The UK government has issued a nationwide call for communities to nominate the unique traditions, crafts, and celebrations that define them for a new official register of 'living heritage'. This initiative aims to recognise and safeguard the intangible cultural practices that form the bedrock of local and national identity across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
What Constitutes the UK's Living Heritage?
The proposed inventory will encompass a vast array of practices handed down through generations. This includes social events and festivals such as the Notting Hill Carnival, Burns Night suppers, or Pancake Day races. It covers skilled crafts like tartan weaving, dry stone walling, or Ulster lace making. Performing arts from Scottish ceilidhs to steel-drumming, and unique pursuits like Gloucestershire cheese-rolling or the Welsh bog-snorkelling championships, are also in scope.
The government stresses that the list must be inclusive and reflect the UK's evolving culture. "Traditions brought by immigrant communities are also part of that," said Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross. She emphasised that this process is about starting a national conversation on what communities value, which can, in turn, boost community cohesion.
An Economic and Cultural Imperative
Beyond cultural value, these traditions hold significant economic weight. Research from Historic England indicates the wider heritage sector contributed over £15 billion to the economy in 2022. Government figures show crafts alone generate around £400 million annually.
Major events can be transformative for local economies. For instance, the historic bonfire celebrations in Lewes, East Sussex, draw 40,000 visitors each year. Safeguarding such traditions ensures they continue to provide social and economic benefits for future generations.
How the Nomination Process Will Work
This move follows the UK's ratification of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024. The convention requires member states to create inventories of living cultural practices.
Submissions must come from the communities or groups that actively practise them and can fall under seven categories:
- Oral expressions (storytelling, song, poetry)
- Performing arts
- Social practices, rituals, and events
- Traditional crafts
- Sports and games
- Culinary practices
- Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe
Separate inventories will be compiled for each of the four UK nations, which will then combine into a single UK register. Baroness Twycross highlighted the importance of community-led nominations: "This is about communities themselves saying what they value and what they think should be passed down."
For more information on how to make a submission to the living heritage list, visit the official portal at www.livingheritage.unesco.org.uk.
