World Gurning Championships – The Art of the Funny Face

The World Gurning Championships are one of Cumbria’s most eccentric and beloved traditions. Every September, crowds gather in Egremont to watch contestants put their heads through a horse collar and twist their faces into grotesque, comic, and often hilarious shapes. What began as a rustic sideshow has grown into an internationally recognised competition, attracting media, tourists, and the curious from across the world.

Origins & Heritage

The term gurn comes from old English and Cumbrian dialect, meaning to grimace or snarl. It was once a casual form of comic entertainment at fairs and taverns, with locals competing to see who could pull the most ridiculous face. In Egremont, the practice became formalised when competitors began using a horse collar — known as a braffin — to frame their faces, turning a pastime into a lasting tradition.

Egremont Crab Fair, first held in 1267, gave gurning its official stage. Over centuries, the contest evolved from a local curiosity into the World Gurning Championships, cementing the town’s reputation for quirky fun.

The Horse Collar Tradition

The horse collar is what makes the competition instantly recognisable. Originally a working farm tool, it now symbolises the contest’s rustic roots. When competitors push their faces through the wooden frame, the distortions appear even more extreme, and the audience roars with laughter. The braffin has become so iconic that it is inseparable from the idea of gurning itself.

Famous Champions

Egremont has produced some legendary gurners:

• Tommy Mattinson – a multiple-time men’s champion, known as the “King of Gurners.”
• Anne Woods – record-breaking women’s champion, whose skill and consistency made her a legend.
• Generational Gurners – whole families often compete, passing the tradition from parent to child.

These champions are not just competitors; they are living links to Cumbria’s sense of humour and identity.

Global Recognition

The World Gurning Championships have gained coverage from the BBC, appeared in the Guinness World Records, and featured in documentaries and “world’s strangest competitions” lists. For many, gurning is a symbol of Britain’s eccentricity, with Egremont celebrated as the only place where such an event could thrive.

What Makes a Winning Gurn?

A great gurn combines technique, originality, and a willingness to look utterly ridiculous. Common tricks include:

• Pushing lips over the teeth and gums.
• Puffing or distorting cheeks.
• Bulging or rolling the eyes.
• Removing dentures for added effect.

Judges look for faces that shock, amuse, and stick in the memory. Some gurners develop unique styles that make them instantly recognisable to fans.

Visiting the Championships

The competition is held every September as part of Egremont Crab Fair. Entry is free to watch, and it is one of the fair’s most popular highlights. Alongside the gurning, visitors enjoy apple cart parades, live music, wrestling, races, and markets.

Egremont itself is just outside the western edge of the Lake District, making it easy to combine a visit with trips to coastal towns or nearby fells.

Modern Popularity

Despite its oddness, the contest has enduring appeal. Social media and news outlets ensure that each year’s funniest faces are seen far beyond Cumbria. For locals, it is a source of pride; for visitors, it is an unforgettable experience. The World Gurning Championships remain proof that humour and heritage can be just as powerful as grandeur and spectacle.

The World Gurning Championships are more than just a funny competition — they are part of what makes Cumbria unique. Rooted in history, carried by champions, and loved by crowds, they show how even the simplest traditions can achieve worldwide fame.