Life in the UK test notes

A modern, thriving society

Population: 62 million people (2012)
Population is ageing
70% Christian
4% Muslim
2% Hindu
1% Sikh
0.5% Jewish or Buddhist
21% no religion
Church of England is Protestant
Church of Scotland is Presbyterian
St David's day (Wales): March 1
St Patrick's day (N Ireland): March 17
St George's day (England): April 23
St Andrew's day (Scotland): November 30
Only Scotland and N Ireland have holidays on saint's days
Diwali, festival of lights, Sikhs, 5 days, usually oct or nov
Hannukah, Jewish, 8 days, nov or dec
Eid al-Fitr, end of Ramadan, Muslim
Eid ul Adha, Muslim
Vaisakhi, Sikh, April 14
Mother's Day, three weeks before Easter
Father's day, third Sunday in June
Cricket games can last for up to 5 goddamn days. Ashes.
Football is most popular sport. Premier League, UEFA, Champions League, FIFA (one from each UK country), World Cup (same), UEFA (same)
Rugby: 19th century england. Six Nations (union), Super League (league)
Horse racing: Royal Ascot (Berkshire), Grand National (Liverpool), Scottish Grand National (Ayr)
Golf: 15th C Scotland. Open Championship
Tennis: England, 19th century. Leamington Spa, 1872. Wimbledon.
Skiing: 5 centres in Scotland, world's longest dry slope near Edinburgh

Running: Roger Bannister, Mo Farah, Kelly Holmes
Formula 1: Jackie Stewart, Damon Hill, Lewis Hamilton, Jensen Button
Football: Bobby Moore
Cricket: Ian Botham
Ice dancing: Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean
Rowing: Steve Redgrave
Paralympics: Tanni Grey-Thompson, David Weir, Ellie Simmonds
Sailing: Ellen MacArthur (1976-), Francis Chichester (first solo circumnavigation)
Cycling: Chris Hoy (1976-), Bradley Wiggins (1980-)
Athletics: Jessica Ennis (1986-)
Tennis: Andy Murray (1987-)

Purcell, Handel, Holst, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Walton, Britten -- all British (eventually)
Festivals: Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, V Festival