We Brits do have some odd traditions and in the month of May we have a number of traditional and totally bizarre events happening. Here’s just a few that we have found!
Cheese Rolling at Coopers Hill, Gloucester 30th May
Witness some strange sights at this mad annual event where people from the local town (and around the world!) chase after a giant rolling Gouda cheese down a very steep hillside! Take the family along to watch the spectacle for yourself.
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Hunting of the Earl of Rone, Combe Martin, Devon, 27th – 30th May
An annual custom, unique to the lovely village of Combe Martin, where local villagers re-enact a manhunt searching for the Earl of Rone who was banned from the village many years ago for drunken and bad behaviour! Many locals dress up and take part in this event and festivities over the Bank Holiday weekend.
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Padstow, Cornwall, ‘Obby Oss’ Event, 2nd May
Enjoy a wonderful free family event in this beautiful Cornish Town celebrating one of the oldest dance festivals in Britain. The Padstow ‘Obby Oss’ occurs every year, the town is decorated with green and a huge Maypole takes centre stage. Everyone will love the pagan dancing and performances, where the ‘Oss’ cavorts through the town surrounded by dance troupes.
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Dorset Knob Throwing, Cattistock , 1st May
At this fun event and food festival you can watch or take part in Knob Throwing. If you don’t know what a Dorset Knob is, it’s a hard savoury biscuit. There are many other knob themed activities including Knob Eating, Knob Painting and even a Knob & Spoon Race. You can even guess the weight of the Big Knob! Ooh er! 😉
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Sweeps Festival, Rochester, 30th April – 2nd May
Did you know that traditionally a chimney sweeps annual holiday was on the 1st May? This lively festival celebrates the fun and laughter they had on that day with music, entertainment Morris dancing and more.
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Woolsack Races, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, 30th May
In the Middle Ages Tetbury had one of the best-know wool and yarn markets in the country. To celebrate this, a traditional woolsack race takes place every year. Entrants run up and down a very steep hill carrying a heavy sack of wool on their backs. On the day there’s also a traditional street fair with stalls, rides and plenty of food.
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Do you have any quirky events happening near you? Let us know!