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…
Archives for East Midlands
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…
Taxidermy, tunnel tours and immersive theatre for Museums at Night
This week, museums all over the UK will be opening late and hosting a variety of quirky events as part of Museums at Night…
The ten best quirky Easter events for 2017
We bring you the best of the UK’s Easter customs and contests, including coal carrying and marbles championships, chair lifting and bottle kicking…
Oakham Castle Horseshoes
Our latest Curiosity of the Week is a quirky collection of horseshoes that can be found at Oakham Castle in the small county of Rutland…
Quirky Pancake Day games, races, customs and challenges
From old local customs to wacky races, there are quirky Pancake Day events taking place all over the UK. Contrary Life brings you a selection of our favourites…
An Alternative Guide to Valentine’s Day
Contrary Life is back again with An Alternative Guide to Valentine’s Day, read our round up of suggestions on how to avoid the cliches, with taxidermy, star gazing and map making…
The Spooky Dash, an alternative to trick or treating
Looking for a family friendly alternative to trick or treating this Halloween? The Spooky Dash will take place on Saturday 29th October in Nottingham…