Gen Z have had their say on what’s defined our summer and it’s not Liam and Noel’s return – think more Harrison, Blu and Angel
Gen Z-ers have crowned Love Island the UK’s biggest summer cultural event – batting away stiff competition from Wimbledon, Glastonbury and even the Oasis reunion tour.
Two-fifths (44%) of those aged 18-28 have placed the reality TV dating show firmly at the top of their list – narrowly pipping Wimbledon (43%) to the post.
Glastonbury was nudged into third place with 37% of the vote and even the hotly anticipated Oasis reunion tour only mustered up 23% of the vote.
The annual reality show, known for its sun-soaked villa antics, has clearly cemented its place in the national psyche as the event of the summer.
Three quarters (76%) of Gen Z say Love Island is one of the most talked about moments of the summer, with one in five (20%) admitting they’ve skipped plans in order to watch the show.
Not content with dominating screens, the guilty pleasure has also broken into the realm of cultural artefacts.
The show’s iconic personalised water bottle, seen clutched by islanders during every heated conversation and poolside flirtation, was named one of the top 10 symbols of modern British culture.
In a list that included both serious and tongue-in-cheek contenders, the Love Island bottle rubs shoulders with the likes of the Greggs sausage roll, a Tesco meal deal, and even Wetherspoons toilets.
A whopping six in 10 (63%) of Gen Z-ers consider Love Island a key part of British culture, with almost a quarter (24%) viewing the Love Island water bottle as one of Britain’s modern cultural artefacts.
This beats the likes of classics such as the Blue Peter badge (23%) and even Doctor Who’s Tardis (19%).
The popular piece of Love Island merchandise has since made waves outside of the villa to become a must-have summer accessory.
The personalised bottle was spotted in the hands of Kimberly Wyatt at Wembley Stadium yesterday [July 30th] during the Oasis concert.
Taking its place in this season’s cultural hall of fame, Love Island’s has an enduring popularity, with a quarter of the nation (25%) planning on tuning into the final next week.
Fans can get their hands on the new super-sized Love Island water bottle for £28 at www.loveislandshop.com
Top 10 cultural moments of the summer revealed
1. Love Island, 44%
2. Wimbledon, 43%
3. Glastonbury Festival, 37%
4. Women’s Euros, 33%
5. British Grand Prix at Silverstone, 25%
6. Oasis reunion tour, 23%
7. Royal Ascot, 18%
8. The BBC Proms, 16%
9. Edinburgh Fringe, 12%
10. Chelsea Flower Show, 11%
Top 10 British cultural artefacts
1. A Greggs sausage roll, 61%
2. A Tesco meal deal, 59%
3. A Freddo, 34%
4. Colin the Caterpillar Cake, 33%
5. The Wetherspoons toilets, 30%
6. The Love Island water bottle, 24%
7. A Blue Peter badge, 23%
8. Doctor Who’s Tardis, 19%
9. A Glastonbury wristband, 18%
10. A Nando’s black card, 16%
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
