The UK government has launched a public call for submissions to identify traditions, crafts, and customs that could be added to the United Nations' intangible cultural heritage list. This move comes 18 months after the UK ratified the 2003 UNESCO convention, becoming eligible to nominate elements of its living heritage.
Minister for Culture, Fiona Twycross, invited people across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to suggest practices before the end of February next year. Examples include cheese rolling, Burns Night suppers, steel drumming, and the Notting Hill carnival. The aim is to create a domestic inventory by summer 2024, with potential submissions to UNESCO's international list.
Submissions must fall into one of seven categories: oral expressions, performing arts, social practices, nature/land/spirituality, crafts, sports and games, or culinary practices. A condition is that a community or group actively involved in the tradition must support the nomination. The inventory will include separate listings for each UK nation as well as a UK-wide combined list.
Twycross highlighted the cultural and economic value of these traditions, stating they 'form the rich tapestry of UK culture and identity' and boost local economies. The UNESCO intangible heritage list already includes over 600 elements from more than 180 countries, such as North African couscous and Alpine avalanche management.
