Hurling the silver ball in Cornwall, weighing in the Mayor in High Wycombe, and tar barrel racing, are some of the most unique, centuries-old UK traditions – that many Brits are unlikely to have heard of, research has found.
The Jack in the Green folk festival, held on May Day in Hastings, and the 19th century Up Helly Aa Viking Fire Festival in Scotland's Shetland Isles, are other long-established events likely to leave some Brits baffled.
And despite hundreds of spectators at this year's event, more than a quarter (27%) of Brits say they have never heard of the annual cheese-rolling competition in Brockworth, Gloucestershire – which is believed to date back over 600 years.
However, while many of these customs may have gone unnoticed by a number of Brits, the poll of 2,000 adults found that nine in ten feel they are a key part of the cultural identity of our country.
And 58% worry about such traditions dying out, with 55% viewing themselves as traditionalists – and 92% agreeing it is important to keep these age-old traditions alive.
The research was commissioned by National Geographic ahead of the launch of season five of “Europe From Above” – a documentary series that highlights some of the unique offerings of Great Britain from the skies, with its first episode airing this Sunday, June 11, at 8pm.
Kirk Watson, an aerial filmmaker who shot footage for the series using drones, said: “The research has been a great way to celebrate some of the weird and wonderful traditions that are unique to the UK.
“There’s certainly a rich cultural offering here which dates back hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of years.
“Some of these are iconic and known across the country, while others may be heard of for the first time by many as a result of this research.”
The study also found 35% of adults have got involved in the classic British tradition of flipping pancakes, while a quarter have even taken part in the summer solstice at Stonehenge.
And while 74% were familiar with dancing around the maypole, 43% had no idea why anyone would do this.
But 81% believe such customs are the types of things that make the UK unique, with 71% enjoying learning more about them.
Some of the top reasons people consider this to be so crucial are because it is a reminder of history, celebrations of local or national culture, and it enables people to come together.
Such traditions make respondents feel happy and proud – although 41% are also left amused by them.
It also emerged 63% of those polled, via OnePoll, believe social media platforms such as TikTok could have a part to play in generating interest among younger generations.
National Geographic’s “Europe From Above” will show a series of aerial journeys, displaying the traditions, innovations, and engineering breakthroughs that continue to shape these nations.
Kirk Watson added: “The first episode of the latest series gives a unique perspective on some of the unknown wonders of the Islands of Great Britain.
“Using state-of-the-art cameras attached to drones, we captured a picturesque beach airport, an oil rig recycling operation, and a dramatic Viking fire festival.
“And taking a look from the skies gives a fresh view of the country and some of its traditions and operations.
“The research has shown respondents are passionate about celebrating the country and its customs, so hopefully the opening episode of the new series goes some way to educating people further on the wonders of Great Britain and its unique islands.”
TOP 20 UK TRADITIONAL EVENTS BRITS HAVE NEVER HEARD OF:
- Hurling the silver ball
- Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival
- Jack in the Green
- Weighing in the Mayor
- The Lymm Duck Race
- Tar barrel racing
- Nettle-eating contest
- Up Helly Aa
- Worm charming
- Stone-skimming championships
- Wife-carrying race
- Bog snorkelling
- Annual gurning competition
- Burning a wicker man
- Conker championships
- Summer solstice at Stonehenge
- Pancake flipping
- Cheese rolling
- Dancing around the Maypole
- Morris dancing
