Competitive hole digging has been named the UK's weirdest hobby, according to research commissioned by Dr Pepper. The survey found that two-fifths (41%) of Brits describe the pastime as niche or unusual.
Top five unusual pastimes
Cloud spotting (33%), snail racing (31%), moth watching (29%) and yodelling (25%) complete the top five, with the findings suggesting there is a hobby for everyone.
Among those with niche or unusual hobbies, a third (33%) said their hobby has helped them feel more comfortable being themselves. More than a quarter (27%) said it has helped them feel less lonely, and 26% say it has helped them become part of a new community.
Shared interests build connections
With three-quarters (76%) of Brits saying they want more opportunities to spend time offline with other people, niche hobbies could offer a simple way to turn shared interests into real-world connections. The survey revealed almost half of Brits (43%) think it's important to have hobbies or interests that feel different from those of most people.
A whopping 72% of the 2,000 Brits quizzed said they'd be likely to strike up a conversation with a stranger if they discovered they shared an unusual interest. Two-thirds (69%) said discovering they shared a niche or unusual interest with someone would make them more likely to become friends with them.
Campaign to embrace weirdness
YouTuber and comedian Max Fosh and Dr Pepper will be heading to UK universities to challenge students to embrace their weirdness, discover what they have in common with others and find their own 'Weird Tribe'. Students will be invited to take part in the Weird Tribe Games, putting their unusual interests and personalities to the test as they meet fellow students and compete to win weird and wonderful prizes.
At the heart of the campaign is a four-person bike designed to bring people together. Max said: "Everyone has something a bit weird they're really into and for me it's conkers. It's pretty niche, but that's exactly what makes it so good for finding people who get you. So I say embrace the weird stuff - it might just be the easiest way to find your people."
Consumers can get involved too by scanning the QR code on specially marked Dr Pepper packs for the chance to win weird prizes, including Max and Dr Pepper's Four-Man Bike.
Top 10 unusual university societies
Dr Pepper also listed the UK's most unusual university societies, including the Hole Digging Society, Hummus Society, Extreme Ironing Society, Sandcastle Society, Bell Ringing Society, Juggling & Circus Society, Wild Swimming Society, Rubber Duck Appreciation Society, Duck Society and Underwater Hockey Society.
