Explore Events July 2006
The latest news, views and events from bmi
RAT RACE
For once we’re encouraging you to join the rat race, not escape it, with the ultimate urban adventure challenge. Taking place annually in Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol, Rat Race uses city landscapes as ready-made adventure courses, demanding strength, endurance, nerve and just a little bit of craziness. Participants must work in teams to scale buildings, kayak down waterways and hike, bike and climb their way to the finish line. As if that’s not enough, secret sections are thrown in, which might see the teams take to space hoppers or jump between rooftops. Well, it certainly beats taking the bus. Edinburgh 15-16 July, Manchester 5-6 August. Live entertainment and music provided for spectators. www..ratraceadventure. com
ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR
Expect a rather more stylish twist on the traditional tombola, coconut shy and Victoria sponge stall at London’s V&A museum’s annual social soiree celebrating the best in British design. Live DJs and a late bar add to Friday night’s entertainment, while children can join in the fun on Saturday with prizes awarded for the ‘best design icon’ fancy dress. 28 July 18.30-21.45, 29 July 13.00-17.00; Entrance fee £1, children under 12 (must be accompanied by adult) free; www.vam.ac.uk
COME FLY WITH ME
Some rather natty cabin crew outfits and, erm, in-flight cutlery collections are being displayed at Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum’s as part of its ‘Airworld: Design and Architecture for Air Travel’ exhibition, which explores more than a century’s worth of innovation and development in aircraft interior design. Surprisingly fascinating, even if you’re not a frequent flyer. The museum is temporarily based in the Post CS building – which, conveniently, is also home to 11, one of Amsterdam’s trendiest restaurants. So you can discuss the displays afterwards over a well-earned cocktail. July 21-November 5; www.stedelijk.nl
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
Las Vegas is the setting for more acrobatic antics from the Cirque du Soleil, as their latest production, Love, a homage to the musical legacy of The Beatles, opens on 2 July in a custom-built theatre at The Mirage. Performances at 7.30pm and 10.30pm (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays); tickets $69-$150. www.mirage.com
The great art-doors
Bored of stuffy art galleries? In Chicago, they appreciate the value of the great outdoors. During the city’s annual Magnificent Mile Art Festival, more than 200 artists display their wares – from paintings to photography, ceramics to sculpture – along North Michigan Avenue, which runs parallel to the river. Live entertainment adds to the festive atmosphere and the artists are on hand to chat about their work as you cruise for a bargain. 7-9 July; free entrance.
THE CHAP OLYMPICS
If your idea of sport is mixing the perfect martini or ironing a crease down the front of your trousers, then The Chap Olympics are for you. The annual London event, hosted by satirical magazine The Chap in association with Hendrick’s Gin, sees participants judged on their ability to throw plates of cucumber sandwiches, recite poetry and relate anecdotes (the wittier the better), among other essential skills. Much gin-swilling and umbrella-twirling ensues before the winner walks away with the highly coveted Golden Cravat. Utterly pointless but jolly good fun. Entry is free to all. Pip, pip!
July 13, Bedford Square Gardens, London; www..thechap.net
