World Gurning Championships Draw Enthusiastic Competitors in Cumbria
The annual tradition, dating back to 1267, saw participants contort their faces through a horse collar to compete for the coveted title.
Dozens of hopefuls gathered in Egremont, Cumbria, over the weekend for the 2026 World Gurning Championships, a quirky highlight of the town's historic Crab Fair. The tradition, with roots stretching back to 1267, challenges participants to pull their most grotesque faces while sticking their heads through a horse collar.
Competitors must adhere to specific rules, including turning their lips upward and achieving a distorted facial expression, often described as 'snarling like a dog.' While makeup is not permitted, the use of false teeth to enhance facial contortions is allowed.
This year's competition saw a notable entry from TV star Will Mellor, who secured second place. Ged Eccles was crowned the 2026 World Gurning Champion. In the Women's Championship, Claire Lister reclaimed her title, marking another victory after losing it the previous year.
The event, officially recognized as the world's longest-running World Gurning Championships, has a history of attracting significant attention. In 2008, Queen Elizabeth II visited the competition and met the then-champion, Tommy Mattinson. The 2022 Crab Fair was canceled following the Queen's death.
The Crab Fair itself includes other traditional events such as wheelbarrow races and horn-blowing competitions. Its origins are believed to trace back to 1267, when Lord of the Manor distributed crab apples to the townspeople.