Weird Festivals in the UK: The Top 10
We all know about the big festivals in the UK – Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, and the Isle of Wight. But did you know there are also a number of weird festivals in the UK, outside the mainstream, with a wide range of niche events taking place.
Let’s break down some of those more unusual British festivals and celebrations in the UK. You never know – you might discover a strange interest of your own you never knew you had. One of the joys of travel is getting the opportunity to broaden your horizons. Attending a quirky British festival in the UK is a great way to do just that.
Clovelly Seaweed Festival
The Clovelly Seaweed Festival takes place in Devon each year. At this festival, the joys of seaweed are put on display for all to discover.
Did you know that all species of seaweed that grow in UK waters are edible? Some taste nicer than others, but all are non-toxic and available to eat. At the Seaweed Festival, these seaweeds are served up in various recipes and treats to try.
Not only there, but there are also arts and crafts on display and available to purchase. A most versatile plant indeed!
If you want to discover the wonders of seaweed, then the Clovelly Seaweed Festival is the place to head. It’s one of the more unique annual events in the UK.
The Yorkshire Pudding Boat RACE
When you first year of the Yorkshire Pudding Boat Race, you may picture little Yorkshire puddings placed on a local stream to float to the finish line. A quaint affair, perhaps. Well, I’m here to tell you to think again.
At this festival, cooks make enormous Yorkshire puddings for contestants to sit inside as they paddle down the river. It’s one of the more unusual Yorkshire events this weekend when it takes place.
It’s truly a sight to behold, and surely qualifies as one of the most unique weird festivals in the UK.
Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling
Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling has become one of the most well-known weird festivals in the UK, and for good reason.
The concept of this festival is that a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese is released to roll down Cooper’s Hill. Participants then run, roll, or essentially throw themselves down the hill after the cheese. The winner is the first person to catch the cheese.
It is certainly a spectacle to see the large number of people who turn up every year to throw themselves down the very steep Cooper’s Hill to catch the cheese. It can certainly become a very competitive affair.
Whitby Goth Weekend
If you’re a fan of the weird and wonderful at large, then the Whitby Goth Weekend is the place to head. This goth festival takes place twice a year and is a must-attend for fans of the seaside gothic aesthetic.
Known for being the inspiration for the classic novel Dracula, the town really leans into their Gothic roots in this festival. With folks turning up dressed to the nines in their best Goth gear, Goth music on various stages and stalls selling various items of alternative merchandise, this a Gothic dream come true. There are always great Whitby goth weekend photos to see after the event.
Not only this, but Whitby has a wonderful collection of alternative shops all year round. This makes for a perfect opportunity to explore this wonderful and unique town.
If you’re interested in attending, be sure to get your Whitby goth weekend 2025 tickets early as they tend to sell out. The Whitby Goth weekend 2025 dates have already been announced, so mark your calendars for the next Goth weekend 2025. The Whitby goth festival, also known as WGW, is not to be missed!
World Championship Snail Racing
If you’re a creature with a reputation for being slow, of course the human instinct is to put you in a race. That’s exactly what happens at the World Championship Snail Racing.
At this weird festival, snails are pitting against each other, with races taking up to 3 minutes to conclude. With the call of “Ready, set, slow!”, onlookers cheer on their favorite snails to make the cut.
This humourous and unique festival is a great opportunity to attend something a little different whilst still holding all the stakes of visiting Ascot. Well, almost…
The World Gravy Wrestling Championships
Hosted up in Rossendale, the World Gravy Wrestling Championships must be one of the funniest and most entertaining festivals in the whole UK. The event raises money for the East Lancashire Hospice.
Participants must wrestle in a pool full of Lancashire gravy for two minutes. There are extra points given out for fancy dress. Not only do you have the humourous spectacle of people covered in gravy, but they’re also dressed in the wackiest outfits imaginable.
Alongside the gravy wrestling, this festival hosts a number of stalls and other entertainment for visitors to enjoy, making this a great day out to another weird festival in the UK.
International Festival of WormCharming
This mystical sounding festival is a unique way for participants to get closer to Mother Earth, quite literally.
The premise of the International Festival of Wormcharming is that participants must lure worms out of the earth without digging, forking or using harmful liquids to force them out. The person who manages to ‘charm’ the most worms out of the earth is the winner.
Alongside the unique activities, many attendees get dressed up in their best magical charmer outfits. It’s definitely one of the more unique festivals in the UK, and the spirit of this is really embraced by those who go along.
World Stinging Nettle Eating Championship
Stinging nettles have, surprisingly, been a common item of consumption throughout the UK since the medieval times. Nettle soup and nettle tea are still being consumed today, often by fans of foraging.
However, at this usual festival, there is no steeping or boiling taken place to remove the sting of the nettles. Taken straight off the plant, competitors have an hour to eat as many nettles as possible. The Nettle King and Queen are then given trophies to celebrate their victory.
If you want a weird festival in the UK with a little bit of edge, the World Stinging Nettle Eating Championship is definitely the festival for you.
Padstow ‘Obby ‘Oss
With it’s roots in old pagan traditions, this Cornish festival is a unique and fun experience to attend. The Padstow ‘Obby ‘Oss is one of the most famous traditional English festivals.
Taking place on May Day, dances are led by two people dressed up as horses, who are then covered by a cloak to represent the fertility of spring. This gives Padstow ‘Obby ‘Oss it’s name as a colloquialism for ‘Hobby Horse’. Alongside this there is a great procession of locals singing traditional songs and playing instruments as part of the May Day celebrations.
If you’re a lover of unique festivals as well as getting into old traditions and history, this festival is a great opportunity to experience the rites of yesteryear. This high energy festival is a wonderful way to welcome in the spring.
Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa is another great festival for those who want to get involved with traditions from ancient cultures through history. This festival takes place in Shetland and recreates Viking traditions from the past, similar to Hogmanay celebrations.
During this festival, participants dress up as Vikings and make torchilit processions through town. Alongside this they also sing traditional tunes, dance and culminated with the flaming torches being thrown into an old Viking longship, reminiscent of the Stonehaven Fireballs.
This is one of the most unique spectacles to take place anywhere in the UK, and makes for some absolutely stunning sights.
FAQ’s About Weird Festivals In The UK
Which festival is the most unusual?
I think all of these festivals are in the running for the most unusual festivals in the UK. However, for me, the Yorkshire Pudding Boat Race or the Stinging Nettle Eating Championship take the cake.
What is the most famous festival in UK?
The most famous festival in the UK is Glastonbury Festival. Whilst none of the festivals on this list get up to that size, Up Helly Aa and Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling are both well known and manage to attract sizeable crowds.
How many UK festivals are there?
Currently there are estimated approximately 500 festivals taking place in the UK each year.
Summing Up Weird Festivals In The UK
As you can see, there are a number of weird festivals in the UK that take place every year. The opportunity to attend these festivals makes for a unique experience and a way to explore something completely out of the ordinary.
Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you back here again soon.
Ta-ta for now! x
