Story Hooks You Can Use in July

July is almost upon us and it’s time to plan some story-telling and remember some key things e.g. the weather makes a great story, we’ve got the World Cup going on can you talk about that and it makes sense? Or do you have a business milestone to celebrate? 

If not here are some ideas for this upcoming month. 

July is the month of summer, when the sun’s radiance is at its peak. In the northern hemisphere, July is the seventh month of the year. For many, it reminds us of the end of the academic year, promises of a beautiful summer to come and for many of us a chance to breathe and reset ready for the rest of the year. July symbolises warmth, freedom, peace and growth. 

Beyond the heat of summer, July holds a deeper meaning. For some, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the year so far and to plan for opportunities that lie ahead. For many, it also allows us to reflect on family gatherings, travel, holiday destinations and long sunny days. The July birth flower, Larkspur, represents lightness of spirit, while the July birthstone, Ruby, represents motivation encouraging us to step into our power and seize the day. Carpe Diem! 

Did you also know that the birth month bird for July is the Eagle? Very fitting for a month centred around motivation, power and direction. The Bald Eagle gets its name from an old English word ‘balde’ which means ‘shining white’ due to its distinctive white head, making it easy to spot from a distance. Many people will also know that July is named after Julius Caeser, Roman Dictator, who developed the Julian calendar. The month was named after him when he was killed in 44B.C. July is the first month to be named after an actual person and not a deity. 

Key dates in July:

1^st – Wrong Trousers Day/International Joke Day
2^nd – World UFO Day
3^rd – National Stay Out of the Sun Day
4^th – American Independence Day
5^th – National Meadows Day
7^th – Tell the Truth Day/World Chocolate Day
8^th – Video Games Day
10^th – Don’t Step on a Bee Day
11^th – Cheer up the Lonely Day/World Population Day
12^th – Malala Day/National Simplicity Day (look up Henry David Thoreau)
13^th – Embrace your Geekness Day/ Anniversary of the Hollywood sign was dedicated above the hills of Hollywood.
14^th – Shark Awareness Day/ New Moon Day/Bastille Day/ Black Country Day/ Emmeline Pankhurst day
15^th – World Youth Skills Day/ Hampshire Day/ St Swithin’s Day
16^th – World Snake Day
17^th – World Emoji Day/ World Day of International Justice
18^th – Black leaders Awareness Day/ Nelson Mandela International Day
19^th – Anniversary of Brunel’s steam ship the SS Great Britain was launched
20^th – World Chess Day/ World Ice cream Day/ International Moon Day
22^nd – World Brain Day
24^th – National Schizophrenia Awareness Day/ Samaritans Awareness Day/ International Self Care Day
27^th – Bagpipe Appreciation Day/Norfolk day/ Manchester Day
29^th – International Tiger Day/ Full Moon (29^th – 30^th)
30^th – World Friendship Day/ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
31^st – Harry Potter’s Birthday

This is just a small collection of important dates in July. Be aware of these key dates and try to put the ones that are relevant to you in your diary. Plan where you can. Could you create a blog or social media post around some of these dates? Do any of these dates really stand out to you or relate closely to your business? Could you do something fun in the office that relates to one of these days and then post it online? A lot of these dates can be used for inspiration which could be turned into a story for the media. Make sure that any events you put on or take part in are documented. This could then be turned into multiple stories.

If you need more help, then some awareness weeks in July may be of use to you in your business:

Awareness Weeks:

June 28^th – Jul 06 National Marine Week
June 28^th – July 06 Children’s Art week
July 1^st – 7^th Clean Beaches Week
July 16^th – 26^th Festival of British Archaeology
July 24^th – 31^st Love Parks Week

This month you can compare July of 2025 with this year’s weather. You can also talk about the school holidays if relevant to you and your business as schools break up for the summer holidays. Other possible themes this month include Plastic Free July, National Picnic Month and Global Enterprise Month. You can share tips about holidays, staying safe in the sun, healthy eating in the summer or even BBQs. 

Awareness Months:

Sarcoma Awareness Month
Good Care Month
Plastic Free July
National Picnic Month
Global Enterprise Agility Month
South Asian Heritage Month
Independent Retailer Month
Disability Pride Month
Second Month of Summer
Bereaved Parents Awareness Month
World Watercolour Month
National Fishing Month (July 26 to August 31)

Are there any changes in the law that will affect your business this month? Are you speaking at an event this month? Do you have a new team member joining you this month? Are there any awareness days/weeks this month that are completely aligned with your business or purpose? 

July is also well known for being Disability Pride Month. Do you have any long term conditions or illnesses? Do you know anyone close to you who does? What are your views and opinions on this topic? Can you share them?

Think about how you personally and professionally engage with these topics. Create social media posts. Engage with your audience. Our diary/planner is a great place to look for a more detailed breakdown. Anything you do needs to be documented and shared from start to finish. This can turn into multiple stories, which is easier when pitching to journalists. Please remember to check on a calendar as dates can vary from year to year.