What are some unique ideas for celebrating a birthday in the UK?

The reigning monarch's birthday is celebrated twice a year - on their actual birth date and on an "official" date, typically in early June, to increase the chances of good weather for outdoor celebrations.

The Queen's official birthday is celebrated with a military parade known as Trooping the Colour, which has been a tradition since 1748 under King George II.

While the monarch's birthday is a public holiday in the UK, most people's individual birthdays are not - they are expected to take the day off work if they want to celebrate.

It is common in the UK to open birthday presents in front of guests, rather than privately, as a way to share the celebration with loved ones.

The 18th and 21st birthdays hold particular significance in the UK, often marked with more elaborate parties or events to commemorate the transition to adulthood.

Hiring a venue for a birthday party, such as a pub, restaurant or event space, is a popular option in the UK, rather than solely hosting at home.

Themed parties reflecting the birthday person's interests, like sports, music or travel, are becoming increasingly common in the UK.

Birthday cakes in the UK traditionally feature candles equal to the age of the celebrant, often with an additional candle for "luck."

Singing "Happy Birthday" is a ubiquitous tradition in the UK, but the melody used is typically the same as the American version.

Many pubs and restaurants in the UK offer birthday specials or discounts to celebrate the occasion.

Sending birthday cards, especially humorous or sentimental ones, is an integral part of birthday celebrations in the UK.

Destination birthday parties, such as weekend getaways or activity-focused events, are growing in popularity in the UK as unique ways to mark the occasion.