Most European countries celebrate their national indigenous culture, but in Britain folklore has been totally overlooked. It is often trivialised, reported as being all quirky little Morris dancers and cheese-rolling.

In fact there are around 730 recorded annual seasonal customs, from the May Day festivals to the Lewes bonfire or the barrel-burning at Ottery St Mary. They are a fantastic way of bringing people together, celebrating life.

Throughout history, the authorities have tried to ban these celebrations. For all that light side, there’s also a darkness and a healthy streak of anarchic Britain running through them.

The Museum of British Folklore has been an idea brewing in my mind since I was a child. This year I’m going to be touring festivals in my caravan raising awareness of the project, seeing what people can donate and hoping to find it a home.

Welcome to the House of Fairy Tales

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BACKGROUND

• The Okido science colouring book that you can eat

• How schoolchildren shaped the new Trafalgar Square plinth

• Traditional British culture has been forgotten

BACKGROUND

• Heston Blumenthal's Mock Turtle Soup

• Sophie Dahl's magic muesli

• Make a gingerbread house and people

One very important remit is to encourage young artists to contribute new work that reacts to folkloric themes. David Owen has even done a print of Morrissey Morris dancing.

Folklore is finding new relevance with people. A lot of folklore festivals represent a time when communities came together to strengthen bonds. Those things are needed now more than ever.

You can visit The Museum of British Folklore at the Tate Modern in London this weekend

For more fun, games and fairytales go to the House of Fairy Tales website

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