Collect Curious Customs

To celebrate some of the more curious customs held around Britain, the Royal Mail have launched a set of stamps illustrating a few of the more unusual festivals.

They certainly highlight the diverse celebrations that you can join in with around the country, with a collectable presentation pack that includes all eight stamps and a specially commissioned map by John Hannah and folklorist, Steve Roud.

If this looks like a fun way to find out more of our unusual history, you can buy the pack from the Royal Mail, or even go the events…

Burning the Clocks – A Brighton folk festival featuring a lantern parade and a beach bonfire.

Padstow ’Obby ’Oss – Two black hobby horses lead a May Day procession through the town.

World Gurning Championships – A highlight of Cumbria’s annual Egremont Crab Fair.

Up Helly Aa – A fire festival celebrating Shetland’s Viking heritage, held in Lerwick.

Cheese Rolling – Hundreds of runners chase a Double Gloucester down a hill in Brockworth.

Halloween – Europe’s biggest Halloween festival takes place over five days in Derry/Londonderry.

Horn Dance – A unique celebration of ancient hunting rites, held in Staffordshire.

Bog Snorkelling – Swimmers race through a water-filled trench in a peat bog in Powys.