Our September Book of the Month, Folk Britain, is a pocket-sized guide to some truly bizarre folk rituals and esoteric customs. This latest release from Hoxton Mini Press is a brilliant way to discover or become reacquainted with Britain’s wonderfully weird cultural identity!

Most people have heard of traditions like celebrating the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, or even the ankle-shattering pursuit of an enormous wheel of cheese down a steep hill each May in Gloucestershire. But Folk Britain delves further into what “folk culture” actually means, showcasing over 100 of these rituals and traditions, like the Summer Mackerel Fiesta in Wales and the World Nettle Eating Championships in Dorset, that mark the changing seasons and bring communities together across Britain.

It’s fascinating to read about old customs such as The Buryman Procession, which has taken place every August for more than four centuries in Edinburgh. The tradition involves a man covered in burdock seeds and burrs walking for nine miles, becoming progressively drunker on whisky offered by locals. At the same time, some rituals have been updated for a more modern audience —thankfully, the Hare Pie made for the Hare Pie Scramble in Hallaton no longer contains hare!

Organised seasonally, this is both a field guide for those keen to participate in unusual traditions and a lively, illuminating history of British folk culture. Written by Tom Howells, author of the hugely popular Ancient Britain for Modern Folk, Folk Britain also includes other reading recommendations for those curious to learn more, a folk calendar and advice about how to navigate the changeable timings of some events. From the profound to the baffling, there really is something in here to pique anyone’s interest and maybe even inspiration for starting a tradition of your own!

Folk Britain is published by Hoxton Mini Press
9781917719445 | HB | £14.95 | 27th September 2026