The Best UK Outdoor Cinemas and Theatres | Fulton Umbrellas

Where Are The Best Outdoor Cinemas and Theatres To Catch A Show This Summer?

The weather in the UK is famous for its unpredictability. As if to prove just that, we’ve been experiencing a decidedly rainy summer so far. Nevertheless, that doesn’t stop us from hosting some amazing outdoor entertainment.

Relaxing back in a deck chair or on a picnic blanket with your favourite snacks while a great film plays in the background or watching a dramatic play beneath the stars sounds like a great way to make the most of the lighter evenings. So, grab your designer umbrellas for our top picks of outdoor cinemas and theatres to visit before the summer is over.

Rooftop Film Club, London 

The Rooftop Film Club in London is an established outdoor cinema that, as you might have guessed, is held atop various London buildings. This year, the club currently has showings at Roof East in Stratford and the Bussy Building in Peckham.

The club is currently showing various films over August, from new releases like the highly anticipated summer movies Barbie and Oppenheimer to beloved classics, including Amelie and Jurassic Park.

The Luna Cinema, various locations 

The Luna Cinema is a touring outdoor cinema that hosts films at various locations throughout the UK, so it’s great for picking somewhere that’s close to you. The locations are also often within glorious country estates, next to medieval castles or ruins, or in parkland – the perfect setting to watch some of your favourite films.

In August, you’ll be able to watch Harry Potter against the dramatic view of Lulworth Castle in Dorset or enjoy Pride and Prejudice at Chatsworth House – the same place featured as Pemberly in the film itself. Other locations include Guildford Cathedral, Chester Zoo, and Bolton Abbey.

 The Minack Theatre, Cornwall 

The Minack Theatre is a tourist attraction in its own right and is visited by over 250,000 people each year. And how could it not be? Nestled on the edges of the cliffs of Penzance, the Minack Theatre is in a stunning location that’s perfect for experiencing a show.

In August and September, you’ll be able to go and see a variety of plays, from The Scottish Play, a humorous retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, to Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire and the Tony-winning musical Evita. For families, a stage adaptation of Tom’s Midnight Garden is also shown.

The Minack Theatre is also open to the public to discover more about this amazing venue. However, we recommend booking in advance to secure a timeslot and avoid disappointment.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is Britain’s oldest professional outdoor theatre and has been putting on performances for audiences for almost 100 years.

Throughout the remaining summer season for 2023, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre will be bringing the glamour with the classic Broadway musical La Cage Aux Folles. Or for children under 12, until early September, you can also be thrilled by the lifelike puppets of Dinosaur World Live.

All seating is completely uncovered, and the theatre only cancels shows on rare occasions when the weather is particularly bad, so you’ll definitely want to pack an umbrella just in case to protect yourself from any showers.

Brighton Open Air Theatre, Brighton 

The Brighton Open Air Theatre, more informally known as BOAT, is set in beautiful parkland just on the edge between Brighton and Hove.

Throughout August and September, there will be a huge variety of shows to go and watch, including classic adaptations such as Robin Hood, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and Jane Austen’s Persuasion. There are also plenty of music and comedy performances to see this summer, including Cavern To Imagine by The Vox Beatles, Drag In The Park, and Stand Up Under The Stars with some of the UK’s funniest comics.

Shakespeare’s Globe, London
Last but not at all least is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the banks of the River Thames in London. The original theatre that opened in 1599 and became known for its performances of Shakespeare’s plays is long gone. However, the tradition continues in the new Globe Theatre that was opened in 1997 after years of campaigning.

Like the Minack, the Globe is also open for guided tours where you can learn more about the history of the area. If you’re more interested in experiencing what it might have been like to go and see a show, you’ll be able to see performances of Macbeth and As You Like It until the end of October.

The other venue on the site (which happens to be indoors should the weather turn on you) is the Sam Wannamaker Playhouse, which throughout August, is showing the family-friendly Midsummer Mechanicals, based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

There’s so much to choose from, whether you’re more interested in laughing until your sides hurt, anguishing at a dramatic tragedy, or enjoying a good time with your family – just don’t forget to have an umbrella on hand, just in case! Have you decided what you’re going to see before summer is over?

 

 

 

 

6 Amazing UK Castles and Palaces for a Perfect Summer Trip | Fulton Umbrellas

We have hundreds of magnificent castles and palaces in the UK – each with its own unique history and stories that can stretch back thousands of years. For a summer holiday or day trip filled with history, mystery, love, and war, here are our top picks from across the country.

Arundel Castle, West Sussex

Overlooking the river Arun and the Sussex countryside, Arundel Castle has nearly 1000 years of history. Filled with collections of artwork, personal possessions, tapestries, and antiques, this is a place where you can experience snapshots into a very dangerous time for English politics – where successive Dukes of Norfolk throughout the 16th century paid for their alleged crimes with their lives.

