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October is Mushroom Month

A person who studies mushrooms and fungi is a mycologist. Someone who eats mushrooms is a mycophagist. The fear of mushrooms is mycophobia, but a mushroom-lover is a mycophile.Learn More

Nottingham's Goose Fair

This is only one of many travelling fairs in the UK. Called 'Goose Fair' because this was when the geese would be driven into Nottingham for sale. Nowadays the only goose you will see is a big plastic one parked outside the fair, but this is one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe. Every year Nottingham is treated to exciting rides, popcorn, toffee apples, mushy peas etc. Learn More

Jarrow Crusades

On 05 October 1936, 200 men walked 280 miles from Jarrow to London, to lobby Parliament for paid work. Learn More

National Poetry Day

Put pen to paper and get the creative juices flowing. Learn More

British Egg Week

We like our eggs. So much so that we celebrate them for a whole week! Learn More

The Royal National Mod

The Royal National Mod is Scotland's premier Gaelic festival of the Gaelic language, arts and culture. This is held annually during October in a different location in Scotland. Gaelic Culture is celebrated with a whole week of music, dance, drama, arts and literature. The Mod is a competition based festival with many of the finals taking place on the last day of the festival. Learn More

Battle of Hastings

On this day in 1066 Norman King William the Conqueror defeated the Saxon King Harold to take the English crown. It is said that when it rains the ground at the site of the battle (which is at Battle not Hastings) weeps blood. Learn More

National Apple Day

National Apple day is always on 21st October, but many celebrations are held on the weekends around that date. Learn More

Robin Hood Pageant

My favourite town Nottingham is most famous for its associations with the medieval outlaw Robin Hood (it was really the sheriff of Nottingham who came from Nottingham though).

You can find out more about this legend and his true love Maid Marion, at Nottingham Castle where the grounds are transformed into a medieval village one weekend every year for the Robin Hood Pageant. You can also visit Sherwood Forest, where the Major Oak, thought to be one of Robin's hideouts, still stands tall (with a little help). And at the Tales of Robin Hood attraction, all age groups can have fun on the animated ride through Robin’s medieval wonderland.

Can't travel to the UK? Never mind - click here for a virtual tour of Nottingham Castle.

Halloween or All Hallow's Eve

"From ghoulies and ghosties and long legged beasties, and things that go bump in the night. May the good Lord protect us."

The ancient festival of Samhuinn (or "samhain") pronounced "Sowen" -- on the eve of the 31st of October; the beginning of the ancient Celtic new year. Learn More

Pearly King's & Queen's Harvest Festival

London's market stall holders are called costermongers and since the last century some of the leading costermongers have been "pearly kings and queens". They get their name from the mother of pearl buttons that they sew onto their suits to make elaborate patterns. On the first Sunday in October they hold a harvest festival in the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, London. Learn More

Harvest Festivals

All through October churches in England hold harvest festivals to give thanks for having enough food to eat. People bring food to the church and after the harvest festival service the food is distributed to the poor and needy. Learn More

Fairs

During September and October fairs (or fayres) are held all over Britain. Learn More