Bizarre Britain events
Traditional celebrations are a feature of British life. Some are straightforward and some are just plain weird – and these are the ones we love. Tie in your travels with a bizarre event: be amused or bemused, and get an insight on Britain you’ll never forget.
British World Marbles Championships
When: Good Friday every year
Where: The Greyhound pub, Tinsley Green, Crawley, West Sussex
Do you know what a German China is or an Onionskin? Maybe you should ask the world marble champions, who travel for miles to the Tinsley Green spectacular every year battling once again for the marble championship.
Website: www.marblemuseum.org
Cheese Rolling
When: 26 May 2008
Where: Cooper’s Hill, near Gloucester, Cotswolds
Quaint tradition and utter mayhem, as competitors throw themselves downhill, chasing giant cheeses. Double Gloucester, naturally.
Website: www.cheese-rolling.co.uk (www.cheese-rolling.co.uk/)
Man v Horse Race
When: June
Where: Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys
Is man equal to horse? A drunken bet has now turned into a yearly challenge between the two species. See it to believe it.
The Cotswold Olimpicks
When: The first Friday after Whitsun
Where: Dover's Hill, near Chipping Camden, Gloucestershire
An amazing array of countryside games from the expected tug of war to the simply bizarre shin kicking, these events attract thousands each year.
Website: www.olipickgames.co.uk (www.olimpickgames.co.uk/)
World Toe Wrestling Championship
When: July
Where: Bentley Brook Inn, Fenny Bentley
See fierce competitors lock big toes on the specially built ‘toedium’ and compete in a ‘best of three’ battle to prove who has the toughest toes in town. All proceeds go to charity.
Bognor Birdman Competition
When: September
Where: Bognor Regis, West Sussex
Man’s ambition to fly is brought dramatically to live with hilarious results. Eccentric birdmen and their human powered flying machines compete in the picturesque seaside resort of Bognor Regis on England’s south coast.
Website: www.birdman.org.uk (www.birdman.org.uk)
Harvest Festival of Pearly Kings & Queens
When: 1 October
Where: Trafalgar Square, London
Annual gathering of cherished Cockney icons.
World Conker Championships
When: 8 October
Where: Ashton Conker Club, Oundle, Peterborough
A British school yard institution with participants from countries all over the world it gives all the contestants an opportunity to improve international relations over a cracking game of conkers!!!
Biggest Liar in the World Competition
When: 16 November
Where: The Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge, Holmrook, Cumbria
Attracting world wide attention, and in recent years the audience has learned facts like how the Lake District was formed - not by ice or volcanic action, but by large moles and eels! No word of a lie!