At The Great British Brexit Company we’re as far away from being a Eurocratic control freak as you can possibly get. That said, sometimes, it’s helpful to get some friendly advice.
As a result, below are 10 dates over the course of the next two years until Brexit which we think merit removing a star. Some are light-hearted and some more serious but they all celebrate or mark something which helps make Great Britain, well, Great. You may have some thoughts of your own on other suitable dates and that’s just fine too.
There are only 10 dates listed because we suggest you remove the first star the day you get your calendar and save the last till Brexit-Eve.
In addition, by registering your email with us we will provide you with current dates when particular progress is made or a milestone's passed in Brexit negotiations and which are worthy of removing a star (and possibly a trip to the pub too).
9th July 2017
On this day in 1877 the first Wimbledon Championship opened its doors to players and spectators alike. The competition was the first ever official lawn tennis tournament and went on to be recognised as the first Tennis ‘Grand Slam’. It was a ‘men only’ affair (a sign of the times). We’re not sure what the weather was like or how many punnets of strawberries were consumed but the competition was won by a Brit, Spencer Gore. Speaking of which, Come on Andy!
3rd September 2017
The discovery of penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic, began on September 3rd 1928 when Alexander Fleming inspected his laboratory petri dishes following a holiday break. His discovery of ‘Penicillium Notatum’ has saved, and continues to save, millions of lives around the world. We must never forget our appetite and talent for innovation and the global impact this can have.
21st October 2017
21st October 1805 – Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar turns Admiral Lord Nelson into a national hero but costs him his life. His column on Trafalgar Square is arguably one of the UK’s most recognisable tourist attractions, along with the four lions which sit beneath it. It’s often forgotten that these statues are made of the bronze from melted down French cannon seized at the Battle of Trafalgar and which act to remind us that winning is in our blood.
27th November 2017
The Referendum Party was founded on 27th November 1994 with the mission of giving the British public a vote on whether to remain in the EU. People often forget about the Party and its efforts in the 1990s but without them it is quite possible that the EU referendum would never has come to pass. Thank you Sir James (Jimmy) Goldsmith!
3rd March 2018
3rd March 1957 – Britain participates in its first Eurovision song competition (the 2nd time the contest was held). We came 7th of 10 – some things never change... As Eurovision isn’t anything to do with the EU we’ll be singing our hearts out long after Brexit.
23rd April 2018
Anniversary of Shakespeare’s death on 23rd April 1616. Arguably the most famous Briton ever, the bestselling fiction author of all time has sold over 4 billion copies of his work.
11th May 2018
On this day in 1953 Sir Winston Churchill, a true giant of modern history, addressed the question of Britain and its relationship with Europe in a speech to Parliament, saying of the then European institutions, “we are with them, but not of them. We have our own Commonwealth and Empire." Whilst much has changed in the 65 years that have passed, the timeless poignancy of Sir Winston’s words ring as true today as they did then.
9th June 2018
The Official Birthday of Her Majesty, The Queen. Our Nation’s longest serving Monarch and an inspiration to millions, at home, across the Commonwealth and around the globe. Happy Birthday Ma’am.
31st October 2018
The closing ceremony of the 1908 Olympic Games in London took place on 31st October 1908. Britain topped the Game’s medals table with 146 medals in total, of which 56 were Gold. 104 years later in 2012 Britain once again welcomed the world to London for the Games and came a remarkable 3rd with 65 medal in total, of which 29 were Gold.
February 2019
One of Britain’s other great talents is producing iconic musicians and bands. From the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, to David Bowie, Wham, Oasis, Duran Duran, Adele and Ed Sheeran (to name but a few) people around the world have shaken their stuff to British beats for decades (and no doubt will continue to do so after Brexit). Rather than celebrating just one artist, we’re celebrating them all, just like the Brit Awards, held every February. We’re not sure what date the event will be held on in 2019 but we’ll provide specifics as soon as we’re able.