Outdoors, the imposing Gothic-style castle is surrounded by beautiful and tranquil gardens to stroll around and relax in while you absorb the colours and fragrances of the flower borders. Arundel castle regularly hosts special events as well, including jousting and medieval festivals, so make sure you check out what’s going on when you’re planning your visit.

Buckingham Palace, London

The iconic neoclassical architecture of Buckingham Palace is recognised across the globe. While it remains a working royal residence and has been the official residence of UK royalty since 1837, members of the public can take guided tours around the State Rooms. These opulent rooms are home to many treasured artworks and pieces from The Royal Collection that are a sight to behold.

This summer, Buckingham Palace is also hosting a special coronation exhibition where King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s outfits from the coronation ceremony will be on display. We advise you to book well in advance of your visit as these guided tours tend to sell out.

Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd, North Wales

From besieged fortresses to extravagant displays of wealth, Wales is home to 427 castles –more castles per square mile than any other European country. For our list, we’ve chosen to add Penrhyn Castle, just outside of Bangor.

When you approach Penrhyn Castle, the first thing you’ll see are the huge, dramatic turrets – but don’t be fooled, this castle is much newer than it may first appear. Built during the first half of the 19th Century, Penrhyn was intended as an impressive family home for the Pennant family. As you walk around the castle, you’ll be able to see extraordinary interiors and a fascinating collection of antiques while you learn about how the Pennant family garnered their wealth through exploitation. When you’ve finished soaking up the history of Penrhyn, the seaside town of Llandudno is just a 30-minute drive away, so you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy a stroll along the beach.

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Over the 1400 years of Bamburgh Castle’s history, it has played many roles. A Royal capital for the kings of Northumbria, a stronghold for royalty throughout the War of the Roses, a free school for underprivileged children, and finally, a beloved family home.

As you might expect from the colourful history, Bamburgh is home to a varied collection of artefacts and antiques that have been passed down through generations. There are also frequent events to muddy your boots while you’re there, including Viking re-enactments and adventure activities for all ages. Bamburgh Castle is right on the coastline, so make sure you’ve got one of our clear umbrellas with you just in case you need to take in the sights whilst protecting yourself from any unexpected showers!

Hillsborough Castle, County Down

Strictly speaking, Hillsborough Castle isn’t actually a castle. This 18th-century stately home is known as such because of the successful Hill family who once lived on the site when it was a fort. What makes Hillsborough a particularly interesting place to visit is its long-established links with Northern Irish politics.

Hillsborough has been the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland since the 1970s and has recently undergone a huge transformation. The State Rooms are now open for guided tours where you can learn more about the castle’s history and the famous politicians and royals who have walked through the halls.

Edinburgh Castle, East Scotland

Once a military fortress, Edinburgh Castle also spent time serving as a prison and a royal residence before becoming the popular attraction it is today. The walls are full of stories and artefacts from the centuries of royals who lived and died there. You may have seen at the coronation of King Charles III an object called the Stone of Destiny – which is usually on display at Edinburgh Castle. Its origins are a mystery to this day, but over time it has become a sacred way of initiating new monarchs.

The castle is also in the heart of Edinburgh city, so there are plenty of other attractions, shops, restaurants, and cafes to check out nearby.

Whether you want to see the grand architecture or walk in the footsteps of some of the UK’s most notable figures, the many castles and palaces in the UK are well worth a visit. As always, if you’d rather be cautious than take your chances with the British weather, don’t forget to pack one of our umbrellas to prepare for your day trip.

Title How to Weatherproof Your UK Outdoor Wedding | Fulton Umbrellas

How to Weatherproof Your UK Outdoor Wedding

Content: Whether you’re saying your vows under a forest canopy, enjoying a garden party in a sprawling country estate, or overlooking an endless glistening ocean, spending your big day in the great outdoors can create a breathtaking experience for you and your guests. However, no matter how much you plan the details of your wedding, if you’re in the UK then one thing you’ll always be unable to control is the weather.

Some believe that the heavens opening on your wedding day is good luck, but between soggy guests and muddy fields, there’s no denying that it can make things difficult. Nevertheless, rain doesn’t have to be a bad thing and you can have a day that’s just as magical and memorable. Here are our top practical tips for embracing the rain whilst staying comfortable.

1. Make sure there’s cover available

If the forecast is looking rainy, the first thing you should do is make sure that your venue has an indoor or covered area that you can use. Renting a tent, marquee or gazebo is also a must to keep your guests dry, especially if you’re planning on having a laid-back barbeque or food trucks.

Ahead of time, you might also want to do a practice run-through of how you’re going to quickly move everything indoors, should the weather be too bad to stay outside.

2. Keep your vendors informed 

If there is rain on your wedding day, there’s a good chance it’s going to change your schedule in one way or another. Whenever your plans change, it’s a good idea to keep everyone informed of what’s happening, including your photographer, stylist, florist, caterer etc. Your planner can help you with this, or you can ask close friends or family to help everybody coordinate so they know what the plan is.

