2-8 August 2014
Saturday
Love and affection
It was the penultimate day of the UK’s national bisexual convention at Leeds Trinity University in Yorkshire. BiCon brings together bisexual people and their allies for discussion groups, workshops and activities.
Sunday
Nothing but the Bestival
School holiday staple - and teacher favourite - Camp Bestival came to a close, with the Dorset shindig hosting ska music legends The Skatalites (left) alongside The Wedding Present and Chas and Dave. Retro!
Monday
We will remember them
Britain marked the centenary of its entry into the First World War. Away from the home front, representatives from more than 80 countries attended a commemoration of the start of the conflict in Lige, Belgium.
Tuesday
Public briefing
Ever had that dream where you’re in public wearing nothing but your scanties? National Underwear Day in the US turns that nightmare into a reality; last year more than 800 partied in their pants in Times Square.
Wednesday
What a clown
The end of International Clown Week was approaching, where jesters from all over the world put on shows in nurseries, hospitals, shopping centres and nursing homes. Now, where did I put my extra-long shoes?
Thursday
Unbridled excitement
Hardy horseback riders contested the annual “world-famous suicide race” in the US state of Washington. The perilous mountain race was launched in 1935 to promote the Omak Stampede rodeo.
Friday
The whole kit and caboodle
Cat enthusiasts will be feline good today - it’s International Cat Day. Organised by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the event was set up by the charity to promote peaceful coexistence between man and pet.
9-15 August 2014
Saturday
A close shave
On your marks, get set, mow! The British Lawn Mower Racing Association is holding its annual 12-hour lawnmower race near Billingshurst, West Sussex. The winning team receives ale and a bacon butty.
Sunday
Young love
You’ll be able to hear the screams from here as California in the US plays host to this year’s Teen Choice Awards. Last year, the big winners included One Direction and the latest film in the Twilight saga.
Monday
Nuggets of wisdom
The annual World Goldpanning Championships are due to kick off in Kopparberg, Sweden. The contest is held in artificial pools and competitors try to collect the most metal in a given time.
Tuesday
Why the mind matters
On this year’s International Youth Day the United Nations is aiming to promote awareness of mental health illness among young people, and the millions who do not receive the treatment they need.
Wednesday
Out of left field
Gone are the days when left-handers would have their hands tied behind their backs in the classroom to get them to conform - sinistral students now have their own global day of celebration.
Thursday
The mark of doom
It’s a big day for secondary teachers and pupils alike as sixth-formers in England and Wales pick up their A-level results. The big question is: will they go up or down? Expect controversy, whatever happens.
Friday
Naming convention
You’ll be able to see the names of pupils you’ll be teaching in the years to come when the UK’s Office for National Statistics publishes 2013‘s most popular baby names. Expect “George” to be a popular choice.
