vallierojas

vallierojas

Maldon Mud Race, Maldon

Among the many rites of passage that await men and women of Essex, few are as filthy as this annual dash across the Blackwater Estuary. The inlet's name is well chosen: at low tide there lurks the darkest and filthiest of muddy slime, perfect conditions in the eyes of some for a race. This 400-yard charity jog has been a local tradition since the mid-70s when the event involved downing a pint of beer on one side of the river before wading back to dry land. Something about seeing hundreds of lunatics in fancy dress squelch their way through waist-deep mud attracts huge crowds, who also have a rubber duck and balloon race to amuse themselves with.

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Tue 28, 11am, donations at entrance

Johnny Dee

Hogmanay, Edinburgh

Bringing in the new year in Scotland's capital might be best known for the TV sight of revellers freezing for hours at the world's biggest street party on Princes Street, but there is plenty more to it. Partying outside with Jack Frost is of course, part of the spectacle, but this year's Hogmanay and New Year's Day music will keep spirits high with the likes of Biffy Clyro and KT Tunstall among many, plus Kaiser Chiefs DJing. Arrive the night before, though, and you'll catch the magnificent torchlit procession and fireworks and there are three days of events to enjoy including racing, rugby, Edinburgh films, the New Year's Day Loony Dook swim in the River Forth, haikus from poets, and Ian Rankin and Lin Anderson on why Edinburgh inspires the arts.

Various venues, Thu 30 to 2 Jan

Katrina Dixon

YuleTIDE 2010, Gillingham

Crafty Christmas gifts with something of a nautical flair are the order of the day at this festive fair and workshop event held onboard a former lightship that is now enjoying a new life as an arts venue. Handmade collective Seaside Sisters have an array of bunting, bags, wrapping paper and souvenir tea towels on offer, while local milliner Chatham Girl will be peddling her unique and eye-catching range of hats and fascinators. There are workshops in bunting-making and printing to try, as well as the chance to learn sea-faring radio code and a treasure trail to follow.

LV21 Lightship, Gillingham Pier, Pier Approach Rd, Sat 18, Sun 19,

Iain Aitch