As we bid farewell to the frosty clasp of winter and welcome the gentle stirrings of spring, March 2024 unfurls a vibrant tapestry of unmissable festivals in the UK. Each event is a celebration, not just of music, art or food, but of life itself, community spirit, and the indomitable human ability to create joy amidst the ordinary. This carefully curated and thoroughly researched guide is your companion to navigate this rich calendar of events. It promises to lead you through bustling city streets echoing with laughter and music, into the heart of tranquil countryside lit by bonfires and starlight, and amongst crowds of people united by shared experiences. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelts, for we are about to embark on an exhilarating journey through the UK’s most spectacular festivals this March 2024.
St David’s Day-1 March
St David was the most outstanding figure of the Age of Saints in 6th-century Wales, the founder of many religious communities, and Britain’s only native-born patron saint.
He died on 1 March 589 – St David’s Day. In the 12th century, Pope Callixtus canonized him. Since then, Despite England not declaring it as a public holiday, the country has actively and consistently celebrated it.
Traditional celebrations include:
- Wearing daffodils and leeks. The recognised symbols are Wales and St David, respectively.
- Eating traditional Welsh food such as cawl and Welsh cheese.
- Wearing traditional Welsh dress.
Many towns and cities in Wales, including Cardiff, Swansea and Aberystwyth, also hold parades throughout the day.
Saint Patrick’s Day-17 March
Saint Patrick, who lived in the fifth century A.D., is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as an enslaved person. He later escaped but returned to Ireland, where he is credited with bringing Christianity to the natives.
In the centuries following Saint Patrick’s death (believed to have occurred on 17 March 461), the myths surrounding his life became more and more entrenched in Irish culture; perhaps Saint Patrick’s best-known legend is that he explains the use of the Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) in the use of the three leaves of the native Irish clover.
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on 17 March, the anniversary of his death in the 5th century. The Irish have celebrated this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. During the Christian Lenten season of St Patrick’s Day, Irish families traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Saint Patrick’s Day is an annual celebration on 17 March, commemorating the death of Saint Patrick in the 5th century. Celebrations usually include public parades, céilithe and wearing green clothing or shamrocks.
Red Nose Day-15 March
Red Nose Day is an annual charity event. First established in the UK in 1988 by Comic Relief, it aims to create “a world of equality without poverty”.
The power of comedy and entertainment brings people together to laugh and have fun while raising money and organising fundraising events. On the festival day, many of the UK’s leading comedians will bring their skills to the stage and perform live on BBC ONE. Some schools take the initiative to organize events, creating opportunities for children to engage, learn, and have fun while helping others.
Since 1988, Red Nose Day has raised over $1.8 billion for charity in the UK. Of the money raised from all the events, 60 per cent goes to improve the lives of poor people in Africa, and 40 per cent goes to disadvantaged groups in the UK to improve their health and education and to protect their lives and rights.
Mother’s Day-10 March
Mother’s Day, in the UK, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent. This falls three weeks before Easter Sunday, usually in late March or early April. This year, Mother’s Day falls on 19 March.
Common Mother’s Day gifts in the UK include cakes, flowers, chocolates, jewellery and elaborate clothing. Instead of giving physical gifts, some people treat their mother or grandmother to a special meal, beauty treatment or outing.
Many shops will sell specially decorated Mother’s Day cakes. In the days and weeks leading up to Mother’s Day, many schools and children’s organisations will help their pupils prepare a handmade card or gift for their mothers.
Ramadan- 11 March
Ramadan is considered the holiest month in the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar and is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims firmly believe that it was during this revered month that the Archangel Gabriel descended from heaven to deliver the first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad. Islam holds the annual month of Ramadan as one of its five pillars.
During Ramadan, Muslims must elevate their level of spiritual and physical obedience to Allah by fasting. This means that Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking and also abstain from conjugal intimacy from the break of dawn until sunset.
In the UK, it is expected to begin on Monday, 11th March 2024, and end on Tuesday, 9th April 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon. Islamic businesses and organisations may modify their opening hours to accommodate prayer times during Ramadan. There may also be some congestion around mosques, such as the London Central Mosque in Regent’s Park, especially at night.
The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race-30 March
The Rowing Race is an annual event between students from Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The Men’s Rowing Race, one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events, first took place in 1829. The Women’s Rowing Race was first held in 1927.
The Rowing Race is a world-renowned sporting event between two of Britain’s greatest universities, which has become synonymous with British tradition and excellence. Competed by student-athletes who combine academic rigour with elite fitness, there is no better demonstration of the
London’s renowned championship course, a 4.25-mile stretch along the tidal Thames between Putney and Mortlake in West London, warmly welcomes rowing competitions. Over 250,000 spectators regularly gather on the river banks to watch The Rowing Regatta, and millions more join them via their television screens.
FAQ
What are the most important festivals in the UK in March？
One of the most significant festivals in March is St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th. This festival celebrates the patron saint of Ireland, and people from all backgrounds, not just those of Irish descent, widely celebrate it.
What does the UK celebrate in March?
March is a month of celebration in the UK, with various events and holidays taking place. People celebrate St. David’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day and so on.
What types of events can I expect to find in the UK in March 2024?
From music festivals and sporting events to cultural celebrations and food fairs, there is something for everyone in the UK this March. Keep an eye out for significant events like St. Patrick’s Day parades and the London Coffee Festival.
