Britain’s quirkiest events,

NEW YORK, November 20, 2007 – Join the crazy Brits to sample strange traditions and quirky events across Britain. VisitBritain - the tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales - suggests some not-to-be-missed highlights for 2008.

In May, head to the English county of Gloucestershire. Stay in the beautiful regency town of Cheltenham Spa, for example, at the chic townhouse Hotel on the Park before making the six-mile journey to Coopers Hill (on May 26th, 2008). The annual Cheese Rolling event is a unique spectator sport, although somewhat dangerous for the participants who hurl themselves down a steep hill in a race to chase after an 8lb cheese! Of course the cheese is Double Gloucester. (www.cheese-rolling.co.uk)

Head to Wales in September for the National Mud Festival (September 6 – 7, 2008). Learn how to construct mud huts and see impressive mud sculptures. Relax with a mud facial, or perhaps set off on a mud safari. Not to be missed is a ‘welly-wanging’ competition – throwing a Wellington boot as far into the river estuary as possible. (www.wwt.org.uk)

Also in Wales, instead of relaxing at home on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas Day), hardy folks take part in the Boxing Day Walrus Dip. It’s a popular spectator sport, especially as the swimmers dress up in quirky outfits, which have included bananas, fish, walruses, Vikings, fairies and cowboys. (www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk)

London boasts history and tradition year-round, but head to the capital on the first Sunday in October (October 5, 2008) for the Harvest Festival of the Pearly Kings and Queens. The festival takes place at St. Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square and features a procession of the Pearly princesses who take fruit and vegetables to the church. Pearly Kings and Queens are known for their elaborate traditional costumes with thousands of buttons sewn onto suits, dresses and hats. The tradition dates back to when Pearly Kings were elected to represent London street traders, and still influences popular culture today with US band The White Stripes wearing Pearly outfits on their album cover Icky Thump. (www.pearlysociety.co.uk)

Oatmeal connoisseurs should head to the Scottish Highlands in October (October 12, 2008) for the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championships, which take place in Carrbridge. A pipe band leads the official Toast to the Porridge before the championships commence, and visitors can enjoy a farmers market, cookery demonstrations and entertainment throughout the day. Why not make the most of being in Scotland’s famous whisky region and visit a distillery or two… surely the perfect accompaniment to all that porridge! (www.goldenspurtle.com)

There are so many quirky events held across Britain throughout the year. Others to look out for include the World Pooh Sticks Championships, World Coal Carrying Championships, Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olimpicks (sic) featuring the sport of shin kicking, International Bognor Birdman, World Pea Shooting Championships, and the World Bog Snorkelling Championships.

For more information on events and things to do in England, Scotland and Wales, call VisitBritain toll-free on 1-800-462-2748, e-mail travelinfo@visitbritain.org, and visit www.visitbritain.us.

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