Top 10 Unique Festivals in the UK: Experience Something Different!
Alright, gather ’round mates, because I’m about to take you on a cheeky tour of the UK’s quirkiest festivals. These aren’t your standard Glastonbury or Notting Hill carnivals, though. Nah, this is the real deal — festivals you might not have heard of, but 100% should add to your calendar. Put on your adventure hat and let’s get cracking!
Picture this: a steep hill, a crowd of excited locals, and a massive wheel of cheese barreling down at breakneck speed. The annual Cheese Rolling Festival is a delightfully bonkers event held at Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester. You basically throw yourself down a hill after a runaway wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. And when I say ‘throw,’ I mean it — the bruises I collected that day still make for a fantastic party story. Just a heads-up: the cheese doesn’t just roll; it flies like a bullet! Oh, and if you’re worried about catching it, you’re better off focusing on surviving the descent.
Arrive early for the best spots, and be prepared to share a cuppa with a bunch of adrenaline junkies. Oh, and avoid the dodgy local pub. I ordered a tea there; you don’t wanna know how bad it was!
Have you ever wanted to throw paint with reckless abandon? Color Run in Brighton is room for that childish glee. Dubbed the world’s biggest paint fight, it’s colourful chaos. Participants (like me, obviously) wear white and then run through clouds of powdered paint. Just beware of the rogue yellow splashes — no one wants a tie-dyed face for a week!
Brighton itself is buzzing, especially when this event rolls around. You might want to finish off a day at the Brighton Pier or grab some fish and chips. Honestly, I considered wearing my paint-stained clothes in the chip shop — just to see the locals stare.
Every August, Sidmouth gets a complete makeover for the Folk Festival. If you’re a fan of folksy music and sea air, this one’s for you. The streets are alive with melodies, dancing, and the kind of good vibes that even a bad pint of cider can’t dampen! I once tried to dance like no one was watching — until I realised the crowd was quite the opposite. Classic antic!
Check out the smaller acts in hidden pubs. You never know when you’ll stumble upon your new favourite band over a pint of something strong. Just don’t ask for “whatever’s local” unless you’re prepared for the ‘surprise’ of flat ale!
Do you fancy yourself a bit of a dancer? The Lindy Hop Festival in London invites you to sway, twirl, and jump your way through a weekend dedicated to swing dancing. And here’s the twist (pun intended) — you don’t need to be a seasoned dancer to join in. I managed to ‘faux pas’ my way through a few lessons without completely embarrassing myself. Well, almost!
You’ll find live bands, dance workshops, and weekend competitions. Make sure to catch a few local food trucks too. Yup, nothing screams ‘festive’ like a pulled pork bun while you awkwardly attempt to Lindy Hop!
Are you ready for a face-off? The Gurning World Championships in Egremont involve showing off your best (or worst) facial contortion. Picture it: you, me, and several hundred people pulling faces so grotesque you’d think we just chewed a lemon! The prize is a coveted title — ‘World Gurning Champion’ — and let me tell you, they take it seriously.
Don’t forget to explore the Cumbrian countryside. I ended up hiking up to a local pub after making a complete fool of myself gurning. Turns out, they had the best homemade pork pies you can imagine. Win-win!
Music speaks a universal language, doesn’t it? The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne features some of the best blues artists around. If you’re into rock ‘n’ roll vibes and discovering new talents, this is the place to be. I went last year, and the sheer talent blew me away — even sent me scrambling for my wallet to snag some CDs. You’ll want to spend the night dancing, so don’t book early transport home!
Chat with the locals. They’ve got the best suggestions for where to snag a midnight snack in town! Well, if you’re still awake and not too busy swaying.
Up, up, and away! The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is a feast for the eyes. Picture a sky sprinkled with colourful hot air balloons drifting lazily over the city. The atmosphere is contagious, filled with laughter, excitement, and the smell of festival foods (not a bad combo). I used to think, “How hard can it be to get a good picture?” Well, let’s just say I failed terribly — but the experience was memorable!
Don’t forget your camera and a picnic blanket. You’ll want to snag a spot early for the best view as the balloons lift off at dawn. Plus, the evening glow from the balloons is worth staying late for.
No trip to Cornwall is complete without experiencing The Obby Oss Festival. It’s a mix of ancient tradition and sheer madness. The star of the show? A ‘Hobby Horse’ that prances around, accompanied by dancers and musicians. You may find this strange, but trust me, it’s a brilliant day filled with laughter and merriment. I spent the entire day dodging the massive horse and attempting to stay upright amidst a sea of revellers.
When in Padstow, treat yourself to a Cornish pasty. But, tip-off: make sure it’s from a trusted baker! I fell victim to a terrible one last time — rock hard and suspiciously devoid of filling.
Who needs a fancy summer wedding when you can attend the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival? Picture knights in shining armour, medieval banners, and a lot of people smarter than me adjusting their outfits. This annual fest boasts the largest reenactment in England, complete with jousting tournaments. I had to grab my medieval pizza. It was not from that time, but hey, it’s delicious!
If you’re lucky, you might catch an accidental sword fight in the market square. Just don’t try to jump in — trust me, it’s best left to the experts.
Finally, let’s finish with a bang! The Up Helly Aa in the Shetland Islands is the ultimate Viking-themed festival. Every January, locals don costumes and march through the streets, culminating in the burning of a Viking longboat. The fire and music create an atmosphere I still think about fondly. But be warned: it gets cold, so bundle up!
After the festivities, it’s worth visiting the nearby pubs. They know how to keep spirits high and serve drinks that warm you from the inside. I may or may not have danced my way to the bar with a very questionable sword!
So there you have it, my top picks for unique festivals across the UK. Getting out there, meeting fellow festival-goers, and discovering something new is truly a gift. If you’re in search of extraordinary experiences, any of these festivals will not disappoint.
Have you ever been to any of these quirky festivals? Which one would you join? Drop your thoughts in the comments; I’d love to hear about your own crazy festival experiences!
