In Pictures: Foam, fire and festivals – the lighter side of 2024

Crazy races and fiery processions helped raise spirits through a difficult year.

Published Dec 25, 2024

Despite the backdrop of global wars and a continuing cost-of-living crisis, Britons still found time to have fun in 2024.

From racing through mud on lawnmowers to riding penny farthings while dressed in tweed, people up and down the country still found unusual ways to enjoy themselves.

Here the PA news agency looks at some of the more bizarre activities of 2024.

The galley consumed by flames during the Up Helly Aa fire festival — The Jarl Squad set light to the galley in Lerwick on the Shetland Isles during the Up Helly Aa fire festival (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Riders dressed in tweed gathered on their bikes before the start of the annual Tweed Run — Riders gather before the start of the annual Tweed Run (Jeff Moore/PA)

Members of the Pentacle Drummers perform in front of a burning wicker man (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Competitors race in a heat during the World Lawnmower Championships (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Two men sprawled in mud — Competitors take part in the annual Maldon Mud Race in Essex (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight (Jane Barlow/PA)

People jump the fire during the Beltane celebrations at Glastonbury Chalice Well (Ben Birchall/PA)

Participants during an annual bonfire night procession held by the Lewes Bonfire Societies (Gareth Fuller/PA)