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

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Home > Archives for North West

Archives for North West

Pancake Day stack of pancakes by Sam Moghadam Khamseh via unsplash

Best places to eat pancakes this Shrove Tuesday

Got no flipping energy to make your own pancakes this Shrove Tuesday? Here’s a few of the best places in the UK to get your Pancake Day fix!

Battle of Nantwich - Holly Holy Day - Sealed Knot

Battle of Nantwich storms into Cheshire for the weekend

Holly Holy Day celebrates the Battle of Nantwich with musket fire, drums and Plough Witches taking over the Cheshire market town…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Contrary Life - World Worm Charming Championship

Worm Charming teams go to ground

An unusual sporting event is about to take place in Cheshire. It involves worms and a whole heap of sporting tactics…

Another Fine Fest 2017 - Ulverston - Cumbria - Contrary Life

Lip-sync challenges and live street art at Another Fine Fest

Today and tomorrow, Ulverston will come alive with everything from live street art to lip sync challenges as Another Fine Fest returns to the Cumbrian town…

The HandleBards on tour

The HandleBards head out on bikes to pedal their plays

Fancy some open-air theatre this summer? The popular Shakespearean troupe known as The Handlebards are back with another bicycle-powered tour…

Wray Scarecrow Festival - Contrary Life

A scarecrow celebration in Wray

For ten days each spring, the village of Wray in Lancashire is overrun with colourful characters as they host their fun and quirky scarecrow festival…

Blackheath Morris Men - Chair Lifting - Greenwich

Quirky Easter events to enjoy in 2022

Easter is nearly here again, yippee! And if you’re looking for inspiration on where and how to spend your long Easter weekend, read on…

Bluebelle, Theatre Re, Photo: Chris Nash

An atmospheric, folk-inspired tale heads to The Lowry

This week, catch the visual, folktale-inspired Bluebelle at The Lowry in Salford Quays…

Whitby Krampus Run 2018 - photo by Cassandra Sutton

Have yourself a quirky little Christmas

Looking for something other than the usual seasonal markets to get you into the festive spirit? Here’s our pick of quirky Christmas events…

Rev Billy & The Stop Shopping Choir by John Quilty

A choir is touring the UK to protest with music

This month, there’s a different type of choir touring the UK. They’re called the Stop Shopping Choir and their performances are coinciding with COP26…

Light Up Lancaster 2017

Interactive installations Light Up Lancaster

This weekend, life-size polar bear sculptures and an interactive robot snail Light Up Lancaster…

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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

Fakes, forgeries and misinformation at Royal Society Late
Dragon Fish - The Royal Society Lates in March

Next month, the Royal Society’s Late event mixes tomfoolery with science as it tackles fake news and hoaxes…

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