Egremont Crab Fair world gurning champions crowned

New world champions of gurning have been crowned at a centuries-old town festival.

The annual Egremont Crab Fair in Egremont, Cumbria, began in 1267 with the gurning world championship a fixture since the 1500s.

“It’s a tradition,” said compere and organising committee member Kevin Brown, adding: “If we don’t do it, who will?”

Photographer Debbie Todd, from near Stanley in County Durham, has shared her pictures of some of those taking part last weekend, including the new adult champions Ryan Barton and Lynn Proctor and junior victor Kendall.

The crab fair has only been cancelled three times since the world wars interrupted proceedings – twice for the coronavirus pandemic and again when the Queen died.

“I always say to really understand the passion about the Egremont Crab Fair you have to be from Egremont,” said Mr Brown, a gurner himself in his junior years.

“It’s like New Year’s Eve – people look forward to it all year.”

Work is already under way planning next year’s event, although the coffers took a hit due to the effect of Saturday’s torrential downpours on visitor numbers.

“All the money we make goes into the next year’s show,” Mr Brown said.

“Takings were lower this year because of the weather but we will have to grin and bear and try to raise more money.”

The World Gurning Championship is a key part of the weekend, with contestants coming from across the world to compete.

Mr Brown said: “We are the only place where you can be the world champion of gurning. It’s whacky but it’s ours.”

There are several factors involved in being a good gurner, Mr Brown said.

It’s about the “biggest transformation of the face” without using artificial aids or hands to pull or shape the features.

Winners also need to have “stage presence” and get a strong reaction form the crowd.

“It’s all quite friendly, but if you have been the world champion you do not want to get beaten,” Mr Brown said.

As well as getting a cash prize, the title comes with a prestige with former winners having been interviewed on tv shows around the world.