Prime conventional UK occasions that Brits have by no means heard of – like cheese-rolling

Jun 09, 2023 at 11:03 AM
Prime conventional UK occasions that Brits have by no means heard of – like cheese-rolling

Millions of adults admit they haven’t heard of lots of the conventional occasions happening throughout the UK – together with burning a wicker man, wife-carrying races, and lavatory snorkelling. Research of two,000 adults revealed 27 p.c had not come throughout the annual cheese-rolling competitors held in Brockworth, Gloucestershire.

While worm charming was seen because the oddest conventional championships on the British Isles.

And though 74 p.c had been conversant in dancing across the maypole, 43 p.c had no concept why anybody would do that.

The analysis was commissioned by National Geographic forward of the launch of season 5 of “Europe From Above” – a documentary sequence that highlights a few of the distinctive choices of Great Britain from the skies, with its first episode airing this Sunday, June 11, at 8pm.

Kirk Watson, an aerial filmmaker who shot footage for the sequence utilizing drones, mentioned: “The research has been a great way to celebrate some of the weird and wonderful traditions that are unique to the UK.

“There’s certainly a rich cultural offering here which dates back hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of years.

“Some of these are iconic and known across the country, while others may be heard of for the first time by many as a result of this research.”

The examine additionally discovered 35 p.c of adults have gotten concerned within the traditional British custom of flipping pancakes, whereas 1 / 4 have even taken half in the summertime solstice at Stonehenge.

And 81 p.c consider such customs are the kinds of issues that make the UK distinctive, with 71 p.c having fun with studying extra about them.

As a consequence, 92 p.c consider it’s vital to maintain these age-old traditions alive, as 58 p.c fear about them dying out.

Some of the highest causes folks contemplate this to be so essential are as a result of it’s a reminder of historical past, celebrations of native or nationwide tradition, and it allows folks to return collectively.

And 90 p.c see such occasions as contributing to the cultural id of the nation – with 55 p.c seeing themselves as traditionalists.

Such traditions make respondents really feel completely happy and proud – though 41 p.c are additionally left amused by them.

It additionally emerged 63 p.c of these polled, through OnePoll, consider social media platforms akin to TikTok might have a component to play in producing curiosity amongst youthful generations.

National Geographic’s “Europe From Above” will present a sequence of aerial journeys, displaying the traditions, improvements, and engineering breakthroughs that proceed to form these nations.

Kirk Watson added: “The first episode of the latest series gives a unique perspective on some of the unknown wonders of the Islands of Great Britain.

“Using state-of-the-art cameras attached to drones, we captured a picturesque beach airport, an oil rig recycling operation, and a dramatic Viking fire festival.

“And taking a look from the skies gives a fresh view of the country and some of its traditions and operations.

“The research has shown respondents are passionate about celebrating the country and its customs, so hopefully the opening episode of the new series goes some way to educating people further on the wonders of Great Britain and its unique islands.”