In a cute little village in Cumbria, England, there's something quite unusual that happens. It might sound like it's from a comedy TV show, but it's real, competitive, and very funny. Welcome to the World Gurning Championship! In this event, people make their faces look really silly, and today I'm going to tell you all about it - how it started, the rules, and why it's more than just a funny face contest. So, get ready, because we're jumping into the world of gurning madness!
Gurning, which is also called "making a face," has been a thing in the UK for a very long time. It began in small villages like Egremont and Aspatria, probably way back in 1297, but it became really popular during farm fairs in the early 19th century. What started as a fun game turned into a big competition, and that's how the World Gurning Championship began.
Here are the rules for making funny faces:
The competitors, who are fondly called "Face Pullers," put their heads through a circular frame called a horse collar, which is about 35 inches wide.
Once their head is in the frame, they start making the funniest and weirdest faces they can. They twist their features into silly shapes to make people laugh.
Judges decide who has the funniest face based on how creative it is, how funny it is, and how much the audience laughs. The sillier, the better!
There's one big rule: they can't show their teeth. They have to hide their teeth behind their lips.
The person who makes the funniest face wins and becomes the "World Gurning Champion."
But the World Gurning Championship is more than just a funny contest. It's a way to have fun, be creative, and come together as a community. It reminds us of a time when having fun didn't mean having fancy gadgets or screens. It's a reminder that we can find joy in unexpected places.
Gurning is for everyone. There's no age limit, and anyone can join in on the fun, whether they're a professional clown or just good at making funny faces.
This event brings the local community together and attracts people from farther afield. It's a chance to share laughter, stories, and enjoy the charming spirit of the village. Even if you're not competing, watching the gurning competition is a blast. The funny faces and contagious laughter in the crowd make it a memorable experience.
The World Gurning Championship shows us how powerful laughter can be and how important it is to embrace our sillier side. In a world that can be stressful and serious, events like this remind us that sometimes, all it takes to brighten your day is a funny face. So, if you ever visit Cumbria, be sure to check out this wacky and wonderful tradition. Who knows, you might leave with a smile that lasts a lifetime!
Check your understanding
Where does the World Gurning Championship take place, and what is the main activity of this event?
How did gurning originate, and what were its early beginnings before becoming a competition?
What are the rules that participants must follow when making funny faces during the competition?
What is the significance of the World Gurning Championship beyond being a humorous contest?
Who can participate in the World Gurning Championship, and why is it considered a community event?
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Vocabulary
Cumbria: a county in the northwest of England.
Unusual: something that is not common or typical.
Competitive: a situation where people or teams are trying to win or outperform each other.
Gurning: the act of making funny or exaggerated facial expressions.
Competition: an event where people or groups compete against each other to see who can do something better or achieve a goal.
Contest: a competition or game in which people or teams compete to win.
Contortions: the act of twisting or deforming something.
Sillier: Sillier means more amusing, ridiculous, or funny.
Prestigious: respected, admired, and considered to be of high importance or honour.
Community: a group of people who live in the same area or share common interests, goals, or values.
Embrace: to accept or adopt something enthusiastically.
Memorable: something worth remembering or something that leaves a strong impression.
Stressful: something that causes stress, which is a feeling of mental or emotional pressure.
Seriousness: a state of being serious or the absence of humour or playfulness.
Wacky: amusingly odd or eccentric.
Tradition: a custom or practice that is passed down through generations and is often valued and repeated over time.
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