London's rolling skyline accommodates an unusual embellishment in 2012: a rickety boat moored atop the Southbank Centre. It's actually the result of 'A Design for London', a competition to design a temporary residence for the Olympic year. 

The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is a ritual dance that begins at St Nicholas Church and visits surrounding villages. Six men carrying reindeer horns are accompanied by a hobby horse, a fool, a Robin Hood figure and a Maid Marion.  Read more

Every Ascension Day, members of St Michael's congregation process through Oxford marking out the parish boundary by beating specially marked stones with sticks. Since some of the stones are in bars, pubs and shops, startled and bemused onlookers are common.  Read more

The Bethnal Green Working Man's Club puts on quirky events, from tea parties and sample sales to cabaret and burlesque shows. This is the place to go if you're after an alternative night out... It's so East London it hurts.  Read more

A highlight in our sheep race calendar. While many racers are competing in the British Grand National our favourite competiters; Red Ram, Wooly Jumper and Little Pullover to name a few will be battling out for the 2009 Practical Cup. The 6 sheep and their jockeys have been in secret training for almost six months and the Sheepstakes promises to have all the pace, excitment and adrenaline rush watching the Grand National live!  Read more

It's not often that you're encouraged to lie through your teeth, but for the annual Biggest Liar in the World Competition, the more far-fetched your fibs are, the better. The event is held at the Bridge Inn in Holmrook.  Read more

Dress to impress in your most freakish outfit and prepare for a night of burlesque dancing, risque performances and live music, as the Bizarre Ball takes over London's Coronet Theatre. Expect lots of latex, leather and loud uniforms!  Read more

The Up Helly Aa Viking festival, held at Brae on Shetland's mainland, is the last one of the season. As your final chance to engage in sacrificial ship-burning and sun-worship until next year, make the most of it!

Every year the Greyhound pub in Tinsley Green takes a popular playground game to its most competitive level. The British and World Marbles Championship attracts 100 competitors in around 20 teams, with team and individual titles up for grabs.  Read more

Takes place at the Field to Fork Show which combines a country show with a food festival. 20 of the UK's most exciting chefs battle it out for the British BBQ championships where Celebrity chef James Martin and other food writers judge the best BBQ'er and the best amateur BBQ'er. There are also food demonstrations by the chefs over the two days.   Read more

The secret is in the bait at Walberswick's Open Crabbing Championships. Entrants try and catch the single heaviest crab over a period of 90 minutes, armed with one line and any bait they choose.  Read more

The British Open International Minigolf Tournament returns to Lost Island Encounter Adventure Golf Course in Sidcup. International players compete for the £500 first prize. Open to anyone, applications via the British Minigolf Association are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Santa Pod Raceway celebrates the VW Beetle by dedicating a festival to the iconic car. The Bug Jam Festival hosts Drag Racing, the Run What Ya Brung event plus loads of live music, comedy and a funfair.  Read more

Dragon-boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradtion, where large teams of rowers compete on vessels each with its own drummers. A fun, friendly event, this festival on the River Cam welcomes participants of any level and supports East Anglia's Children's Hospices.  Read more

The most colourful, diverse and labyrinthine of London's flea markets, Camden Market is one of the city's biggest tourist attractions. if you visit on a Sunday, you'll discover just how busy it can get.  Read more

This beautiful summer ceremony in Castleton is well worth a visit if you're in the area. In an extremely merry procession, the Garland King carries a bell-shaped garland of flowers to the market on horseback.  Read more

Ceilidh Culture is a celebration of all that is wonderful about the traditional arts in Scotland. With more than 30 contributing organisations, Ceilidh Culture proudly showcases local talent alongside international acts and whether you're familiar with the traditional arts or not there is something for everyone to enjoy. From family friendly workshops and concerts to late-night, award-winning folk clubs. As well as the annual traditional street fair on Castle Street during Easter weekend.  Read more

Chester's spectacular Midsummer Watch Parade, with its giants, beasts, animated tableaux and costumed characters, is one of the oldest and most colourful in the country. Dating from 1498, it features the unique Chester family of giants.  Read more

Scudamore's Punting Company's Christmas & New Year Ghost Tour combines a spine-chilling, candle-lit punting tour with a spooky guided walk through Cambridge. It starts at the Mill Lane station and finishes at Market Square. Booking is recommended.  Read more

For collectors of sci-fi, fantasy film and TV memorabilia, featuring celebrity appearances and 400 exhibitors.   Read more