The 2026 World Gurning Championships took place this weekend in Egremont, Cumbria as part of the town's Crab Fair, drawing dozens of competitors to pull the most grotesque faces possible. The quirky competition, which dates back to 1267, remains the world's longest-running World Gurning Championship and attracts significant attention, having previously been visited by the Queen herself.

Competitors must stick their head through a horse collar and follow strict rules, including turning their lips upward and refraining from wearing makeup, though false teeth may be used to manipulate facial expressions. Ged Eccles claimed the men's title, whilst Claire Lister reclaimed the women's championship for the second time; notably, television personality Will Mellor participated and secured second place. The Crab Fair itself encompasses additional traditional events, including wheelbarrow races and horn-blowing competitions, and is believed to originate from 1267 when crab apples were distributed to townspeople by the Lord of the Manor.