Millions of adults admit they haven’t heard of many of the traditional events taking place across the UK. Everything from burning a wicker man, wife-carrying races and bog snorkelling form part of the annual calendar for locations across the country.
Research of 2,000 adults revealed 27 per cent had not come across the annual cheese-rolling competition held in Brockworth, Gloucestershire. And worm charming was seen as the oddest traditional championships on the British Isles.
And while three in four people (74%) were familiar with dancing around the maypole almost half (43%) had no idea why anyone would do this.
The research was commissioned by National Geographic ahead of the launch of season five of “Europe From Above”. The documentary series 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 per cent 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 81 per cent believe such customs are the types of things that make the UK unique, with 71 per cent enjoying learning more about them.
As a result, 92 per cent believe it’s important to keep these age-old traditions alive, as 58 per cent worry about them dying out. 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.
And 90 per cent see such events as contributing to the cultural identity of the country – with 55 per cent seeing themselves as traditionalists. Such traditions make respondents feel happy and proud – although 41 per cent are also left amused by them.
It also emerged 63 per cent 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 not 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
