Open call for Brits to submit cultural traditions for new UNESCO register Open call for Brits to submit cultural traditions for new UNESCO register

Communities across Britain are being asked to nominate the cultural traditions they hold most dear for a new UK register of ‘living heritage’.

Britain’s cultural fabric is rich and diverse, from the rhythms of Notting Hill Carnival to the mad downhill scramble of Gloucestershire cheese rolling – and a new comprehensive inventory aims to document these diverse practices.

The call follows the UK joining the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage last year.

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said, “These crafts, customs and celebrations are often what make people feel proud of who they are, where they come from and where they live. They also boost local economies and businesses.

“Whatever living heritage communities value, we want to hear about it. I encourage people to get together and share their traditions through this national conversation.”

Vitally, it seeks to recognise immigrant traditions that have become part of Britain’s cultural tapestry, such as steel-drumming, highlighting the country’s diverse heritage and history.

This inventory is a key step in protecting and preserving the crafts, customs, and celebrations that define British cultural identity, according to the government.

Its purpose is to raise awareness of this heritage and begin efforts to safeguard these customs for future generations.

England’s heritage sector contributed over £15 billion to the economy in 2022, and the craft sector alone contributes thousands of jobs and over £400 million annually, according to the latest research from Historic England.

In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, living heritage traditions can be an economic lifeline for small towns such as the Ottery St Mary’s tar barrels, which attract 20,000 visitors to the town every year.

The call for submissions will be open until Friday, 27 March 2026, with the first list launching in summer 2026.

What do you think should be on the list?

More information: livingheritage.unesco.org.uk

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