Gingers Rejoice! Redhead Day UK Is Coming

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 102 months ago
Gingers Rejoice! Redhead Day UK Is Coming
Photo: Redhead Day UK

Gingers and redheads get a lot of unnecessary stick in life, from mates refusing to call you anything but "ginge" to complete strangers yelling "ginger" out the window as you walk past. This month though, redheads are being celebrated in the first ever Redhead Day UK — a festival celebrating all things ginger.

To get you into the spirit of things, we've done a little bit of delving for gingers in London.

Famous ginger Londoners

Some of the UK's most famous gingers hail from London, and London redheads have done pretty well for themselves. Prince Harry was born at St Mary's in Paddington, while other red-headed royals have included Queen Elizabeth I. Oliver Cromwell was also reportedly a redhead.

Florence Welch was born and raised in Camberwell, and David Bowie was born in Brixton and raised in Bromley.

Comedian Catherine Tate was born in Bloomsbury, and Homeland's Damian Lewis was born in St John's Wood, while fellow actor Tom Hiddleston was born in Westminster. Actress turned baker Jane Asher was born in Willesden

Where to find redheads in London

This chap at London Zoo prefers to be referred to as a "golden-headed" lion tamarin.
This chap at London Zoo prefers to be referred to as a "golden-headed" lion tamarin. ZSL London Zoo is home to plenty of ginger animals, from Sumatran tigers and Red Titi monkeys to red kangaroos. Photo: Mac Spud
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Crimean War nurse Florence Nightingale, AKA the Lady With The Lamp, was a redhead. The Florence Nightingale Museum, dedicated to her work, is near Westminster Bridge, and there's a statue of her on Waterloo Place near Pall Mall. Photo: JJ Willow
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Donald is a ginger cat looking for a home, currently living at Battersea Cats Home. He was dumped in a plastic bag and found on a train heading towards Victoria station.
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There are several portraits of redhead monarch Queen Elizabeth I at the National Portrait Gallery. Not all are on display at all times - check before you go. © National Portrait Gallery, London. Picture: National Portrait Gallery
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The London Overground is affectionately known as the Ginger Line. Photo: Geofftech
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The aptly named Red is a Staffie at Battersea Dogs Home who is in need of a home.

Redhead Day UK

Redhead Day UK is open to redheads and lovers of red hair alike, and is a celebration of all things ginger. The one-day event has a variety of entertainment, arts and stalls that everyone can enjoy, including beverages from Gingerella.

The highlight of the day is the MOGO (Music of Ginger Origin) awards ceremony, celebrating the cream of the ginger music industry. Categories include; ‘best ginger male musician’, ‘best ginger female musician’ and ‘best ‘redhead by choice'. Take a look at the nominees and cast your vote here.

Redhead Day UK takes place 12 September at Candid Arts Trust in Angel. Entry is free but you need to prebook.

Last Updated 07 September 2015