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Contrary Life is a website covering quirky events across the UK.

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Whitby Krampus Run 2018 - photo by Cassandra Sutton

Make some noise for Whitby’s Krampus Run

As Father Christmas makes his annual visit to towns across the UK this weekend, there’s another, much darker character making his way to Whitby in North Yorkshire…

The Great Hall at Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Abertoir Horror Festival creeps into Welsh town

Wales’ only horror film festival, Abertoir, gets under way with a line-up of more than 30 feature films and 20 shorts, including premieres, presentations and a party…

Tottenham Literature Festival 2022 TLF

Healing stories at Tottenham Literature Festival

This week, Tottenham Literature Festival (TLF) returns to North London to celebrate enriched and diverse stories by Black authors, poets, and artists…

The Horror Show! at Somerset House

Halloween events round-up: no tricks, just quirky treats

All Hallows’ Eve, Halloween or spooky season, whatever you call it, it’s here! And that means parades, pumpkins and lots of fun. Here’s our round-up of the best quirky events…

The Golden Key: A City of London Corporation event (Image: Simon Jacobs)

Go on an immersive theatre adventure in the City of London

The City of London’s square mile comes alive with a spectacular day of immersive, theatrical events as must-see adventure, The Golden Key, takes place…

Lakes International Comic Art Festival 2022 LICAF

World of comic art hits the Lakes for weekend extravaganza

This weekend, the annual Lakes International Comic Art Festival returns to Cumbria. Head to Bowness-on-Windermere for characterful crazy golf and drawing challenges…

Old Royal Naval College (Image: ©ORNC and Jigsaw Design & Publishing)

Discover Ukraine projects light onto the Old Royal Naval Naval College

This bank holiday weekend, discover Ukraine at the Old Royal Naval College in a moving light projection by Kyiv-based photographer Yevgen Nikiforov…

LASTTheatre's Rascally Diner Photo: (c) Alex Brenner

Whimsical wizardry, dancing defenders and AI art at SO Festival

Lincolnshire’s street theatre festival, SO Festival is back to take over the pavements, parks and promenades of Mablethorpe and Skegness with awe-inspiring performances…

The Sword and The Claw poster - Crap Film Club

Enjoy lo-fi bloodshed at this month’s Crap Film Club

Crap Film Club presents lo-fi bloodshed and pop-art visuals in The Sword and The Claw at Islington’s Old Queens Head pub…

Rest Under the Stars

Rest Under the Stars in Carlisle this summer

Take time out to Rest Under the Stars at Carlisle Cathedral. This immersive experience helps you enjoy some peace and a sense of calm…

Samsara at Edinburgh International Festival

Two dancers tell a legendary story at Edinburgh International Festival

Samsara is an exquisite performance bringing together contemporary dance with a powerful score to conjure up an imaginary world…

Speed Dial, Credit Harry Plowden

What to see at Edinburgh Fringe

Thinking of rounding your summer off with a trip to Edinburgh Fringe? Here’s a few suggestions of shows to see while you’re there…

Giant ice sculpture of Piers Morgan in London

Giant ice sculpture of Piers Morgan appears in Trafalgar Square

A giant ice sculpture of Piers Morgan has been erected in Trafalgar Square. Why you may ask?

Ally in Wonderland banner, courtesy of Chloé Nelkin Consulting

A twist on a classic tale at open air theatre in abbey ruins

This weekend, watch a classic tale with a modern twist at the ruins of Lesnes Abbey in South London as Ally in Wonderland takes you down a rabbit hole…

Fly with Me kite flying event

Fly With Me’s aerial act of solidarity

On Saturday 20th August, immersive kite flying event Fly With Me takes place in towns and cities across the UK and Europe…

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Curiosity of the Week

Woodhenge, Stonehenge’s lesser-known neighbour
Woodhenge - ©English Heritage, Historic England Photo Library

You have heard of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, but have you heard of its lesser known neighbour, Woodhenge? Find out more in our latest Curiosity of the Week…

Top Story

HandleBards hit the pedals again to bring you a summer of outdoor theatre
HandleBards A Midsummer Night's Dream ©Rah Petherbridge Photography

The HandleBards are a Shakespearean troupe who tour by bike. And to celebrate their 10th anniversary, they’re climbing back into the saddle…

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