By Rachael Grealish

Egremont Crab Fair is appealing for donations to ensure the Dancing in the Street event can go ahead after the COVID pandemic has “dried up” sources of funding.

Established in 1267, the Egremont Crab Fair and World Gurnind Championships is one of the oldest fairs in the world and is set to be held September 20 to 22 this year.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by the fair’s organisers to ensure all previously loved events of the festival can go ahead, namely the free Friday night Dancing in the Street.

Steve Foster, president and treasurer of the Egremont Crab Fair committee, explained the Friday night event was funded “entirely from grants, sponsorships, and donations” which are now no longer available since the pandemic. 

He said: “Since Covid, these sources of funding have almost completely dried up. 

“We simply cannot continue putting on this highly popular event unless new sources of funding can be found.”

According to Mr Foster, the costs for the 2023 Dancing in the Street event included:

• Stage, PA system, and production services: £3,830
• Performers and compere: £4,090
• Toilets: £681
• Security staff: £532
• Medical services: £700

However, he said costs are expected to increase this year, and added: “Making additional funding necessary.”

The committee is looking to raise £10,000. 

Mr Foster concluded: “The more money we can raise the better we can make the event, so please donate to this worthy cause.”

It was also noted that if the committee cannot raise sufficient funds to continue with Dancing in the Street, any money raised will be used to fund other Crab Fair events, particularly children’s entertainers.