Public encouraged to propose festive traditions, such as
Christmas pantomime and carol-singing, as well as others from all
year round, for formal recognition as mainstays of UK culture
UK to ratify 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Public consultation launched to inform UK’s approach to creating
a new register for traditions valued by communities up and down
the country
Communities across the UK will be able to nominate their most
cherished local traditions to be included in a new register of
cultural heritage in the UK.
Festive favourites, such as pantomime, carol-singing and the art
of making a Christmas wreath could all be formally recognised
– as could others from throughout the year, such sea
shanties, cèilidh and calligraphy.
Seasonal celebrations taking place at Patron Saints’ days,
Hogmanay, Burns Night, Shrove Tuesday, and the Welsh tradition of
holding Eisteddfodau, where all cultural activities including
singing and spoken word are conducted in the Welsh language,
could also be included.
Traditions that are central to the rich tapestry which makes up
the UK’s many cultures and identity – from Highland dancing to
bagpipe playing, cheese-rolling and the male voice choirs of the
Welsh valleys – are expected to also be put forward for a UK-wide
official inventory. This could also include traditions brought to
the UK by immigrant communities, such as Notting Hill Carnival
and steel-drumming.
Artisanal crafts such as basket-weaving, thatching and the arts
of creating tartan and tweed, as well as the practitioners of
these traditions, will also be considered.
It comes as the UK Government has confirmed its intention to
ratify the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage, which seeks to protect the crafts,
practices, and traditions which are recognised as being key part
of national life and providing a sense of identity to communities
across the UK.
These practices are often also referred to as ‘intangible
cultural heritage’ or ‘living heritage’ and are inherited from
our ancestors and passed on to our descendants.
Arts and Heritage Minister of Whitley Bay said:
“The UK is rich in traditions which are passed down from
generation to generation.
“These crafts, customs, and celebrations have helped to shape our
communities and bring people together, who continue to shape them
in turn.
“By ratifying this Convention, we will be able to celebrate
treasured traditions from every corner of the UK, support the
people who practise them, and ensure they are passed down for
future generations to enjoy.”
By ratifying the Convention, the UK Government will be able to
recognise our most important crafts and traditions in the same
way as we have considered our physical heritage sites such as the
Giant’s Causeway, Fountains Abbey, and the Tower of London.
As intangible cultural heritage can only be considered as such
when it is recognised by the communities, groups or individuals
that create, maintain and share it, it will be these groups and
people who will be able to nominate the UK’s cherished traditions
to be formally recognised.
A public consultation launched today will seek the public’s views
on the UK Government’s proposed approach to implementing the
Convention across the UK to safeguard valued traditions. This
will include the approach to how people will be able to nominate
traditions, how they will be adjudicated, and any criteria that
the nominated practices will need to meet before they are
considered.
The UK Government has been working closely with the Devolved
Administrations, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories
in the run up to this decision, and will continue to do so in
order to implement the Convention and collate the UK-wide
inventory, which is expected to launch for nominations next year.
UK Government minister for Scotland, , said:
"Hogmanay, Burns Night and ceilidh dancing are Scottish
traditions celebrated across the world and now we will be able to
give them recognition alongside those from around the UK as part
of this international convention.
"I encourage communities across the country to nominate their
local traditions that will be ratified and help to preserve them
for generations to come."
Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:
“We have a huge number of wonderful traditions and customs in
Wales that help make our nation unique and distinct and it’s
great that many of these will now be formally recorded and
recognised.
“It’s important to preserve and protect living heritage, as well
as physical landmarks and heritage sites, to pass onto future
generations and maintain our special Welsh culture.”
Minister of State said:
“Northern Ireland has a rich culture, and I welcome this
initiative to enable communities to nominate what matters to them
for recognition.
“This is a great opportunity to ensure the UK’s cultural heritage
is preserved for the benefit of future generations.”
ENDS
Notes to editor:
