April Fool's Day
Apart from it being Lynne's wedding anniversary, April 1st is also the day when people just act plain silly (like getting married).
There will probably be a session or two to discuss the silliness and check the forum for any discussions. Learn More
End of the UK tax year
The UK tax year runs from April to April not January to January. All residents of the UK must send in a self assessment tax form by September in order to have their tax calculated for the next year. Of interest to business English learners, this link will tell you more about the UK tax system. Learn More
Fish Fingers and Custard Day
The 3rd of April is fish fingers and custard day. Do you know why? In the Doctor Who episode "Eleventh Hour" the Dr, played by Matt Smith, ate fish fingers and custard, prepared for him by Amy Pond. However, what he actually ate was breaded coconut sticks, and that's how tradition is born. Learn More
International Carrot Day
International Carrot Day is celebrated every year on April 4th. It is the pinnacle for carrot lovers all around the world, and whether you boil it, bake it in a cake, or juice it, it is the day when the carrot is celebrated through carrot parties and other carroty fun. Not affiliated to Bugs Bunny. Learn More
The Grand Union
When James VI of Scotland also became James I of England in 1603 , the two kingdoms of England and Scotland became united through the institution of the Crown. On April 12, 1606 , a "Grand Union" flag was created to represent this grand union. Learn More
The Titanic
At 11:40 PM (ship's time) on Sunday April 14, 1912, RMS Titanic, the second of a trio of superliners, struck an iceberg. The rest, as they say, is history. Learn More
Record Store Day
The UK's unique independent record shops get their own day today, the one day that all of the independently owned record shops come together with artists to celebrate music. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of artists across the globe make special appearances and performances to support independent businesses. You won't find any of the items online, or in the supermarkets. (It all started in America - hence "store".) Learn More
St George's Day
He slew a dragon (or not) and we English made him our patron saint! Learn More
The Bard's Birthday
William Shakespeare was baptised on the 26th of April 1564 and as it was common practice to baptise children shortly after their birth, it has always been assumed that his date of birth was the 23rd of April.
Of course no one really knows the exact date of his birth, but this date has been chosen for him, and it's the thought that counts.
Strangely he is also said to have died on this day.
The London Marathon
Huff Puff. The first London Marathon was held on March 29 1981. Since then it has grown into one of the major marathons in the world.
An important aspect of the Marathon is its charitable status. It is one of the UK’s most successful annual fundraising events. Learn More
No Housework Day
Put down the duster, put away the rubber gloves and put your feet up. In April you can celebrate National No Housework Day.
The Grand National
Love it or hate it, it's here. Since the first Grand National Meeting in 1837 this race has claimed lives and injured many, horses and jockeys, but they carry on regardless. Often over 20 horses start the race and only a few finish. The most famous Grand National winner - Red Rum - mix up the letters and you get 'murder'! Learn More
International Pillow Fight Day
Pillows at the ready? Learn More