Key events of 2023

As we say goodbye to 2022 and welcome the changes that 2023 will inevitably bring, we've summarised some of the key events and anniversaries coming up in the year ahead, many of which present great opportunities to showcase your rural business and form new partnerships.

The UN has designated 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Dubbed “supergrains”, for centuries, millets have served as an important staple in parts of Asia and Africa. Closer to home, RHET's Year of Seeds and Grains runs throughout the 2022/2023 academic year. Their website has heaps of educational resources.

Did you take part in Scotland's Year of Stories? Following an industry consultation, Event Scotland's themed years will now take place every second year to enable more time for planning with the next themed year being in 2024. Watch out for the information about the theme and funding opportunities on their website.

The Chinese Spring Festival/Lunar New Year falls on Sunday, January 22 starting the year of the Rabbit. The event is a key opportunity for exporters of luxury goods to showcase their products.

The biggest event of the year, the Coronation of Charles III - aka Operation Golden Orb - will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey.

Glasgow may have lost out to Liverpool as the host city of the Eurovision Song Contest but there will still be a buzz throughout Scotland on Saturday 13 May, especially amongst the Ukrainian community (Ukraine would've been hosting had it not been for the Russian invasion).

On 20^th May, Dunfermline celebrates its first birthday as a city. Leeds is UK's 2023 City of Culture https://leeds2023.co.uk/ and Elefsina (Greece), Veszprém (Hungary) and Timisoara (Romania) have all been designated European Capitals of Culture for 2023.

Doctor Who turns 60 this year. Were you a fan? Did you have a favourite Doctor? Nostalgia is a powerful marketing tool so be sure to tap into some of the big anniversaries happening this year including Jurassic Park (30 years), Big Lebowski (35 years), Scarface (40 years) and The Wicker Man (50 years).

2023 is packed with events that you could use in your promotions, blogs and social media channels! If you need help with managing your digital marketing, let us know.

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