Hi, my name is Steve and I'm president of Egremont Crab Fair Committee. Egremont's Crab Fair dates back to 1267, making it one of the oldest in the world. During the annual event in September people gather to see ancient traditions such as the world gurning championships and the parade of the apple cart. It also involves more modern attractions, such as fair ground rides, children's entertainment and live music. Before the Covid-19 pandemic the event was almost self-sufficient, with funds raised from the year before covering the majority of the costs for the following year. In fact, it was performing so well that during the pandemic, when the event was cancelled for two years in a row, organisers were able to donate money to local charities.

But in 2022, following the death of the Queen, the fair was cancelled again. This was unprecedented and it meant that deposits and money that had already been paid out could not be recovered. We were doing well rebuilding our financial reserves in 2023 and 2024, however in September this year the Crab Fair weekend was hit with poor weather conditions, meaning poor turn out and a financial loss of £17,000. This has put the future of the fair under threat, so we are appealing for help from businesses and the community in general. We currently don't have enough money to put on the sort of Crab Fair in 2026 that the community has come to expect. Please, if you can spare any money to help us, it would be really appreciated. Thank you.