Join London’s biggest kiss to the world on 28th of July at Potters Field Park. The London Kiss Party is open for everyone regardless if you’re young or old, gay or straight, in a relationship or single, or just want a kiss and have fun. The event is free and there will also be entertainment from Gulity Pleasures and Moshi Moshi.
The Kiss Party originated in Barcelona by the Spanish street wear brand Desigual. The event was such a hit that they decided to go on tour to Paris, Berlin, Madrid and of course to London. Go get your ticket and a free t-shirt at the Desigual shop in Regent Street or Westfield. More information about London Kiss Party and tickets can be found here.
Don’t be shy, come to the party and kiss your lover, friend, or if you’re the adventurous type of person kiss a stranger, you never know – he or she might be the love of your life. This could also be a good excuse for you to steal a kiss from someone special that you have a crush on.
Happy kissing and remember to bring your lip balm so you don’t get sore lips!
Think you run fast? How about racing a train? On 21st of August, runners gather in the town of Tywyn on the west coast of Wales to try to beat the train to the finish line.
The race is 23 kilometers long and starts at Talyllyn Railway station. Both the train and the runners are started by the train whistle at 2pm. The course is very tricky through wide fields, streams, slippery slopes, rocks and steep hills. Good runners can beat the train in about 1 hour and 47 minutes, but many find it difficult.
If you feel you’re not up for the whole length of the race, but want to try beating the train anyway, there are shorter races starting earlier the same day. For the youngest runners there is also a Toddlers Trot starting at 1pm. Entry for all runners (except the Toddlers trot) is on 5th of August.
For timetables, how to get there, further information about the different races and how to enter, visit http://www.racethetrain.com
For tourist information about Wales, please visit our website.
Here’s an overview over upcoming pride festivals throughout the UK. Make sure to put on your boogie shoes, your party hat and by all means bring your good mood and get ready for some energetic gay parades – UK style. Most of the pride festivals are free but I recommend you check their websites for more information.
Each year the little island Isle of Wight, on the south coast of England is host to the world famous Isle of Wight Garlic Festival with arena entertainments hundreds of food stalls. At the huge Garlic Marquee you can try garlic beer, garlic fudge, garlic ice-cream and other delicatessens – everything with garlic flavour.
But even though garlic is the main ingredient, the festival has much more to offer. Try the award winning local lamb at one of the over hundred food stalls at the festival. You can also meet TITAN the Robot or watch one of the many acts on the main arena like the sheep dog trials, magic shows, acrobat acts, stunt artists or the talented pet shows. And when you feel up to it, grab a garlic beer and tap your toes at one of the many concerts at the great stage.
This year’s festival is on 14-15 August in Sandown on Isle of Wight and the festival area is open 10am – 6pm. For more information about the festival and how to get there, please visit The Garlic Festival website.
And while chewing on that last piece of garlic fudge, take the time to investigate the rest of the beautiful island. Here you can get inspired by some videos on what to do on the island.
If you happen to be in Manchester between the 23rd to 31st of July, I recommend you join the Manchester Jazz Festival – a contemporary event, where the gin is cold and where the music makes your jazz hands shake.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Manchester Jazz Festival and it’s the biggest festival to date. The lineup includes international and regional artists like trumpeter Neil Yates, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Extra Love and many more. See the full festival programme here.
The festival consists of several indoor and outdoor events – many of them are free. You can find more information about tickets and venues here.
On 14 August people visiting London will be in for an amazing treat, because the biggest freestyle motocross tournament on the planet is back at London’s Battersea Power station for another go on British soil.
This is the second time Red Bull X-fighters visits the old coal station that once provided London with power. Last time was in 2009, when over 20,000 spectators got to see the American rider Nate Adams win the tournament. This year he’s back to defend his title against new hungry riders from the international FMX scene. Amongst them is Norwegian motocross rider André Villa from Lillehammer that is actually leading the tournament for the moment. But everything can change in a split second when the best motocross riders in the world battle for the coveted title of X-Fighter World Tour 2010 Champion.
The arena has been relocated to the south side of the power station this year and the course has been made bigger and more challenging than last year to guarantee even more wicked stunts from the riders and to wow the spectators even further.
And while the top riders compete for the crown in London, local riders tour around the country to provide local regions with some Red Bull X-Fighter Jams. Here the world’s best freestyle riders meet the shooting stars of the region for an insane show in front of thousands of people. Next jam in Britain will be in Newcastle on the 24th of July.
Get inspired! Click here to see a vid of last years headlights from Battersea.
Stella McCartney is the Creative Director for London 2012 and will not only design the British kit for Team GB and Paralympics GB but also sportswear for fans to purchase!
On 7th of August, the streets outside Barley Mow pub in the village of Bonsall in the Peak District turns into a 30-foot long racetrack for Hens.
Bonsall has a long history of hen racing and the races at the Barley Mow began 16 years ago when former landlord and chicken guru Alan Webster, decided it was time to revive this wonderful old tradition. The race is not only all fun and games, there’s also a charity connected to the event, raising money for commercial laying hens to the British Hen Welfare Trust.
So even if you like giving money to charities or just like a good proper hen race – take yourself down to Bonsall, Derbyshire on 7th of August and enjoy a day of n egg-stra fun for the whole family.
For further information about the championships, click here
For tourist information about Peak District, click here.
Wales is the land of castles and has everything from energetic cities to breath-taking scenery’s. This country has a lot to offer that will make your visit a memorable family experience. Here are a couple of our recommendations for families travelling to Wales.
Cardiff Castle
Explore Cardiff Castle’s 2,000 years of history, learn about the knights and nobles, look at the marvellous interior and watch a medieval performance. The Cardiff Castle offers various events throughout the year, making sure that you and your family get the ultimate medieval experience.
Rhyl Miniature Railway
Bring your children to Britain’s oldest miniature railway in Rhyl & Prestatyn and take a ride around Marine Lake. Also, make sure to visit the new Central Station building and get to know the railway’s history.
GreenWood Forest Park
Even though you’re on holiday, think about your carbon footprint. Why not enjoy a family day out with a green conscious at the GreenWood Forest Park in Snowdonia? Here you can try the world’s first environmentally-friendly rollercoaster, go on the jungle boat adventure, or learn how to build a shelter. The park has plenty of different activities and rides that will put a smile on yours and the children’s face.
Big Pit: National Coal Museum
Put on a hard hat, turn on the head lamp and be ready to go down 90 metres in a real mineshaft. The underground tour gives you an insight about the coal industry in Wales while it’s amusing and educational for everyone.
Food for the whole family
At Wacky Warehouse you’ll find a healthy kids menu and there are lots of activities that will keep your children entertained whilst you enjoy your meal. Please click here to find a Wacky Warehouse in Wales
Looking for a place where you get served quickly? Try Wagamama, a family friendly Japanese noodle restaurant. Here children can enjoy stir-fired rice or noodles with a glass of fresh squeezed juice. Please click here to a Wagamama in Wales
Welcome to VisitBritain in the Nordics. Here you’ll find travel tips and personal experiences to Britain - a complement to our corporate website for travel information. Our staff speak Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish and English, so rather than using five different languages on the blog, we'll be writing in English.
