As most people know, especially students and staff that have been to MC at Hurst, summer really is the best time to be in UK. There’s slightly less rain, a bit of sunshine, and occasionally a blue sky, and of course, there is the chance to have fun and learn English at Manor Courses. Summer is full of fun, and it’s easy to visit and enjoy some of the UK’s most famous cities and sights. But most of UK’s best cultural events happen during the other seasons. Sure, in 2012 we had the Olympics during summer, and every summer there is the chance to do various outdoor sports and hobbies, to enjoy the countryside, and to enjoy another of our big attractions, outdoor music festivals. But actually the other seasons (autumn, winter and spring) in many countries, not just UK, give us many more opportunities to celebrate culture and history, and spend time with family and friends. When summer ends there is almost one big cultural event per month.

At the end of October, this weekend, most of your countries will probably have some ‘Halloween’ events going on. Children and adults seem to love this festival for its many activities, costumes, stories and foods. What a shame we cannot enjoy this all together at a residential English school! You can learn more about this event in some of the links below, which include learning resources for international students. We hope many of you enjoy some kind of costume party wherever you are. Is it a great night for fun when the weather gets cold. If anybody goes ‘trick or treating’ then we hope you collect lots of goodies, and stay safe. Remember this festival is actually very old, and holds a lot history and more deeper meanings than the modern version with its sweet foods, movies, naughty tricks.

November is time for the people of England and UK to remember the events of November 5th in 1605 AD. Yes, more than 400 years ago! And yes, this is a festival really only celebrated in England and the rest of the UK. ‘Guy Fawkes Day’ or ‘Bonfire Night’ isn’t really known to many people of other countries, and we are sure many of our ex-students haven’t even heard of it. You can learn more about this event next week.

December gives us a festival which is celebrated almost all over the world, not just for religious purposes. ‘Christmas’ certainly wouldn’t be the same if it were in summer, and winter could be quite miserable without it! We believe that some ex-students will actually be in countries where the winter in December is actually much warmer than a British white Christmas. Some years we have a white Christmas (when it snows), but that is rare in southern England around Brighton. Certainly Hurst College looks beautiful in the snow.

January of course starts with ‘New Year’s Day’, though many people enjoy New Year’s Eve more. Everybody will be on a school or work holiday during the start of the year, but we will give you some interesting facts and cultural information for those of you who want something English to read when not at school!

February brings ‘Valentine’s Day’, which is almost as much fun as a final disco at Hurst. Lets learn a little more about how this event became an occasion for lovers, and showing those we love our feelings on this blog in February.

April brings ‘Easter’, which has its origins in the Christian calendar and the death of Jesus Christ. But long before that this time of year is a celebration of spring and re-birth, with new baby animals and fresh flowers blooming everywhere.

Here are some activities for learning more about Halloween.

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