From old local customs to wacky races, there are quirky events taking place all over the UK on Pancake Day. Contrary Life brings you a selection of our favourite events…
Archives for Alternative Sport
Couples shoulder the pain at quirky race
This March, Surrey will be hosting an unusual sprint for athletic couples, as the 12th annual UK Wife Carrying Race takes place in Dorking…
Best beard competitions, spectacular battles and forgotten stories of Viking women
JORVIK Viking Festival will feature forgotten stories of Viking women, a battle spectacular, a Viking encampment, Strongest Viking and Best Beard competitions, mead tasting, a Viking banquet and Poo Day…
Silver ball hurling and penny throwing in Cornwall
St Ives in Cornwall will celebrate the Feast Day of St Ia with a day of quirky events, including hurling a silver ball and throwing pennies to children…
Jump into the icy waters this January
The 8th annual UK Cold Water Swimming Championships will take place on Saturday 26th January, at Tooting Bec Lido in London…
Forget Dancing on Ice, skate with penguins in London
QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl in London is offering the ultimate winter treat, as five Humboldt penguins waddle into the ice-rink on Saturday 19th January…
Roman style racing at the World MTB Chariot Racing Championships
The people of Llanwrtyd Wells in Wales will be turning Roman this month as they celebrate Saturnalia with some special events…
A Hair of the Dog Jog in Sheffield with beer and cake
Why not get 2019 off to a good/bad start, by putting some of those new year resolutions to one side and joining the annual Sheffield Hair of the Dog Jog on Saturday 12th January…
A unique 700 year old tradition in Lincolnshire
The Haxey Hood Game is a unique 700 year old tradition, played on the 12th day of Christmas in Lincolnshire with a ‘Fool’ and ‘Boggans’…
Matlock’s quirky Boxing Day Raft Race
The 57th Matlock Raft Race will take place on Boxing Day with creatively-minded teams competing in quirky crafts and raising money for the RNLI…
Scarborough don their top hats for unusual Boxing Day match
Said to be Scarborough’s oldest surviving custom, the Fishermen & Firemen’s Charity Football Match takes place on Boxing Day at South Bay Beach…
Possibly the oldest pram race in the world
Pagham Pram Race claims to be the oldest pram race in the world, and it takes place annually in West Sussex on Boxing Day…
Seasonal swims and daring dips for the hardy this Christmas
Contrary Life delights in bringing you our annual round-up of the festive swims and dips taking place across the UK this year…
Dress up as Santa and Chase the Pudding in Weymouth
On Sunday 16th December, Weymouth beach will be filled with costumed Santas for the 11th annual Chase the Pudding event…
A host of characters expected at this year’s Pantomime Horse Race
This year’s London Pantomime Horse Race will take place on Sunday 16th December in Greenwich, with a Film & TV theme and some eclectic entertainment…