Something has been missing in South Devon for the last 20 years. Almost the southernmost tip of the country, some unfortunately see it as too cut off or isolated though they’re missing out on a wonderful county. The people are friendly and there are some fantastic views to take in, as well as castles and national parks to visit. Admittedly though, the area has gone without a certain something; missing a long held tradition from it’s annual calendar for two decades due to safety concerns and fears. And what is to thank for this revival? Glowsticks.

The Royal Regatta returned last week  to ensure that while great for your average self-catering Dartmouth break, the county can be seen to having many jewels in it’s crown of events to bring in spectators. So to celebrate, we have sought put the strangest events, parades and festivals we could find. You have been warned.

What the Fluff” Marshmallow Fluff Festival
In Sommersville, MA (in America, of course), there is an annual festival, complete with parade to celebrate the delicasie that is marshmallow fluff. Though it’s not so well-known over here, you can find it in shops which import these sweet snacks from the States though the prices can be quite a bit so make it an occasional treat. Anyway, the Festival involves everything from crowning the Fluff Pharaoh, to burlesque dancers (PG-rated so nothing too raunchy) with fluff-inspired apparel, to a whole host of street games you would expect at the carnival but with a fluff twist. And of course, you can expect to put yourself off sugar for a month with all the fluff available in several varieties or accompanying other foods, like salsa. While we’re not sure those two go well together, the festival has been going strong for 6 years now, so it must be doing something right.

Brighton Naked Bike Ride
Brighton is well known for being very progressive and on the edge, so it’s no surprise that the Naked Bike Ride which takes place every summer is seen as a somewhat tame and family-friendly event. It’s all cleared with the local police so there’s no fear of being arrested, and it’s all in aid of a good cause (yes, really); it’s part of the World Naked Bike Ride to promote being eco-friendly and abandoning cars which require fuel. It’s also a good way to keep fit and is perfect for a town like Brighton, which is student-central and has a Green Party MP representing it; the naked aspect is considered a way to dispel fears of riding on roads and if you can do it naked, then why not with clothes on?

Cheese-Rolling in Glousterchire
While this example isn’t a parade of such, it is a festivity that involves the movement of many people, even if that movement if downwards and some aren’t on their feet for it. Every year on the Spring bank holiday, men and women chuck themselves down Cooper’s Hill after a rolling block of cheese. Though the origins remain uncertain, it is a regular on news broadcasts each year on such a quiet weekend when little is happening in the world.

World Record Bikini Festival
It’s been a good month for parades as in the month of August, China played host to a world record while many were being set over in London. This one was a little different though, with 1000 women, aged up to 70 parading their assets in bikinis in Huludao city as part of a Guinness World Record attempt. The attempt was successful, which may surprise those who consider China as very, very conservative. A previous attempt to break the record in Minnesota was a dud when very few people turned up which probably did little for those and their confidence. This one in China however meant off a lot better, featuring dances and general festivity in addition to bikini-clad women.  

If you’re interested in taking in next year’s Regatta in but live out of the way, consider a short-stay in a rental property, whether a cottage or apartment. Holiday accommodation in Dartmouth is very reasonable, especially when split between a group.