NEWS COPY
The average Brit will see 12 BBQs, parties and even a wedding ruined by the rain every year, a study has revealed.
Researchers found that over the course of the average year, the traditional British weather will put a dampener on two BBQs, two leisurely walks and at least one family day trip, with over 69% of people opting to stay indoors and watch TV when it rains.
Several children’s parties, evening runs, gigs and sports games will also be ruined or even cancelled altogether thanks to the wet stuff.
But 88 per cent of long-suffering Brits still battle on with a planned activity or head outdoors regardless of the rain pouring down.
One in ten even went as far as to say they ‘love’ the rain, with 56 per cent thinking a rainy day makes an event more memorable and gives them a better story to tell in the future.
However, another one in ten completely hate the rain, with 42 per cent of parents refusing to let their children outdoors to play in the wet stuff.
Another 44 per cent never bother to buy wet weather gear because they simply refuse to go out in the rain.
A spokesman for Scandinavian outdoor clothing firm Helly Hansen, which commissioned the research, says, “Living in Britain, with our traditionally wet weather, we have to accept that there are some events or activities which might not go to plan.
“Even in the summer we aren’t guaranteed hot and dry weather, so it’s staggering to see just how many events the rain can put a dampener on.
“With so many health benefits attached to being outside in the fresh air, we shouldn’t allow the rain to prevent us from enjoying time outdoors. Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t still spend time outside with your family or go for that walk or run – it just needs a little more preparation and the right kit.
The study of 2,000 Brits found 62 per cent have been to a BBQ, sports activity or event outdoors with the family which has been ruined or even cancelled altogether because of the rain.
BBQs are most likely to be the victim of wet weather, with the average Brit facing two ruined garden parties each year.
Each year will also see one birthday party moved indoors, a gig or music concert enjoyed under a black cloud and one fete ruined or cancelled.
Family day trips, sports games, training sessions and even a wedding will also be left floundering under damp weather.
But rather than forgetting their plans altogether, a resilient 36 per cent have simply continued put up a gazebo to continue with a BBQ in the pouring rain, while another 34 per cent have donned wet weather gear to go ahead with a day trip in wet weather. A determined 14 per cent have also still continued with their regular walk, jog or exercise in the wet.
But while one in ten claims to love the rain, a third hate or dislike it, with another 51 per cent saying they are only fans if they are inside. Six in ten even said a rainy day immediately puts them in a bad mood, with another 70 per cent saying it affects the mood when they wake up.
Sixty-one per cent said their dislike for the rain is down to it being ‘depressing and gloomy’, with 35 per cent hating that it messes up their plans.
Others blamed their lack of love for the rain on it messing up their hair, not liking to feel wet or cold and having to stay indoors.
Researchers also revealed 59 per cent of prepared Brits always take an umbrella out with them ‘just in case’ while another 34 per cent wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without a raincoat.
Forty-two per cent even went as far as to say they worry about going outdoors in the wet due to concerns about slipping over, getting ill or dirty.
A spokesman for Helly Hansen adds, “Scandinavian countries are ranked as some of the world’s happiest nations, yet rain, wind and thunderstorms are the norm. They don’t let the rain ruin their mood or their plans, but have learnt to dress appropriately and embrace an active, outdoor lifestyle whatever the weather throws at them. If Scandinavians refused to go out in the rain, they would hardly go out at all!”
Helly Hansen’s #WeLOveRain campaign celebrates rainy adventures and Instagram users who upload images of them enjoying the outdoors could win an all-inclusive trip to Begen, Norway – one of the rainiest cities in the country.
Top five events ruined by bad weather
1. BBQs/garden parties
2. Day trips
3. Leisurely walks
4. Fetes
5. Outdoor gigs and concerts
ENDS
