A much loved event will be back even bigger and better next year, according to organisers, who had to pull the plug on this year's event, due to the ongoing pandemic.

Egremont's Crab Fair Committee made the decision earlier this year for the event not to go ahead for the safety of everyone in the town.

Steven Foster, President of the Egremont Crab Fair Committee, said: “It’s a great shame but with the current situation it’s not our intention to make it worse.

“The complete uncertainty of how the pandemic would pan out made us want to hold off.

“We felt it inappropriate to hold a large event when infection rates weren’t under control.

“There are a multitude of other reasons like not being able to hold regular planning meetings and hold fundraisers.

“This is not the end of the Crab Fair by any means and we will be back again in 2022.”

The Crab Fair is a week long event that involves: live music, a fairground, food stalls and the world gurning contest.

A small fairground will still be held on the town’s main car park from Wednesday, September 15 until Saturday, September 18.

The committee have also been working with Egremont Rugby League Club to hold a live music event later this month.

This will give residents both young and old a chance to enjoy themselves over September whilst staying safe during the current climate.

The fair itself has been popular with residents for centuries as it is one of the oldest fairs in the world.

When held the modern fair mixes traditional events with with modern attractions to keep all the visitors entertained.

Councillor Sam Pollen, who is a Crab Fair Committee member, added: “We’ve got a strong committee who has done a lot to run the event over the years.

“The Crab Fair will be sorely missed by the town’s people however next year we are planning to host an event that will be bigger and better than ever.

“It was a very difficult decision but we made the right one for everyone.”