'Autumn in the UK is jam-packed with exciting experiences and celebrations. From traditional festivals to world-famous fashion events, it’s one of the busiest seasons of the year. '
We’ve put together some of the season’s highlights - and remember you can find even more fantastic events and experiences throughout the UK on Education UK’s This is GREAT Britain interactive calendar.
Halloween, 31 October, nationwide
Halloween - a term (first used in the 16th century) meaning the eve of, or day, before All Saints’ Day - celebrates the spooky and the supernatural. Traditionally, carved pumpkins with lit candles inside are placed in windows and on doorsteps, and children go ‘trick or treating’, knocking on doors and asking for sweets. The festival is also famous for its fancy dress, with people dressing up as witches, wizards and ghosts.
Bonfire Night, 5 November, England
Across the country people gather round bonfires on 5 November to watch dazzling displays of fireworks. Many displays draw crowds of thousands of people, and on a clear night you may see fireworks from miles away. Bonfire Night (sometimes known as Guy Fawkes or Fireworks Night) began after Guy Fawkes was caught trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.
Lord Mayor’s Show, 10 November 2012, London
This traditional procession dates back to 1535. It’s a three-mile (5km) long street parade, floats and performers that marks the appointment of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London, the capital’s financial district. The procession starts at 11am at Guildhall, goes along the short distance to the Royal Courts of Justice where the Lord Mayor is sworn in, and back to Mansion House. The show finishes at 5pm with a spectacular fireworks display.
St Andrew’s Day, 30 November, Scotland
Scotland celebrates its patron saint, St Andrew, on 30 November. A public holiday, it’s the national day of Scotland, and traditionally the Scottish flag - the Saltire - is flown above buildings. St Andrew is said to have brought Christianity to Scotland. The day also marks the opening of many Christmas markets in Scotland.
Ulster Bank Arts Festival at Queens, 19 October - 4 November 2012, Belfast
This year’s 50th Ulster Bank Festival promises to be one of huge celebration and creativity. From dance to music, performance to comedy, this is a must-see arts festival. A theatrical extravaganza it’s a great gathering of performers and spectators from across the globe.
Remembrance Sunday, 11 November, nationwide
Every year in the morning of the second Sunday in November, the UK commemorates people in the army, navy and air force who lost their lives during the first and second World Wars, and other conflicts. It marks the day that World War One ended, at 11.00am on 11 November 1918. Traditionally people wear poppies to show their support. Ceremonies are held at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London and across the UK.
Harvest Festival, throughout autumn, nationwide
Traditionally Harvest Festival is held on the Sunday closest to the ‘harvest moon’ - the full moon around the time of the autumn equinox - to celebrate the year’s harvest. At festivals in churches and halls around the country, there will be music, dancing and eating. Many churches and charities invite people to make donations to help the poor at this time.
Whitby Gothic Weekend, 31 October – 5 November 2012, Whitby
Located on the stunning North Yorkshire Coast, the Whitby Gothic weekend is an alternative festival with music, shows, dancing and socialising. With the chance to hear up-and-coming goth, rock and punk music (and great shopping opportunities) this event draws people from across the UK.
Belfast Fashion Week, 13-21 October 2012, Belfast
From chic children’s wear to high-end couture, Belfast Fashion Week is bursting with the latest styles and names. If fashion is your passion, you’ll find globally known fashion houses and new designers: this week-long event is definitely the place to be seen.
Swn Music Festival, 18-23 October 2012, Cardiff
The annual Swn (Welsh for ‘sound’) event is a vibrant inner-city music festival in Cardiff. With thousands of music fans flocking to the multi-venue event and plenty of big name acts set to play, it’s easy to see why this is one of Cardiff’s most popular festivals.
