickets and market stalls
Respect local boundaries
Respect the performance area during gurning; follow event schedule
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Sep 19 - 20, 2025
Estimated
City / Area
Egremont
Egremont (Cumbria)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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