Are you sat wondering how you’re going to spend the holidays this year? The United Kingdom may make your list to see some of the history, wonderful coastline or stunning Lake District – but what about things out of the ordinary?
The Shetland Islands has just seen the Helly Aa Viking Festival take over the unique spot that is known for the warm community and great wildlife. As strange as it is, it is breathtakingly brilliant at the same time. Originating in the 1880s, there is a procession, a galley and torches every 31st January and this community event is also known as Europe’s Largest Fire Festival. Getting English country cottages is a great way to enjoy your trips, so keep reading to find out more about strange festivals.
Annual Cheese Rolling Competition
A well-known, and well-loved, event across the United Kingdom this Gloucestershire festival is where hardcore thrill seekers literally race down a steep hill in pursuit of an eight pound Double Gloucester cheese. Watched avidly by spectators and the media, this is a fairly dangerous festival, but one that’s definitely worth a visit. Last year, people braved rain and fog to somersault, tumble and slip their way to the bottom of the hill – all three adult male competitions were won by Chris Anderson – this, despite having his biggest fall of all time. This year it will be taking place on Cooper’s Hill on Monday 4th June to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Hare Pie Scramble and Bottle Kicking
Hallaton in Leicestershire is the place to be in the UK on Easter Monday, when the villages of Medbourne and Hallaton continue their ancient feud each year. If big crowds, barrels and pies sound appealing, then this is the destination for you. It is a celebration that has been going on for centuries and one that locals and visitors alike enjoy. One of the competitions is moving a keg of beer to the respective villages and back three times – whoever does it first is the winner. With many cottages to rent in this region, you can take in this unique competition as part of a trip to Leicestershire.
Coal Carrying Championship
From here we head up north, and the coal mining county of Yorkshire. Every Easter Monday, from 12 noon, Gawthorpe plays host to this race where contestants carry coal sacks for around a mile uphill. It all started with a bet in the bar in 1963, and it has turned into an annual World Championship event – where people race to the Maypole from the Royal Oak pub. With 50 kilos of coal on your back, you’re not catching Roger Bannister but the records for this 1,108.25-yard course are: four minutes and six seconds (men), five minutes and five seconds (women).
International Bognor Birdman
Found on the south coast of England, the lovely seaside resort of Bognor Regis has been home to this competition since 1971 – although, it only moved here in the 1980s having originally been at Selsey, West Sussex. Also happening in Australia, China and Japan, this competition gives members of the public chance to create human-powered aircraft, home-made gliders and hang gliders to compete both in entertainment and distance events. Last year it was The Full Monty BROS who won the Kingfisher class, and this is another alternative festival to enjoy in the UK.
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I’ve yet to visit the UK. It seems like there is a wealth of activities on offer that would suit any need.
Dave,
The cheese rolling festival is hilarious, but i wonder if people go there just to see if some poor young lad will break his leg? Either way a great day out !!
Shrovetide in derbyshire is also a good one – basically it consists of teams of neighbouring villages fighting over a ball to get it into the opposing goal.. Local shops usually board themselves up to prevent damage as it can turn nasty!
Only in England.. 🙂
Duncan
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