By Rachael Grealish

The World Gurning Championships and Crab Fair 2020 have been cancelled due to COVID-19 – the first cancelling of the fair since 1944.

In a statement from the Crab Fair committee, they say the decision has come with ‘great sadness’ but in the ‘health, safety and wellbeing in members of the public.

The full statement read: “Due to the current coronavirus outbreak and the unpredictability about its effect on society in the coming months, it is with great sadness that Egremont Crab Fair committee has made the decision to cancel Crab Fair 2020.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of members of the public, our committee members, volunteers and participants takes priority. We are truly sorry that we have had to make this extremely difficult decision and thank you all for your understanding and support.

“We look forward to seeing you all again next year when we plan to be back bigger and better than ever.”

This would’ve been the World Gurning Championship’s 753rd competition and likely would’ve had a tribute to the late seven-times champion Gordon Blacklock.

Gordon, sadly, passed away earlier this year age 72 – in 2019 he was runner up in the competition and celebrated his 40th year entering it.

The Crab Fair dates back 1267 and the last time the World Gurning Championships were not held were during the War years of 1939 – 1944, as it was impractical to stage them.

Over the years people have travelled from all over the world to participate in the championship and experience the fair – named for the sour apples, not the crustaceans.