3. Choose footwear wisely

I think we can all agree walking around with wet feet, or damp shoes and socks is uncomfortable and not enjoyable on any day. For outdoor weddings, waterproof sprays might help in keeping the rain from seeping into your footwear. Another good tip is to leave the stiletto heels at home as they may cause you to sink and damage both the ground and your shoes. If the venue is likely to get a little muddy, you could truly dress for the occasion and opt for matching wedding wellies.

Another thing to consider is bringing spare footwear that you can reserve for the photographs and then swap out for a pair that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Remember to also send a message to your guests ahead of schedule so they have time to find themselves appropriate footwear.

4. Provide umbrellas

Having an umbrella is a necessity for a rainy outdoor wedding. Our windproof umbrellas can certainly keep the rain off your back. Or for the photos, our transparent umbrellas will help you capture the perfect shot without obscuring the view.

You could either stock your venue with a bucket of spare umbrellas that people can use, or send guests a message ahead of time to let them know that they’ll need to bring one. You could even consider asking guests to bring colours or patterns according to your theme so everyone can be matching in the photographs!

5. Keep a few towels on hand 

It’s always handy to have a few towels at your venue if rain is forecast, both for the wedding party and guests to dry off with or to wipe down outdoor seating and tables once the rain has stopped.

6. Hair and makeup 

Your stylist will help you pick the best makeup and hairstyles for a rainy day. Just be aware that your original plans may have to change. If you were planning on wearing your hair down, for example, you might have to consider an up-do instead, so it doesn’t end up flat or frizzy.

7. Check the forecast

While this might be the last thing you want to do, if you’ve got a rough idea of when the rain is going to fall on the day, you can make sure to plan around it. But try not to tie yourself up in knots thinking about the rain – after all, the weather is difficult to forecast.

 

A rainy wedding shouldn’t make it any less enjoyable. On the Fulton Umbrellas blog, we’ll share our top tips for embracing the rain!

You probably weren’t planning on a rainy wedding, but just think about all the ways it can make your day just as special and memorable. Intimate photographs of the happy couple cosied up under a stylish umbrella, guests splashing in puddles, moody atmospheric photos – your photographer probably has lots of ideas on how to make the most of it.

The rain may change some plans, but what it won’t change is the fact that this is a day to celebrate love, so embrace it!

How to Host the Perfect Street Party for the King’s Coronation

In the UK, it’s a well-established tradition to host outdoor street and garden parties to mark national events including coronations, weddings, and jubilees.

A street party is a perfect way to build community spirit, eat lots of treats, and have an all-around good time over the long coronation weekend. By now you’ve probably set the date and gotten the go-ahead from your local council, next up is making the final preparations and getting everything together. So, whether you’re hosting a formal street party or an informal ‘street meet’, here are some tips and inspiration for putting on a fabulous coronation celebration.

Comfort and safety

Before we get into how to decorate your street party, it is worth going over some practical tips to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable on the day. If you’ll be closing your street for the party, make sure to put up road closure barriers and signage to let drivers know that there will be lots of people in the street and access will be limited.

When it comes to setting up for your party, make sure to enlist help from neighbours to set up the tables and chairs rather than taking it upon yourself. If you and your neighbours don’t have enough outdoor seating for everyone to be comfortable, you could contact your local community centre to see if they could loan you some for the day. Also, don’t forget to set up bins and recycling areas in the street – it will save you all a lot of pain when it comes to tidying up after the party.

Preparing for any weather is another important consideration. In the event of a shower, a gazebo or marquee won’t go amiss to protect your food – after all, no one will want to tuck into soggy scones. Dash inside, grab your windproof umbrellas to keep yourself covered and let the party continue!

Decorations

Bunting is a staple at any outdoor UK celebration and for an occasion such as the King’s Coronation, bunting decorated with the Union flag is a must. But it’s also a great opportunity to get your street involved, especially kids, in making their own designs. You could even turn it into a little competition to see who can make or decorate the most interesting coronation-themed bunting.

When it comes to other party accessories such as napkins, paper plates, balloons, tablecloths etc., red, white and blue will naturally be the given colour theme. Or you could up the British picnic vibes by using gingham-patterned table covers, wicker baskets to display food in, or even set up picnic areas on grassy areas. A backdrop or photo area for all your neighbours and guests to take pictures against is another great way to make memories on the day – from red, white and blue streamers and balloon arches to life-size cut-outs of the King himself!

Food and drink

For your catering, think finger food – dishes that are quick and easy to set out and distribute.  Classics and crowd-pleasing favourites such as Victoria sponge cakes, coronation chicken sandwiches, samosas, and scones with jam and cream are a must-have. Royal head chef Mark Flanagan has also created the ‘Coronation Quiche’ to celebrate the occasion. Featuring spinach, broad beans, and tarragon, this veggie delight is perfect for sharing with your neighbours.

