Explore Events June 2007
Out and about The latest events from bmi destinations including Copenhagen, Esbjerg and Lille
LONG HOT SUMMER
If you need an excuse to stay out late on the longest day of the year, then make sure you attend one of the many Summer Solstice celebrations. Alicante bursts into life on 20-24 June during its most hotly anticipated festival, Las Hogueras de San Juan (www.hogueras.org). As the town welcomes in the summer and the feast day of John the Baptist, bonfires, fireworks and parades with large sculptures made of papier-mâché take over the streets. Copenhagen will also be sizzling on 23 June, St Han’s Eve, (www.ctw.dk) as bonfires and fireworks light up the city. Be prepared to sing along with the locals to the many traditional midsummer songs. If you want to do something a bit calmer, then the Midsummer Ball in Zurich’s Main Station (www.sommernachts-ball.ch) on 16 June is the perfect alternative. This magical evening is part of the city’s 10th annual arts festival, the Zurich Festival (www.zuercher-festspiele.ch), and is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet.
FESTIVE FRANCE
From burning boats to marauding giants, France has some unusual cultural celebrations this month. If you’re not scared of an axe-wielding 18-foot figure, then Lille is the place to be (www.lilletourism.com) on 24 June. Lydéric and Phinaert are the patron giants of the city and are paraded through the Old City during a day-long festival that includes musical events and performers. The day culminates in a big feast in Place de l’Opera. If you are down by the water’s edge in Nice on 29 June, you can participate in a more sedate celebration, Fête de la Mer (www.ville-nice.fr). The local fishermen celebrate Saint Peter’s day by attending a mass in the Gesù church then proceed through the streets with an effigy of St Peter to Les Ponchettes beach (Old Nice), where they burn a boat in honour of their patron saint.
Fine food nations
Tantalise your taste buds as the latest culinary temptations come to a town near you. Chicago hosts one of the largest outdoor food festivals in the world in Grant Park on 29 June-8 July (www.gochicago.about.com). Sample the cream of Chicago’s cuisine as you take in the views of Lake Michigan and enjoy music from local performers – it really is an event for all the senses.
The NEC in Birmingham (just an hour-and-a-half from Manchester) will be filled with sweet aromas on 13-17 June as the BBC Good Food Summer Festival (www.summer.bbcgoodfoodfestival.com) sniffs out and cooks up some of the finest food and wine around.
And on the Emerald Isle, Dublin will offer some signature dishes from 22 of the top restaurants and chefs in town at the annual Taste of Dublin Festival (www.tasteofdublin07.ie), 14-17 June.
Words: Emma Juhasz Photography: www.visitscotland.com, © Warner Bros. Pictures 2004. Publishing rights © J K Rowling
Saddle up
When the €10m Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre opened a few weeks ago in Ireland’s County Monaghan (equidistant from Dublin and Belfast airports), it firmly pitched itself as one of the world’s leading equine playgrounds, with a luxurious hunting lodge to match. You would be forgiven for thinking that this was aimed at those who could gallop as though they were on Black Beauty himself.
But the state-of-the-art centre, which is a hoofbeat or two away from the 17th-century castle, is as welcoming to nervous novices as it is to those who want to brush up on their cantering – or even learn to ride side-saddle.
But if you want to give your derrière a rest (or if your riding style is more sea legs than Seabiscuit), book in for the cookery classes (from €65) with charismatic chef Noel McMeen. The cuisine is as outstanding as the location; no wonder ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney chose it as the venue for his wedding.
Castle Leslie, Glaslough, County Monaghan, