The Probert Encyclopaedia of Recreation

GURNING

Gurning is the ancient British pastime of pulling grotesque faces. Once the pastime was popular at British fairs, but now seems only really to survive at the Egremont crab-apple fair, which holds the British national championships each year. Competitors put their head through a horse's collar and pull a grotesque face. The winner is the competitor who receives the greatest audience applause.
Research Gurning