EGREMONT CRAB FAIR: 759 years of tradition and what to expect in 2026!
EGREMONT CRAB FAIR
759 years of tradition and what to expect in 2026!
by Danni Murphy
Every September, the small but mighty West Cumbrian town of Egremont comes alive for one of Britain’s most unusual and enduring celebrations. There are apples flying through the air, strange faces inside a horse collar, traditional wrestling, music, dancing, fairground rides and plenty of fun.
This is the Egremont Crab Fair, a tradition stretching back more than seven centuries and one of the most distinctive events in Cumbria’s calendar.
In 2026, the Crab Fair returns on Saturday 19 September, bringing its familiar mix of historic traditions and modern entertainment. This year’s event is particularly significant following financial difficulties that have threatened its future.
Seven centuries of history…
The story begins in 1267, when Thomas de Multon, Lord of Egremont, received a Royal Charter from King Henry III for a weekly market and annual fair. This charter is regarded as the foundation of what became the Crab Fair.
The name is traditionally associated with the crab apple. One long standing story tells how the Lord of Egremont distributed crab apples to people attending the fair as part of the harvest celebrations. The apple has since become one of the event’s defining symbols.
The fair was once considerably more extensive, with several days of markets, animals, sporting competitions and celebrations. Over time, changing working patterns reduced its length and the date changed several times. Eventually, the tradition settled into the September celebration Egremont knows today, with the main event held on the third Saturday of September.
Apples, gurning and eccentricity…
One of the most recognisable moments is the Parade of the Apple Cart. A cart travels through the town before apples are thrown into the waiting crowds, continuing an old tradition of distributing apples to fairgoers.
The fair’s most famous attraction, however, is the World Gurning Championship. Gurning involves pulling the most grotesque facial expression possible, traditionally with competitors placing their heads through a horse collar known locally as a braffin. A written reference from 1852 described gurning as an “ancient tradition”, although its exact origins remain uncertain.
The competition has since become a world famous spectacle, attracting competitors and spectators from well beyond Cumbria.
More than just gurning…
Although gurning grabs the headlines, it is just one part of the Crab Fair. Traditional events have included the Apple Cart, greasy pole climbing, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, traditional songs and dancing, pipe smoking competitions, horticultural displays and children’s entertainment. Fairground rides, live music, food and drink, craft stalls and community activities add a modern element to the day.
Some historic events, including quoiting, snap pitching and bicycle racing, have disappeared, but the mixture of old and new remains central to the fair’s identity.
A tradition that has survived…
Despite its remarkable history, the Crab Fair has not taken place every year since 1267. It was cancelled during the World Wars, in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid 19 pandemic, and again in 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
More recently, the fair has faced financial difficulties. Following the 2025 event, organisers revealed that poor weather had contributed to disappointing attendance and income, leaving the volunteer run committee concerned about the future.
Planning for 2026 continued, alongside an appeal for financial support from the local community.
What to expect in 2026…
The main Crab Fair will take place on: Saturday 19 September 2026.
There will be no Friday night Crab Fair event this year, following the financial difficulties experienced after the previous year’s poor weather.
The modern side of the weekend continues with Crabfest 2026, feat. live music including Sam Offender, a Sam Fender tribute act, and The Holburn Hillbillies.
The traditional attractions remain at the heart of Saturday’s celebration, including the Apple Cart, sporting events and World Gurning Championship. Detailed timings were still awaiting publication in August, so visitors should check the latest programme before travelling.
A tradition with a future…
For generations, the Crab Fair has provided a moment when the town comes together. Children grow up watching the fair arrive, families return year after year and competitors take part in traditions their grandparents knew.
In an age when many traditional fairs have disappeared, Egremont’s Crab Fair has retained its identity while continuing to evolve.
After 759 years, the apples are still flying, the faces are still twisting and the Crab Fair is still very much alive.
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