Guinness World Records broken at World Gurning Championships, Egremont

The World Gurning Championships came back in style to Egremont's Market Hall yesterday, September 17 as part of celebrations in the town's age old Crab Fair, which had a four year hiatus due to covid and the death of the Queen.

Editor in Chief at the Guinness Book of World Records, Craig Glenday attended the evening to recognise the fair with the event being officially recognised as the world’s longest running World Gurning Championships.

A certificate was also presented to gurning legend Tommy Mattinson recognising him as holding the world record for the most wins of the World Gurning Championships for a man.

Craig Glenday, Editor in Chief at the Guinness World Records recognised the event. (Image: NQ staff)

Speaking to the News and Star, Craig Glenday, Editor in Chief at the Guinness Book of World Records, who also competed in the men’s event, said: “It’s the best part of the job that I get to travel round the world doing things like this and you get to meet all the lovely communities their characters and the heroes like Tommy and just to celebrate old traditions like this it’s just fantastic.

“It’s also a first for me competing I never normally compete in these things.”

Gurner's performed to a packed out Market Hall in Egremont. (Image: NQ staff)

Tommy said he was delighted with the record, which he later broke by winning the Men’s Gurning World Championships for the eighteenth time.

The men's winner and runners up pose for the many camera's. (Image: NQ staff)

Tommy said: “I’m absolutely chuffed to bits it doesn’t matter how many times I win it I want to win it on the night.

“I put a lot of effort into that I’m aching I’m tired, but it was well worth it I out the effort in and got the result I really wanted.”

The evening was enjoyed by all. (Image: NQ staff)

Tommy’s grandchildren, Indi and Ezra said they were ‘really proud’ of their poppa winning saying it’s incredible to see, both of Tommy’s grandchildren have followed in his footsteps with Indi placing second in the junior world final, and Ezra competing for the first time.

In third place at the event was Adrian Zivelonghi, with third place going to Ged Eccles.

The championships youngest gurner three year old Oona Singleton with family friend Lincoln Irving. (Image: NQ staff)

Tribute was paid to seven-time champion Gordon Blacklock who passed away, with organisers of the event saying that ‘as long as there is a Crab Fair Gordon will never be forgotten’.

Seven-time World Ladies Champion Claire Lister retained her title much to the delight of the crowd.

Claire Lister won the ladies event on the evening. (Image: Claire Lister won the ladies event on the evening.)

She said: “It’s one of them we’re I’m always quite nervous, my heart races until I hear third second and first but I’m really happy now.

When asked if she would be keeping going Claire said ‘she’s got to’ to defend her title.

Third place was Joanne Yeoman, with Sarah Hull coming in second place.

Kendall Lister following her joint junior win. (Image: NQ staff)

And like mother like daughter, Kendall Lister picked up joint first place in the Junior World Championships, sharing the title with eight-year-old Isla Alexio.

Kendall said: “I’m actually quite surprised I’ve actually won; I didn’t expect it when I entered.

“I’ve been practising for a few weeks.”

Isla Alexio 'couldn't believe' her win. (Image: NQ staff)

Egremont born Isla ‘never believed’ it when her name was called as the winner.

She said: “It’s been really good to win, I’ve been practising for a few weeks.”

Indi Mattinson came in at second place with Lexi Park coming in at third.