“Australia Day? What is Australia Day? And when is Australia Day?” Well, as the name suggests, Australia Day is an annual celebration of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip on 26th January 1788. Australia Day this year falls on Thursday 26th January 2017. Interestingly, most of the celebrations surrounding Australia Day involve community and family events, reflections on Australian history and citizenship ceremonies. Of course, we’re from the UK, so Australia Day isn’t a huge national holiday. However, the history of our nations is undoubtedly intertwined, and of course there are lots of Aussies in the UK and vice-versa. Learning a bit about our neighbours on that side of the world seems the sensible thing to do.
Therefore, one of the best things us Brits can do is to celebrate with our Dutch (sorry, Aussie) cousins from down under. Here are a few ways to do so …
Shark Dress Costume and Shark Hat
1.Belushi’s
Where: 161-165 Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR When: Thursday 26th January 2017 Anyone who’s ever been to a Belushi’s Bar in London (or indeed Newquay, Bath, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris and lots of other places) would quickly come to realise that it’s backpacker heaven - especially for those from down under. Should you wish to celebrate Australia Day with people who are from Australia, head on down to your nearest Belushi’s (or the big one in London Bridge, as above).
Kangaroo Boxer and Carry Me Kangaroo
2. Aus Day in the Apartment
Where: Rah Rah Room, 217 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HN When: Sunday 22nd January 2017 A show that’s part cabaret, part chat show and part live comedy? Well, why not? Hosted by Nick Hardcastle, the night features live music, copious amounts of beer and lots of green-and-gold coloured furniture.
Inflatable Flamingo, Beach Ball and Palm Tree
3. Australia Day Craft Beer Festival
Where: Oval Space, 29-32 The Oval, London E2 9DT When: Thursday 26th January 2017 Sure, it’s the middle of winter over here in the UK (and summer in Australia), but it wouldn’t be an Australia Day without BBQ. Oh, and if you’re having an Oz-style barbie, then some Australian craft brew is a must to wash it down with. The Australia Day Craft Beer Festival is the perfect way to salute our friends from down under. There will be Lamingtons ( and free sarnies before noon, too!)
4. 1 Big Night Out Straya Day Pub Crawl
Where: Rileys Sports Bar, 80 Haymarket, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4TE When: Thursday 26th January 2017 If you’re looking to get all dressed up in Koala and Kangaroo outfits (or just garbed in Australian flag symbols) and spend several hours drinking in various Oz-themed bars, this is the event for you. Almost nothing says “Australia Day” like a bar crawl.