UK Summer Traditions

"The sun does not live in England, it comes here on holiday when we all are at work". - Benny Bellamacina, a British songwriter and children’s author

Ah, the great British summer! That fleeting season when the sun graces the UK (sporadically, mind you) and the entire country dives into a frenzy of outdoor activities, trying to make the most of every golden ray. From sizzle-fests in pub gardens to the theatrical pandemonium of the Edinburgh Fringe, let's look at some iconic British summer customs that keep the country buzzing during those precious sunny weeks.

Barbeque Socials 

Summer in the UK isn't complete without the aroma of grilled meat billowing through every neighbourhood. Brits take their barbeques seriously, even if it means grilling in the rain under a hurriedly built gazebo. Who's the star of the show? The guy who claims to be the Gordon Ramsay of grilling but burns sausages into unrecognisable blackened logs.

Vegetarians and vegans frequently find themselves munching on the lone veggie skewer that has been uncomfortably squeezed onto the grill, far from the meat but still tasting like beef. And don't forget about potato salad, a BBQ staple with an uncomfortably high mayonnaise to potato ratio.

The Edinburgh Fringe

If you thought you'd seen everything, a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe will show you otherwise. This month-long arts and entertainment festival in the Scottish capital is a fantastic mash-up of the strange, wonderful, and perplexing. The Fringe offers everything from avant-garde theatre in a pub basement to stand-up comedians testing gags that only they find amusing.

Navigating the event might feel like you're in a live-action version of Where's Wally, as you try to find your friends among the sea of weird performers and eager fliers thrusters. Expect to leave with a tremendous appreciation for the undying human spirit of "the show must go on," .

https://tickets.edfringe.com/



The Pub Garden

As soon as the sun peeks out, Brits flock to pub gardens like moths to a flame. Finding a spot in the sun is akin to winning the lottery, and once secured, it is guarded with the ferocity of a dragon protecting its hoard.

No British summer is complete without at least one pub garden experience where you can order a Pimm’s, squint at the sudden brightness, and try to ignore the wasp that's suspiciously interested in your drink. The vibe is always festive, and the conversation inevitably turns to speculating how long this “heatwave” will last. Spoiler: Not long!

26 pub gardens for lunch in the sunshine | Muddy Stilettos | Muddy Stilettos

Wimbledon

Wimbledon is the pinnacle of the British summer sporting calendar, with tennis fans and casual observers alike gathering to watch (or pretend to watch) world-class tennis. Strawberries and cream are consumed in large quantities, and there is an unspoken rule that you must gasp every time a ball is missed, even if you have no understanding what is going on.

For those who are fortunate enough to obtain tickets, it is an exercise in courteous queuing, classic British dress (think hats and jackets), and pretending to comprehend tennis rules beyond "hit the ball over the net."

For the rest of us, it's time to relax in front of the television, evaluating players' serves while sprawled on the sofa with a snack that isn't strawberries & cream.

Home - The Championships, Wimbledon - Official Site by IBM

Mud, Music and Madness - Festivals 

Let's not forget the iconic Glastonbury Festival, where music fans come together for a weekend of mud, music, and mayhem. It's a rite of passage to cross the muddy fields with only wellies, a doubtful tent, and a tolerance for porta-potties.

The roster is always great, but the main draw is the audience. Glastonbury is a people-watcher's heaven, with flower-crowned bohemians and die-hard rockers alike. The variable weather allows you to experience all four seasons in a single day, and the memories (and muck) you bring home will last a lifetime.

Glastonbury is one of the many summer music festivals to get involved in around the UK: UK Music Festivals 2024 | The Festival Calendar 2024 | Summer Music Festivals in 2024

The British summer celebrates eccentricity, endurance, and an unyielding desire to enjoy the outdoors, rain or shine. Whether you're grilling sausages at a BBQ, avoiding street artists at the Fringe, looking for a sunspot in a pub garden, or negotiating the muddy fields of Glastonbury, the trick is to appreciate the mayhem, camaraderie, and the odd sunburn.

So, here's to the great British summer!

May your Pimm's be chilled, your barbeque smoky, and your sunburn mild. Cheers!