Contrary Life - Another Way to Waste Time

An alternative garden festival in Chelsea

Chelsea Fringe, the alternative garden festival, will run for nine days from Saturday 19th to Sunday 27th May, with hundreds of eclectic events expected to take place across London and the rest of the UK…

WATCH OUT for festival of experimental work in Cambridge

WATCH OUT, Cambridge Junction’s showcase of fresh experimental work with something to say, will take place on Saturday 26th May…

A swashbuckling theatre performance in a unique park

Expect a swashbuckling summer in Lancaster as The Three Musketeers arrive in the unique Williamson Park this July and August, for the nation’s biggest outdoor walkabout theatre season…

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Walks, talks and tours at Amble Puffin Festival

This bank holiday weekend Amble in Northumberland will be celebrating the return of the puffins to the nearby Coquet Island, with their annual festival…

The Night Alive at Brockley Jack Studio Theatre

First Knight Theatre presents The Night Alive by Conor McPherson at the Brockley Jack Studio Theatre in London, from Tuesday 22nd May to Saturday 9th June 2018…

Historical dances and Medieval battles in Cornwall

On Sunday 20th May, the quirky LostFest will take place in Cornwall with an eclectic mix of music, dance, demonstrations and activities…

It’s all downhill at Framlingham Soap Box Race

Framlingham Soap Box Race will take place on Sunday 20th May, with challengers in handmade carts competing to race the fastest downhill…

Head to a May Fair in a cemetery this weekend

Arnos Vale Cemetery will be hosting their annual May Fair on Sunday 20th May with local crafts, products and treats on offer…

Watercress challenges and quirky entertainment in Hampshire

On Sunday 20th May, Alresford in Hampshire will play host to the annual Watercress Festival with quirky family friendly entertainment and watercress-themed activities, including the World Record Watercress Eating Competition…

Some alternative events to celebrate the Royal Wedding

Apparently there’s a big wedding taking place this weekend. We know that many of you can’t be bothered going to Windsor to wave a flag; neither can we! So, why not try one of these quirky celebratory events instead…

Book Review: Twenty Theatres to See Before You Die

We’ve always included a lot of small and unusual theatre productions on Contrary Life, and so on hearing that someone had written a book about the weird and wonderful collection of theatres around Britain, we were eager for a read…