History of Gurning
​

Gurning competitions are thought to have originated in 1297 at the Egremont Crab Fair, in the UK, named after the crab apple, which are pretty sour. It makes sense then that as part of 'Crab Fair' in this part of the world they hold face pulling competitions to see who can make the ugliest face.
This must be easier for some, though they make it easier by requiring you to also wear a horse collar at the same time. Gurning through a horse collar is known as "gurnin' through a braffin'. The competition is held in mid-september each year.

The 2013 Gurning Contest

Photos Tim Jackson