Towel Day

Towel Day History

Towel Day is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the life and works of British author Douglas Adams. Adams is best known for his science-fiction series, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Fans are encouraged to carry a towel throughout the day, in homage to the story, where towels are hailed as the most useful item a traveller can possess.

Towel Day originated in 2001 after Adams' untimely death as a tribute to the author by his admirers worldwide. A group of fans, led by an individual named D. Clyde Williamson, declared 25th of May as Towel Day to commemorate the author.

In the United Kingdom, the observance of Towel Day often involves fans donning their towels and attending local gatherings or events, which may include themed quizzes, readings of Adams' work, or even costume competitions. Towel Day occurs annually on 25th May.

Towel Day facts

• Douglas Adams launched an online version of the Hitchhiker’s Guide in 1999. It was taken over by the BBC and continues to run.
• Douglas Adams received a £1,500 advance for the first Hitchhiker’s book. His advance for the fourth book in the series, So Long and Thanks for all the Fish, was over £600,000.
• Douglas Adams owned one of the first Macintosh computers in the UK and used it extensively for his writing.
• In 2013, a statue of Douglas Adams was unveiled outside the Hammersmith Apollo in London (now called the Eventim Apollo). The statue, titled Author of Life, the Universe and Everything, was commissioned by Adams' family and features his classic phrase Don't Panic from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
• The British Humanist Association (now known as Humanists UK) named Douglas Adams a "Distinguished Supporter." Adams was a staunch supporter of humanism, and Towel Day often includes events highlighting his views on science, technology, and human progress.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Towel Day

Top things to do in the UK for Towel Day

• Remember to bring your towel with you, it's the most important item a hitchhiker can carry.
• Watch a documentary about Douglas Adams and his work to celebrate Towel Day. Some suggestions include:
  1. Life, the Universe and Douglas Adams (2002): A documentary that explores the life and career of Douglas Adams, featuring contributions from various authors, actors, and friends.
  2. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: A Trilogy in Five Parts (1993): A radio drama adaptation of the science fiction series by the BBC. Though not a movie or documentary per se, it is an excellent audio representation of Adams' work.
  3. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005): A film adaptation of the first book, starring Martin Freeman as Arthur Dent, Sam Rockwell as Zaphod Beeblebrox, and featuring a cameo by Douglas Adams' friend and fellow author Stephen Fry as the voice of the Guide.
• Visit the house in Islington, London, where Adams wrote much of his work or head to Highgate Cemetery to pay respects at his grave.