A street party is also the perfect opportunity to try lots of different kinds of foods – why not ask families in your street if they would like to contribute their favourites? If everyone in your street is bringing something to the spread, it’s a good idea to ask them to attach labels with the ingredients on them so that anyone with a dietary restriction can pick something suitable for them.

As for drinks, Pimm’s served with fruit is a staple for any outdoor party in the UK. Sparkling wine with strawberries is also a delicious option to celebrate with. For non-alcoholic options, you could try making fruity mocktails or a bowl of punch for everyone to enjoy, along with plenty of juice, squash, and water for the kids.

Party games and activities

You’ve got the food, all the decorations are in place, but what about entertainment? Firstly, it’s important to include activities that all ages can get involved with. For kids (and big kids), try fun party games with a royal twist, such as musical thrones or pin the crown on the king. Crafty activities are also great for keeping them occupied while you chat with your neighbours – print off and cut out paper crown templates to decorate, have art competitions, or grab lots of coloured chalk to draw pictures on the pavement with.

Classic lawn games can also bring lots of fun to your party, as long as they’re kept a good distance away from all the food! Skittles, badminton, tug-of-war, limbo – sticking to games with simple rules will make it easy for everyone to jump in and have a go.

For grown-ups, you might also wish to put on a royal-themed quiz, or perhaps a raffle to win gifts and a hamper – ticket sales can be put towards the prizes or a local charity. Or why not incorporate a bake-off into the day? It’s a chance for everyone to show off their skills and as a bonus, you’ll end up with lots of sweet treats to share amongst everybody. You might also wish to set the theme for the day with a royal dress code, wearing red, white, or blue for example, or dressing after your favourite royals.

Whatever you’re getting up to over the coronation weekend, a street party will be great fun for all your family, neighbours, and guests. So, we wish you a splendid party, and keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

Sources

https://www.royal.uk/the-coronation-quiche

Stay Warm With These Spring Wardrobe Tips | Fulton Umbrellas

How To Transition Your Wardrobe for Spring While Staying Warm

It’s safe to say we’re all ready to leave winter behind and get on with spring. Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo just yet.

We’ve already experienced snow in March, and not knowing whether you’re going to need sandals or snow boots the next day can make transitioning your wardrobe for spring less than simple. So, here are our top style tips to keep you warm in the coming season.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our birdcage umbrellas now or check out our blog for other fashion, travel, and lifestyle tips to help you enjoy the soon-to-be warmer weather.

 1. Put your winter wardrobe away

It’s always a good idea to regularly spring-clean your wardrobe. It gives you the chance to rediscover garments that you may have forgotten or let go of something you haven’t worn in years. When you’re transitioning your wardrobe for spring, start by putting away all the pieces that can’t be transitioned – it will give an instant refresh and help you mentally say goodbye to winter.

2. Layer up

It might be time to put away the puffy, fluffy winter coats in favour of lighter and brighter coats and jackets. Ones that are more suited to the warmer weather, like denim, leather, or bomber jackets. Don’t forget to also keep one of our designer umbrellas handy for when those spring showers come pouring in .

Make sure to stay warm by layering pieces – it’s probably the most useful way to dress when the temperature outside is Baltic one minute and balmy the next. For example, instead of wearing a chunky knit, try wearing a lighter jumper or cardigan with a vest, shirt or blouse underneath. Focus on lighter pieces that can easily be swapped out or cast off depending on the forecast.

3. Add spring accessories 

Now’s also the time to think about swapping out some of your accessories for spring-appropriate versions.

If you’re not quite ready to let go of the cosy, enveloping winter scarfs but want a change, switch to a cotton or chiffon number. Lighter, flowy scarves can keep off the chill whilst also being more breathable than those thick, winter scarves. Your trusty bobble hat may then become a beanie or a beret to keep your head warm without making your look too wintery.

When it comes to footwear, the weather might not be quite good enough for flats, trainers or pumps – after all the last thing you want is to get cold or wet feet throughout your day! In this case, try pairing your spring dresses or skirts with ankle or calf boots to get the best of both worlds. Don’t be afraid to bring out your sunglasses on those brighter days either. They’ll give your eyes a break whilst instantly making your outfit a touch more summery.

And of course, don’t forget to keep yourself prepared for any weather with an umbrella.
For springtime, we love our birdcage umbrellas . Whether you’re looking for fresh florals or bright, block-coloured borders, we’ve got a wide variety of colours and patterns to choose from to help you feel ready for the new season.

4. Switch to spring colours and patterns 

In the cold, dark winter months it’s easy to stick to darker and richer colours or neutrals that help you feel warm and cosy. There’s also room for the occasional sparkle for all those seasonal parties.

As spring approaches, it’s time to ditch these in favour of a lighter, fresher colour palette.
Greens, yellows and blues give off feelings of shooting bulbs, daffodils, sunshine, and clear skies – perfect for the changing season. In a similar vein, try adding patterns inspired by the natural world, like animal prints, florals, and foliage to capture that feeling of renewal and reawakening. If you want a more vibrant outfit, try out the bolder shades of crimson, peach and orange that were seen at London Fashion Week.

