An iron man, giant pedal-powered creatures, a diabolical Mr Punch, a mechanical hippo and a host of marionettes will be taking over Nottingham this month for the city’s first ever Puppet Festival…
Archives for East Midlands
The ten best quirky events for Easter 2018
Looking for some inspiration on how to spend your long Easter weekend? Contrary Life has compiled a round-up of the quirkiest Easter events taking place this year, including the best of the UK’s customs and contests, such as coal carrying races and marbles championships, chair lifting and bottle kicking…
A room full of clocks in Lincolnshire
Our latest Curiosity of the Week is an installation of more than 2,000 clocks in Lincolnshire. This unusual creation, titled Harrison’s Garden, is the brainchild of artist Luke Jerram, and can currently be found at the National Trust’s Gunby Hall…
Get flipping, skipping and throwing this Pancake Day
From old local customs to wacky races, there are quirky events taking place all over the UK this Pancake Day. Contrary Life brings you a selection of our favourite events…
An intimate tale of lighthouse keepers
Point of Echoes is an intimate tale of lighthouse keepers, designed especially for village halls, set to tour town and country this Spring…
Independent Venue Week celebrates grassroots music venues in the UK
Independent Venue Week (IVW) will return from Monday 29th January to Sunday 4th February with its biggest celebration of grassroots music venues yet…
Schmooze without the booze and enjoy a Dry January
Having a dry January? Contrary Life has compiled a handy guilt-free guide to some great venues for meeting friends, without the temptation of a quick drink or three…
Boggans get ready to play the Haxey Hood Game
The Haxey Hood Game is a unique 700 year old tradition, played on the 12th day of Christmas. It is the second oldest surviving tradition in the UK and still attracts a large crowd to the Lincolnshire village…
Creative craft take to the water in Matlock
The annual Matlock Raft Race takes place every Boxing Day with creatively-minded teams competing in quirky crafts, whilst raising money for the RNLI…
Discover hidden histories at this year’s Being Human festival
What does it mean to be human in 2017? Join the Being Human festival for a nine-day celebration of the humanities with walks, talks and events…
It’s Mayhem in Nottingham as film festival gets under way
Mayhem Film Festival will take place at Broadway cinema in Nottingham from 12th to 15th October, showcasing features and short films in horror, sci-fi and cult cinema…
Have a smashing time at the World Conker Championships
The World Conker Championships will take place on Sunday 8th October at The Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick, Northamptonshire…
A unique beer barrel challenge in the Peak District
The Great Kinder Beer Barrel Challenge is a unique fell running event, taking place on Saturday 16th September in the Peak District…
Have a go at World Championship Hen Racing in Derbyshire
World Championship Hen Racing takes place on Saturday 5th August at the Barley Mow pub in Bonsall, Derbyshire. It’s free to take part, you don’t even need your own hen…
Shakespeare’s darkly comic drama to be staged in historic cathedrals
Theatre company Antic Disposition present Shakespeare’s darkly comic drama, Richard III, staged in six of England’s most historic cathedrals and London’s ancient Temple Church…