London - Forget the usual tourist attractions and look at some of the UK’s quirkier events this year.
What: Marshwood’s Stinging Nettle Eating Championships in Dorset.
When: June 7.
Info: This event attracts people from all over the world to chomp their way through stalks of nettles. The winner is the person who can put aside the pain and produce the most bare stalks after an hour of munching.
Web: www.bottleinn.net/#!nettle-eating-bottleinn-nettle/c19qp
What: The Maldon Mud Race in Essex.
When: May 25.
Info: This messy event challenges competitors – many in fancy dress - to race 400m across the bed of the River Blackwater, enduring cold water and gallons of thick mud to reach the other side.
Web: www.maldonmudrace.com
What: The Knaresborough Bed Race, Knaresborough.
When: June 14.
Info: The 49th edition of the Knaresborough Bed Race takes place on a 4km course that is part pageant and part gruelling time trial and ends with a swim through the icy waters of the River Nidd – all for charity.
Web: www.bedrace.co.uk
What: Broadstairs Dickens Festival, Kent.
When: June 14-20.
Info: Charles Dickens was a regular visitor to Broadstairs in Kent for years, so the townspeople celebrate his visits by donning costumes and putting on plays, best-dressed Victorian family competitions, a Dickensian cricket match and a Dickensian beach party and seaside frolics.
Web: www.broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk
What: Bognor Birdman competition, Bognor Regis.
When: June 28-29.
Info: Watch the Bird Men of Bognor Regis soar through the sky with their home-made flying machines during the annual south coast event, which sees contestants launch themselves off the town’s pier and into the sea below.
Web: www.birdman.org.uk
What: The World Bellyboard Championships, Chapel Porth, Newquay.
When: September 7.
Info: This is a surfing challenge stripped backed to basics and free to enter – the only kit you need is a swimsuit (or fancy dress) and a wooden board. Entry is open to all comers – from kids to wave-riding grannies.
Web: www.bellyboarding.co.uk
What: Dinosaur Land at Blackgang Chine on the Isle of Wight.
When: Opening in May.
Info: The Isle of Wight’s oldest theme park will be opening the giant gates to “Restricted Area 5”, a new display that will bring you face-to-face (well, face-to-ankle) with a dinosaur the size of a double decker bus and possibly the largest animatronic T-Rex in the country. Tickets from £14.95.
Web: www.blackgangchine.com/ dino-land
What: Port Eliot Festival in Cornwall.
When: July 24-27.
Info: This giant garden party attracts everyone from celebrities and foodies to bookworms and art lovers, and caters for all with quirky areas including the Cabaret Tent, the Wardrobe Department and the magical Hullabaloo children’s area. Day tickets start from £40 for adults, £20 for children.
Web: www.porteliotfestival.com
What: Victorian Week in Ilfracombe, Devon.
When: June 7-15.
Info: With more than 40 events and entertainment, this is one of the largest Victorian-themed festivals celebrating the splendour of the age. Many locals don full costume to enter into the spirit, and events include fancy dress competitions, a grand parade, tea party, bathing belles and beaus, a paper boats competition and Victorian Olympics.
Web: www.ilfracombevictoriancelebration.org.uk
What: Dorset Knob Throwing Festival in Cattistock.
When: May 4.
Info: Participants compete to hurl a Dorset knob biscuit as far as they can. With games, entertainment and some of the county’s best food producers all in one place, this event always attracts the crowds. If you want to take part on the day, £1 will get you three throws.
Web: www.dorsetknobthrowing.com
What: Agatha Christie Festival, Torre Abbey in Torquay.
When: September 14-21.
Info: Whodunnit fans from around the world make their way to the English Riviera each year for this celebration of Agatha Christie, one of our most beloved crime writers. Torquay and the surrounding towns are transformed, with a murder mystery promised around every corner. Festival-goers dress up in their 1920s and 1930s best, and there are theatre performances, panel events and even a sea swim dedicated to the novelist. – Daily Mail