Your accessories are a great way to add pops of colour or patterns to your overall look. And bringing in lighter colours whilst following the styling tips listed above will help you feel brighter and ready for spring’s sunny days as well as the occasional spells of bad weather.

Dressing For Confidence in the Workplace | Fulton Umbrellas

How you dress in general greatly affects how you feel and what image you project to others. This is no different for the workplace. But where dressing professionally used to mean simple suits and skirts, rules now tend to be a lot more relaxed. There is much more room to be bold and personal with your style in a way that helps you make a good impression whilst expressing yourself and feeling confident – something that a lot of us will struggle with during our careers.

In a recent survey by YouGov, almost 60% of respondents admitted to experiencing imposter syndrome in the workplace. This is when you experience feelings of self-doubt or unworthiness – in other words, feeling like an imposter in your role. The same survey also revealed that women were twice as likely to be affected.

With that being said, how can your attire help bolster your professional confidence? Here we’ll go through some of our top tips for doing just that.

1. Dress for you 

Before we get into specific cuts and styles, it’s important to first remember to dress for yourself, rather than in a way that makes you feel like another person entirely. Stretching your usual boundaries and trying something completely new is a great way to discover fresh aspects of your style, but you probably won’t feel as confident in clothes that make you totally uncomfortable.

When you’re out searching for your professional attire, remember to take a moment to decide how you feel wearing it. Does it make you feel good? Would you purposefully reach for it in your wardrobe? Do you think you’ll wear it more than once?

2. Tailoring 

When dressing powerfully, taking some of the staples of power dressing is a good place to take a few cues from. While the huge shoulder pads and sharp suits of the ‘70s and ‘80s might move in and out of fashion, choosing fitted or tailored cuts is always a good option to start with.

For example, try pairing your regular white shirt with a boldly coloured pair of high-waisted tailored trousers. You also can’t go wrong with a blazer – versatile enough to be worn with many different styles but elegant enough to give almost any outfit a professional edge.

3. Colours and patterns

The colours you’re probably immediately considering for workplace attire are black and white. And it’s true that they do project a professional, authoritative confidence towards others. But you also shouldn’t be afraid to have a little fun. There isn’t really one colour associated with confidence, rather, they all have different meanings that can influence how you feel.

For instance, red is a very powerful colour that projects strength and passion, helping you feel assertive and ready for anything at work. Yellow, on the other hand, is bright, energetic, and optimistic for when you want to be bursting with enthusiasm. Choosing shades of green, meanwhile, can signify intense creativity. Or if you want to project cool confidence, blue can be a great colour for helping you feel calm and in control.

If you don’t want to wear solid blocks of eye-popping colours, patterns can go a long way to helping you tone it down. Stripes are a great way to add bold colour without it dominating your whole outfit, plus, they’re very flattering and easy to pair with other garments.

4. Accessories 

When it comes to choosing your accessories, keep balance in mind. If your outfit is minimal or simple, you might want to make it pop with a statement piece – whether that’s a brightly coloured bag, shoes, bold jewellery, or a stand-out watch. On the other hand, outfits that speak for themselves may only need some elegant gold or silver jewellery to complete them.

Wherever you’ll be working, practical accessories are also a must. A carefully chosen outfit deserves a well-crafted umbrella to protect it from those drizzly and rainy days. Our chic, designer umbrellas are perfect for almost any professional outfit. Alternatively, our classic birdcage umbrellas can add a more playful look and we’ve got plenty of colours to choose from, so you can pick one that matches the palette of your outfit.

Heels may have reigned supreme for years when it comes to women’s professional attire, but you can still project confidence, and save your feet a few aches, by pairing your outfits with knee boots, chunky loafers, or simple ballet pumps instead.

In all, it’s important to remember that ultimately, confidence comes from within. So, while you’re following all these tips and tricks listed above, keep in mind that it’s not always about choosing the ‘best’ style or the best colour, but rather what works best for you.

Why are blue spaces so important for wellbeing? | Fulton Umbrellas

Why are blue spaces so important for your wellbeing?

Green spaces are well known for the benefit they can have on your wellbeing, but can the same be said for blue spaces? In short, yes.

A blue space is pretty much anywhere there is an area of water. That includes oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes – man-made blue spaces such as canals, reservoirs and fountains also count. And as it turns out, spending time around them can have a hugely positive impact on your well-being. Some evidence has even suggested that blue spaces are even more powerful than green spaces.

Usually, we’re all about keeping you sheltered from water with our umbrellas, however for this blog we’ll be diving into the power of blue spaces and the science behind the benefits.

Water facilitates exercise 

We all know how beneficial exercise is for your wellbeing. And while you can exercise pretty much anywhere, water can help facilitate all sorts of activities. From a relaxing paddleboard or swim in a calm river, to a thrilling surf through crashing waves, blue spaces provide amazing opportunities to get active.

