Posted by Jill Bowen on Fri 27th July 2007 at 02:41 PM, Filed in August
Muff? Let’s look that up in the dictionary; a short tube like covering of fur etc. into which both hands are thrust from opposite ends to keep them warm! Now that fooled you…I expect some of you had different connotations for it’s meaning!
Ireland’s Muff festival is held in the town of Muff – yes it really exists! It’s starts on the first Friday of every August and must not be missed, this year it’s 3rd – 6th August. This four four-day event is a public party where laughter is the order or the day…flowing as freely as the Guinness! It’s a tribute to everything barmy, and really has to be seen to be believed.
What are the ‘Muffonian’s’ objectives of this four-day event? To make merry, let their hair down, and to ensure that it’s a definite remedy for anyone with low spirits as it plays stage to a mixture of traditional and extremely silly competitions, parades, parties and the excuse to consume copious amounts of beer.
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Posted by Jill Bowen on Mon 23rd July 2007 at 03:01 AM, Filed in Europe
This article lists 10 of the best UK sandy beaches and was written primarily with kids in mind.
Weymouth Beach – Dorset
Weymouth is a wonderful safe sandy beach, with a couple of low key, traditional children’s rides at the ‘town end’, the beach is perfect for kids of all ages. Fantastic sand sculptures –different each year. An old fashioned feel to the resort. Very attractive harbour area – will be hosting some of the 2012 Olympic water events. Plenty to keep the family occupied on rainy days, including the Sea Life Park, Brewers Quay with it’s shopping and leisure centre with crafts, ten-pin bowling, science centre and small brewery. Deep Sea Adventure – underwater exploration, shipwrecks, large play area, the Weymouth Museum and Timewalk showing the history of the area.
Blackpool Sands, South Devon
The most picturesque beach in South Devon framed by magnificent pines, awarded a blue flag, with superb swimming in clear water. The beach has a ‘no dog policy’ and is cleaned daily in the main season. Plenty to keep the kids busy; a giant sand pit, natural pools to explore. During August there are theatrical performances and an open air cinema. Kayaks, wet suits and snorkels can be hired, as can boogie boards. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. An old fashioned, unspoilt family resort.
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Posted by Jackie Hewett on Fri 20th July 2007 at 03:15 AM, Filed in Europe, August
I never need an excuse to visit the beautiful town / lake of Annecy at the foothills of the Alps. However, on the first Saturday in August (since 1860) the town has celebrated the incorporation of Savoy within France, and since 1950 this celebration has included a wonderful firework display which reflects in the scenic lake waters. It claims to be one of the largest annual firework displays in Europe.
In 2007 the celebration will be held on the 4th August, and the festivities will start with a series of bands playing from 3.00pm. The fireworks start at 21.45pm. The theme for 2007 will be the number 7, which is seen to represent the 7 wonders of the world.
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Posted by Jill Bowen on Thu 12th July 2007 at 03:18 AM, Filed in September
Pulling your leg; pulling the other one; pulling a crowd; pulling a fast one; pulling birds. All strange English expressions - I’m not aware that any of these have a day devoted to them.
However, in the small Cumbria town of Egremont every September (this year Saturday 15th) one form of ‘pulling’ is worthy of having a day devoted to it! The World Championship Gurning Festival is part of Egremont Crab Apple fair. What is gurning? It’s the ‘art’ of contorting the face into weird, grotesque shapes with your head stuck through a horse’s braffin or collar! Don’t even think about entering if you’ve had a face-lift or botox - you need supple skin. Don’t delude yourself if you believe you are naturally ugly that this will give you an advantage - contestants are judged on their before and after transformations! Actually, the better looking you are the more chance you have of winning. Amateurs rarely make it to the final round – a lot of practising in front of a mirror is needed!
The Crab Fair starts on the Friday evening when fancy dress wheelbarrow races are held on the main street. To add to the fun those in the adult race are required to drink half a pint of beer at every public house along the route. The children’s race follows the same route…. but they only get fruit cordial!
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Posted by Jackie Hewett on Tue 10th July 2007 at 03:43 AM, Filed in Far East, August
If pyrotechnics are your thing you should put a visit to Tondabayashi City on 1st August on your ‘to do’ list. They claim to host the largest annual firework display with some 100,000 fireworks let off in just one hour – usually starting at about 19.45. The grand finale sees some 7000 fireworks launched simultaneously.
The event started in 1953 at the request of the founder of the PL religious group (or Church of Perfect Liberty) and is staged on the area known as the PL Hills. The Japanese word for firework is ‘Hanabi’, and they even have a hanabi ‘season’ – basically every summer lakes, rivers and even ski resorts all over Japan let off a barrage of explosions with up to 5,000 displays taking place throughout July and August. About 250 of these are large scale events and 50 are held around Tokyo. The Tondabayashi display is famed for its ‘Niagara’ which rises to some 50 meters and stretches nearly a kilometre across the sky to represent a waterfall.
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