Explore Events October 2006
The latest news, views and events from bmi destinations including Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Manchester. Plus, the new version of an old board game that lets you purchase property with a credit card and the smallest bar in London opens its doors
The light fantastic
YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO AS FAR AS INDIA TO BE DAZZLED BY THE FESTIVAL OF DIWALI
THE INDIAN FESTIVAL of Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Throughout Mumbai, expect to see houses and buildings festooned with hundreds of little lamps to symbolise the glory of light over darkness. Fireworks, feasting and the giving of gifts and sweets add to the festive air – little wonder that Diwali is one of India’s most beautiful and joyous festivals. But if you can’t make it to Mumbai, join London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities in Trafalgar Square for the capital’s annual Diwali celebrations. With floating candles in the fountains and saris draping the square, it’s set to be a magical evening, with live entertainment provided by top Asian acts. 15 October, 4pm-8pm
Yes, but is it art?
GET SET FOR the inevitable media storm surrounding the opening of the Turner Prize shortlist exhibition at the Tate Britain, London, this month. The debate about the prize has always made for entertaining viewing.
For starters, the Stuckists, a group of artists staunchly opposed to conceptual art and the Turner Prize, are frequently seen demonstrating outside the Tate dressed in clown costumes during the Turner Prize.
In 1993 the K Foundation (formerly the pop band KLF) created the Anti-Turner Prize for ‘the worst artist in Britain’. The £40,000 prize went to Rachel Whiteread, who also won the actual Turner Prize that year. She refused to accept it until she discovered that the K Foundation planned to burn the money instead. In the end, she donated it to charity. The K Foundation went on to burn money anyway – £1 million of it.
1999 was the year of Tracey Emin’s infamous unmade bed. Two artists leapt onto her work, calling their performance Two Naked Men Jump Into Tracey’s Bed. Police were called but no charges brought. 3 October-21 January; www.tate.org.uk
DECKS APPEAL
HEY MR DJ – fancy some music in the sun? Then head to Antigua for the De Jam Festival, which attracts DJs from around the world for one long party. Appearing this year will be Heartless Crew, Stone Love, Elliot Ness and more. And when the dancing stops, the fun continues with beach barbeques and boat trips. 4-11 October; www.dejamfestival.com
…playing fair
DOES THE THOUGHT of a trade fair make you yawn? Think again. They’re a great way to pick up some bargains, shop for gifts and meet the artists responsible. Here are some of the best coming up: 24th Goldsmiths’ Fair, London, 2-8 October: Europe’s only fair dedicated exclusively to works in precious metal. Meet the hot new designers of the jewellery world and purchase some stunning, one-off pieces. (www..thegoldsmiths.co.uk)
Le Salon du Chocolat, Paris, 28 October-1 November: 130 master confectioners and chocolatiers gather for this annual homage to all things chocolate. (www.salonduchocolat.fr) SOFA (Sculpture Objects and Functional Arts), Chicago, 10-12 November: more than 90 international galleries and dealers of decorative arts. (www.sofaexpo.com)
DEDICATED FOLLOWERS OF FASHION
Held every two years, during the last two weeks of October, the Brussels Fashion Trail is an unique way to see the city’s hotspots while viewing the work of some of the most talented Brussels-based designers. Exhibitions are held throughout the city in cafés, galleries, shops and even private apartments. The Trail is the concept of Modo Brusselae, the association responsible for promoting fashion in the city. To join, simply pick up the Trail at any of the meeting points and follow it round at your leisure. 27-29 October; trail pass costs
€5, available from meeting points on the trail; www..modobruxellae. com
NUMBER CRUNCHER 50…
…the number of candles The Times bfiLondon Film Festival will be blowing out on its birthday cake this month. A bumper programme is planned, the highlight of which is a simultaneous screening of films in 50 surprise venues across the city. 18 October-2 November; www.b.#64257; .org.uk
Also in the diary…
It’s a bumper month for exhibitions, with some big names arriving at the National Gallery in London. Cézanne in Britain (4 October-7 January) marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Cezanne with an exhibition of his work drawn from British collections, while the Spanish painter Diego Velázquez is the subject of a major exhibition from 18 October. www.nationalgallery.org.uk