Exercising not only has a huge impact on your physical health, but it also encourages the production of your body’s feel-good hormones which help to lift your mood and lower stress levels.

 

Strengthens your relationship with the natural world 

When it comes to spending quality time in the natural world, it’s not just about being close to nature, it’s about being in nature. The same is true for blue spaces. Whether you’re physically in the water or not, or sheltering behind one of our sturdy windproof umbrellas on a blowy afternoon, try paying attention to it. Listen to it, appreciate it. This is what can help you to build a stronger relationship between yourself and the natural environment.

Having this deeper connection has a positive impact on your wellbeing and also make you more appreciative of wild blue spaces. And if you want to protect and preserve them, it’s a wonderful idea to get involved with local charities and initiatives where you can meet new people and help look after the natural world.

It calms your mind and body

If you’re not quite in the mood for exercising, being around water also has the ability to calm and quieten your mind and body.

Imagine the slow, rhythmic sound of waves gently crashing against the shore, or the rush of a fast-flowing river. Have you ever used these sounds to help you fall asleep? Or to focus on your work? This is partly because the sound of water is an example of pink noise.

Like white noise, pink noise is a type of background ambience, but it is at a lower pitch than white noise, making it a kind of steady hum rather than higher pitched static. The lower frequencies of pink noise are what makes it have a relaxing, meditative effect on your mind. As well as listening to the sounds of a blue space, the movement of water itself with all the sways, swirls, ripples and reflections of light can also be relaxing to watch.

Being in the water, whether you’re swimming, paddling or just dipping your toes in, can have an even greater effect. It can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, sending your body into a state of calm.

The colour blue is also known for to have a calming effect on people. While water technically isn’t blue, the light that bounces off it gives it a gorgeous shade of aqua which helps you unwind just by looking at it. All of this combined means that being around blue spaces can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

There are a huge variety of blue spaces to enjoy in the UK, from vast lakes, to glistening seas, to urban blue spaces nestled in the middle of towns and cities. So, next time you find yourself in or around a blue space, take a break if you can to sit, paddle, swim, sail, and enjoy the soothing effects of water.

 

 

 

How To Fall In Love With January | Fulton Umbrellas

January isn’t usually seen as a favourite month of the year. The excitement and glittering Christmas trees of December have quietened down, and the days feel a little darker and duller without them.

However, rather than cold and boring, we like to think of January as one of the most inspirational times of the year. It’s the time when we’re all thinking about change, our plans, and what we’d like to achieve in the year ahead. With that in mind, here are five things you can do to get 2023 off to a great start.

 1. Switch things up

Maybe you want to reinvent your wardrobe, redecorate your home, or even just stick to a good habit. Beginning a new year is like a mini-fresh start, and it’s the perfect time to think about what you want to change or to happen in 2023.

Even though they’re still a good way off, try planning your summer holidays to give you something to look forward to. Make a list of places or attractions you’d like to visit or set yourself a goal for learning a new skill or taking up a sport. Motivation at this time of year can be tough, but setting small goals and getting excited about what’s to come will help you stay on track.

 2. Escape on a UK mini break 

Travelling in January in the UK won’t give you the warmest temperatures. But it can be beneficial in other ways. We’d recommend packing one of our durable clear umbrellas and a solid pair of wellies for the journey! In January, many places will offer lower prices for accommodation and dining out, so it’s a great time to grab a deal. Winter travelling can also help you beat the usual summer crowds, so if you prefer a quieter getaway, now’s your chance to do so.

3. Get involved in a January challenge

January is home to both Dry January and Veganuary.

Veganuary is about inspiring people to discover vegan food. Over 620,000 people took part last year, and it’s not too late to get involved now. Even if you don’t stick to a vegan diet beyond January, it’s still a great way to help you learn more about recipes and techniques you may not have cooked with before.

Meanwhile, Dry January is simply going the month without drinking alcohol. For those with a fitness-related resolution, this is a great challenge to get involved with. And even for those without, Dry January can be a good way to detox your mind and body after the holidays.

4. Enjoy the indoors

After the excitement of the Christmas season, settling down with some easy-going activities can be just what you need to help you get back into your normal routine. And if the weather is against you, as it typically can be on your days off, it’s good to find ways to enjoy being stuck at home.

Savour the feeling of being wrapped in a soft blanket, pick a day to make a homemade warming meal, or spend an afternoon getting lost in your favourite book. Enjoying simple pleasures is a good way to practise mindfulness, which calms and lifts your mood on the dullest of days.

5. Explore the outdoors

After December, the chance of snowfall in the UK actually rises. And while it’s still rare, make sure to keep an eye on the weather for the first signs of snowflakes. It could be the start of snowy walks or thrilling sleigh rides. At this point, the darkest day in the UK has also already passed (December 21st), so while it seems like nicer weather is a long way off, the days are slowly getting lighter and longer again.

