Egremont Crab Fair

Name: Egremont Crab Fair
Start: 2026-09-18
Location: Egremont

A Cumbrian Autumn Festival Overflowing with Tradition, Laughter, and Apples

2026/09/18

Every September, the small town of Egremont in northwest Cumbria bursts into life for the Crab Fair, one of Britain’s oldest harvest festivals. For a single weekend, the town is filled with the sounds of brass bands, the aroma of toffee apples and roast meats, and the lively atmosphere of pipe-smoking contests and the world-famous gurning (funny face) competition, drawing both locals and visitors. For those who love British humor, family-friendly fun, or want to experience living history, the Egremont Crab Fair is an autumn feast for all five senses.

The festival is held every year on the third Saturday of September in Egremont, Cumbria. Thousands of locals, tourists, and returning residents gather to share community spirit, the joy of harvest, and the simple happiness of apples and laughter[1][2][5][6][8].

Main Attractions

World Gurning Championship

The undisputed highlight is the Gurning contest. Contestants don a horse collar and compete to make the most outrageous faces, sending the crowd into fits of laughter and applause. Many local legends have won, and the event draws media attention from around the world. The feel of the wooden collar, the tension in the air, and the roar of the audience make this a truly unforgettable experience[1][4][5][8].

Apple Parade and Free Crab Apple Distribution

The festival’s roots are celebrated with the Apple Parade, where locals distribute baskets of crab apples—a tradition that has continued for centuries. The tart scent of apples fills the air as children scramble to catch apples tossed into the crowd. Colorful floats and costumed parades wind through the town, setting a festive tone for the day[1][3][4][5][8].

Traditional Sports and Entertainment

Pipe-smoking competitions, greasy pole climbing, Cumberland wrestling, and fell running are just some of the traditional British games on offer. Brass bands, Morris dancers, and local choirs provide a lively soundtrack, while the aroma of fish and chips, roast pork, and toffee apples drifts through the crowd. The feel of grass underfoot and the sound of laughter create a uniquely Cumbrian atmosphere[1][5][6][7].

Costumes and Decorations

Many attendees dress in vintage or humorous outfits—flat caps, tweed, and apple-themed hats are popular. The town is decorated with bunting, banners, and apple displays, and children’s cheeks are painted rosy red. The crunch of apples and the softness of hay bales add to the rustic charm[1][5][6].

Traditional Food and Drink

Stalls serve up local favorites like Cumberland sausage, meat pies, toffee apples, and scones with clotted cream. The tartness of crab apples, the sweetness of caramel, and the warmth of hot tea or cider are all part of the experience. The aroma of baking and roasting mingles with the crisp autumn air[1][5][6].

Cultural and Historical Background

The Egremont Crab Fair dates back to 1267, when King Henry III granted the town a charter to hold a fair and distribute crab apples to the poor. Since then, it has blended harvest celebrations, quirky competitions, and community pride into a beloved local event. For residents, it’s a time to reconnect with neighbors, honor the town’s history, and share laughter across generations[1][2][4][5][8].

Participant Voices

"Coming from London, I was amazed by the warmth of the community. I joined the parade, tried Cumberland sausage for the first time, and even attempted gurning (I was terrible!). It’s the friendliest festival I’ve ever attended." — Tom, visitor

Fun Facts

The Egremont Crab Fair is believed to have started in 1267, making it one of the oldest fairs in the world[1][2][5].
“Gurn” means to pull a funny face—some regulars practice their gurns all year round![5]
Over 10,000 apples are given out for free every year[1][5].