Egremont’s Crab Fair has returned with a bang today after a four year hiatus.
The 750-year-old fair will run from today until Sunday September 17 and organisers have said the event will be bigger than ever before.
Food and cocktail stalls, a funfair and live music kept spirits high today amidst heavy rain which drenched revellers – but left them unfazed.
The fair’s Dancing in the Street event kicked off at 5pm and took place on the main street near the town’s war memorial on a main stage.
Presenter Robbie Dee hosted the evening – which featured performers including Kerry Weir, Drums N Roses, The MustangZ, Reggie, Ultra 90’s and DJ Mark Kimmins.
While the poor weather didn’t bother the hundreds of eventgoers who turned up, it did cause electrical problems in the middle of the Drums N Roses set.
The band powered through the incident and electric was restored by technicians who worked to quickly resolve the issue.
The wheelbarrow race, which normally takes place annually on the fair’s Friday, went ahead without a hitch in the rain with most competitors in fancy dress
A demonstration was also given on stage by the all time pipe smoking competition champion, who received plenty of cheers from an audience in awe of his smoking ability.
Gurning star Ady Zivelonghi was also out working as part of the Crab Fair committee – and he was even kind enough to treat us to a mini show of his iconic gurning move ‘The Predator’.
The fair’s main events including the World Gurning Competition, classic car show, climbing of the greasy pole and fair field featuring sporting, crafts, horticulture events and more will take place tomorrow.
CrabFest, the fair’s very own miniature festival, will also be taking place tomorrow evening and this year and event goers do not have to book tickets in advance.
Police, PCSO’s, paramedics and youth workers were also present throughout the town and around the funfair on Chapel Street car park.
Here’s some photos from Crab Fair 2023 so far. Did we get you today?