Spending time outdoors is essential to your mental well-being. It can increase your confidence, lift your mood, and lower the stress of returning to work. So, make sure to plan some walks out during January.

Getting back to your normal routine in January can be a challenge, but it’s also a great opportunity to add something new to it. Whatever you want to achieve, now is the time to focus on your well-being and make big plans for the year ahead.

Embrace the Rain in the UK’s Wettest Places | Fulton Umbrellas

Going outdoors is probably the last thing you’re thinking of doing on a dreary, drizzly day. Most of us would rather be tucked under a blanket or watching our favourite show.

Although we’re in the business of protecting you from the rain, there’s also something wild and energising about going out in it and taking in the dramatic atmosphere.

As luck would have it, we’re entering into the rainy season in the UK, which tends to fall between the months of October to February. Since the prevailing wind comes in from the Atlantic, the Western parts of the UK are the parts that get hit the heaviest, and usually first. That’s why all the locations on this list are on the Western side.

So, pop your wellies on, grab one of our stylish clear umbrellas, and let’s explore some of the wettest parts of the UK.

 

Western Scotland and the Highlands

The first stop on our list is Western Scotland and the Highlands, which receive up to 4000 mm of rain each year. While it’s difficult to narrow down which area of Scotland’s beautiful landscape to pick for your rainy adventures, here are some recommendations.

Argyllshire is the rainiest spot, getting about 2274.9 mm a year. In this region, you’ll find over 3000 miles of rugged coastline, transforming into fantastically dramatic scenes on a drizzly day. If you hop on a ferry to the Isle of Mull, you’ll also get a chance to see the brightly coloured houses of Tobermory. For brisk coastal walks, make sure you’ve got one of our windproof umbrellas along for the journey.

Closely following Argyllshire is the region of Dunbartonshire, which gets an average of 2066.5 mm of rainfall each year.  A must-see in this area is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The stunning views of the loch and the ancient forests close by make for a rugged day out beneath rain clouds. Then, try out the famous Glengoyne or Loch Lomond Distilleries to warm up after admiring the landscape.

If a city escape is more to your liking, Glasgow was also named the UK’s second rainiest city in 2021. This port city gets, on average, 94 mm of rain each month, and there’s plenty to do while you’re there. From the Maritime Museum to the Botanic Gardens, the sharp contrast between grand Victorian architecture and contemporary buildings is well worth adding to your album.

 

The Lake District

The Lake District is famous for its rainy weather. Out of 365 days, you can expect around 200 of them to be wet ones. The areas of high elevation make the Lakes even more of a hotspot for rain. This is because when moist air comes in from the sea, it is pushed upwards, which cools the air and helps to form rain clouds. Hence, in a year, this region receives around 3200 mm of rain.

The award of the rainiest place in the Lake District is Seathwaite, with 3552 mm of rain a year. In fact, this small hamlet is the wettest inhabited place in England. Just south of Keswick, Seathwaite is a great jumping-off point for exploring the imposing sights of Great Gable or Scarfell Pike.

For a more relaxed walk, the Lakes offer many more easy-going footpaths to enjoy and take some moody photos of the clouds over the water. Or make the most of this time of year by capturing the red and gold floors of the forests. Between Coniston and Windermere, Grizedale Forest not only has this but also features a unique sculpture trail where artwork is nestled amongst the trees and waterfalls. For the kids, there’s also the adventure play area or Go Ape for the more courageous.

Afterwards, the quaint towns dotted around the lakes are just what you need to grab a bite to eat in a cosy pub next to a warm fire.

 

Snowdonia

Last but certainly not least is the mountainous region of Snowdonia in North Wales which gets over 3000 mm of rain a year. While heading to the top of a mountain in bad weather is not a good idea, Snowdonia has plenty of dramatic sights perfect for stormy weather.

The slate-covered hills and stunning views of the Llanberis Pass are just waiting to be added to your photo album. Meanwhile, the towns of Llanberis and Beddgelert are home to historic slate houses and buildings to explore. They’re also great starting points for laid-back walks around the nearby lakes. Llanberis even has a steam train that does circuits around the lake if you need a break from the walking and the rain!

Alternatively, this region also has plenty of adventure sports to take part in. Capel Curig, which also happens to be the wettest village in Snowdonia with 2697 mm of rain a year, is home to the Plas-y-Brenin Outdoor Activity Centre, where you can have a go at kayaking, paddleboarding and more.

From dramatic scenery to autumnal atmospheres or listening to raindrops pattering against your window – there’s so much enjoyment to be had out of the bad weather. Wherever you decide to go on rainy days, don’t forget to pack an umbrella to keep up with your adventures and the rain!

 

5 Parades That Will Fill You With Wonder| Fulton Umbrellas

Parades and celebrations are a great opportunity to get up close to cultures and local traditions that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. So in the spirt of adventure and discovery, we’ve found some of the most wonderful parades from across the globe that yo should make to attend.

