Cycling through history
As a nation we excel at cycling, with our riders flying past on lean, mean, medal winning machines. But when, and why, did we first ride a bike? Find out at this brilliant talk among a remarkable collection that illustrates how they’ve developed from Hobby Horses to Boneshakers, and even some wrong turns, like ‘The Useless Bike’! (Image: Oxford Bus Museum)
Ready to ride?
Milton Keynes is the place to be for a bike ride over the festival. Beginners can book a place on a family friendly ride, whilst those looking for a challenge can explore the landscape with The Parks Trust.
The Crown Green Cup
This is the one to win, to cheer for – a very special competition for the brilliant intergenerational sport of Crown Green Bowling. It was created for and is now played annually over our festival at one of the oldest clubs in Leeds. You can sign up to play or just pop along and watch. (Image: Harehills Park Bowling Club)
Bowls for beginners
Want to have a go, but not ready for a championship? Watch out for other opportunities to play across the country, including these two clubs, which have both been active for over 100 years!
Dance the night
Enjoy a relaxed evening of music, dance and a bit of history. Don’t eat too many of the, sure to be delicious, cakes though, if you want to step onto the floor and try out clog dancing! (Image: Briggate Morris)
First steps
So you want to twirl like Darcey Bussell, tap like Fred Astaire, or ‘Step Up’ to the streets. Whatever style of dance takes your fancy, you might find a taster class here.
Bathing beauty
First open in 1913, Withington Baths became the training pool for Britain’s Olympic hopeful of the 1930s, Cecelia Wolstenholme. She may not have come home with a medal but today it stands as a community restoration success story. Take this special tour to find out more about their work before you book in for a swim. (Image: Withington Baths)
Beauty in waiting
Another historic local pool on the road to restoration is Broomhill lido in Suffolk. Closed since 2002 and currently semi-derelict, see plans for its revival and meet the team working for its future.
Game, set, match!
There’s tennis... and then there’s ‘Real Tennis’! Discover the historic game (played for 700 years!) that led to Wimbledon but also squash, and padel. Take a tour of this ‘luxurious’ club built in 1904 but remember to call ahead if you want a chance to play. (Image: Moreton Morrell Tennis Court Club)
'The Beautiful Game'
Explore the home of football on this walking tour. Sheffield was the very first city for association football, the crucible of the modern game. See the places where it all began and hear stories of those early pioneer players.
Day at the races
The list of Olympic sports has changed over the centuries and one of the most popular in its first days is now long gone. You can find out about it here though – take a tour of Britain’s only known Roman Circus. Nope, not a contest of top hats and Greatest Showman dance numbers, but screaming wheels and braying horses watched by Olympic size crowds. (Image: Colchester Archaeological Trust)
PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but details are subject to change. Check the individual entries for more - including any booking details needed.
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