One of the UK’s most historic events, Egremont Crab Fair, makes a welcome return on Friday 14 – Saturday 15 September.

Egremont Crab Fair dates back to 1267, and has been held almost continuously since then, except for unavoidable interruptions during the War years. It is believed the fair began after the Lord of Egremont started a tradition of giving away crab apples to the residents of the town. This tradition continues even in modern times with the Parade of the Apple Cart, where apples are thrown to crowds which gather along the main street.

Events Of The Crab Fair

The fair is home to many traditional events, some of which have their origins in the nineteenth century, while others have been mainstays for the best part of a millenium. Street racing typically follows the scattering of apples, with races held on the main stretch of town between the Kings Arms and the Bluebell Inn. Prizes traditionally included loaves of bread and other commodities, although nowadays the winners can expect to receive money and prize tokens.

Cumberland Wrestling remains a mainstay on the current list of attractions. The objective for Cumberland wrestlers is to lift up their opponent before dropping them face-up on the floor. Wrestlers costumes are often richly embroidered and this event is always popular with visitors to the Crab Fair field.

While the dangers of tobacco smoke are well-known, the annual pipe-smoking competition is still a favourite among adult attendees to Egremont Crab Fair. Whoever is capable of smoking a clay pipe filled with tobacco in the shortest time is declared the winner.

However, perhaps the most well-loved and instantly recognisable staple of the Crab Fair is the World Gurning Championships. While the origins of gurning are obscure – and some might say questionable – the annual competition attracts interest from national and international media, and involves competitors thrusting their heads through a leather horse collar while pulling a ridiculous, snarling and distorted face. Naturally, the ugliest contestant is declared the winner.

A Modern Twist

While the Crab Fair is steeped in tradition, there’s also plenty of modern activities for attendees to enjoy. Since 2004, the fair has also coincided with Dancing In The Street, a free, family-oriented festival-style event staged on Egremont Main Street.

This year’s headline act is the 90’s boyband 5ive, who will be ably supported by Jolan, runner-up on The Voice in 2016 and has since gone on to release his debut single. The bill also includes Mark Summers, who performs the hits of Elvis, and Absolute 90’s, a dance tribute act guaranteed to get revellers partying.

The event will be opened by Ellipsis, while Plastic Paddy and Miss Dee will also be entertaining music fans on the day, with fairground rides, market stalls and children’s entertainers also present to ensure there’s something for everyone.

Festival Atmosphere

In recent years, the Crab Fair Field has also played host to a bar, large marquee and live music – branded as Crab Fest – and this year promises to build on previous successes.

“It’s going to be bigger and better,” explained event organiser Daniel Shutt. “There’s more music, more space and more beer.” In addition to the main stage, an acoustic stage has been added, along with a marquee boasting its own gin and fizz bar.

The musical line-up for Crab Fest includes Whitehaven indie rockers The Northern Threads, alt-rockers Rogues, Irish-tinged three-piece The Wild Murphys and recently-reformed blues rockers Mama-Sang & The Robot. Acoustic acts will include Josh Pears, Newton Smith, Spud, Molly & Georgia and Willow Jarvis.

In addition to a stunning line-up of local talent, Crab Fest 2018 will also boast a quad-bike stunt show, family entertainment and fairground rides, making Egremont the place to be in mid-September.

Egremont Crab Fair takes place from 14 – 15 September. Tickets to the Crab Fair Field cost £6 for adults and £3 for children/concessions. Entertainment on the Main Street is free.