Dia de los Muertos

We begin our journey on the street of Mexico, home of Dia de los Muertos- or Day of the Dead. This two-day religious holiday is based on rituals that date back around 3000 years and is said to be a night which the dead can reunite with their living relatives.

Rather than being a time to mourn, Dia de los Muertos has long been a time for families to celebrate loved ones who have passed. More recently, it has begun to open up to visitors from all over who can get the chance to learn and take part in this intrinsic piece of Mexican culture.

Festivities are now held across the world. In some places, Dia de los Muertos goes on for an entire parade- and party-filled week. The ‘Legends of Mexico’ is one such parade that you shouldn’t miss out on, with giant floats covered with golden marigolds , vivid sugars skulls and plenty of local food and drink to tuck into.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, or ‘Fat Tuesday’ when translated from French, is a Christian holiday thought to be rooted in pagan spring and fertility rituals from thousand of years ago.

These days it’s a little but different. There’s still lots of food to enjoy- especially king cake- but now the festival goes on for an entire week or even months. The 2023 season of New Orleans Mardi Gras, one of the most famous of its kind, is scheduled to begin in January and go on until Fat Tuesday in March.

In New Orleans, you’ll be treated each weekend to parades of massive floats designed by the ‘Krewes’ who each build their parade around a given theme. The Krewe du Vieux, for example, is known for it’s highly satirical parades and for showcasing some of the best traditional bands in New Orleans.

January also happens to be one of the rainiest times in sub-tropical New Orleans, so you might want to pack one of our stylish ladies umbrellas to keep your head dry while you enjoy the revelries!

Carnival in Basel

Carnival in Basel, sometimes called Dame Fasnacht or just Fasnacht locally, is one of the many iterations of Mardi Gras that occur worldwide each year.

The small Swiss city of Basel has been hosting their own Mardi Gras celebration since 1529. They’ve added so much of their own twist to it that it’s now become the biggest carnival in Switzerland and has been named UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The three-day festival begins in the dark at 4 am, when the streets will suddenly be illuminated by a parade of music, beautiful lanterns, and one or two political statements. This is called Morgestraich (or Morgenstreich) and is only the first of the parades that take place during Carnival.

For instance, the aptly named ‘Big Parade’ features people disguised from head-to-toe in various costumes throwing candy, confetti, and other trinkets at onlookers.

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

What makes the Cheung Chau Bun Festival a sight to behold are the three giant bun towers that grace the Pak Tai Temple on the beautiful little Cheung Chau Island, which is just offshore of Hong Kong.

The origins of this festival are stepped in myth and are said to be a celebration of how the god Pak Thai saved the village from a plague in the late 19th Century. 

During the days-long event, onlookers will be able to witness an array of colourful parades that begin and end at Pak Tai- the very same route said to have been taken by the god. The parade are a feast for the eyes ( and your tummy if you manage to grab a ‘lucky bun’), featuring lion dances, marching bands, and the gravity-defying sight of a piu sik parade.

This is where several children are precariously positioned so they appear to be floating above the rest of the parade.

Up Helly Aa

Our final stop on this tour of parades takes us to Lerwick, Shetland, which hosts Europe’s biggest fire festival at the end of January – Up Helly Aa.

While the Shetland Islands are a part of Scotland and thus the UK, historically they were first colonised by Scandinavian countries in the 8th and 9th centuries, which explains the distinct Norse theme that runs through festival. Although, Up Helly Aa itself didn’t come into existence until the 19th century as a new year celebration.

While there are events that take place during the day, the real show doesn’t begin until after the has gone down. Almost 1000 torchbearers will march through the streets led by a Jarl who stands at the head of a huge replica longship. The longship is pulled to the burning site, where the Jarl leaves and the torchbearers throw their torches onto the ship, setting it alight in a spectacular fiery finale before joining in traditional Viking song.

There’s so much to be learned about the culture and customs of a place from visiting a parade or festival – so get yourself equipped with a stylish umbrella and start planning which one you’re going to go to first!

Sources

https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/best-times-to-visit-new-orleans/#:~:text=Rain%20is%20a%20common%20occurrence,8%20inches%20of%20average%20rainfall.

 

https://www.bs.ch/en/Portrait/events/carnival.html

 

https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead#:~:text=The%20roots%20of%20the%20Day,dead%20in%20pre%2DColumbian%20Mesoamerica.

 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/slideshow/sponsor-content-eleven-must-see-destinations-day-of-dead-mexico

 

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mardi-gras

 

https://www.neworleans.com/events/holidays-seasonal/mardi-gras/

 

https://unexpectedoccurrence.com/what-is-fasnacht/

 

https://www.basel.com/en/events/carnival

 

https://www.hong-kong-traveller.com/cheung-chau-bun-festival.html

 

https://thehkhub.com/cheung-chau-bun-festival/

 

https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-history-guide-cheung-chau-bun-festival

 

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/england/articles/the-uk-s-10-most-unusual-festivals/

 

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/up-helly-aa/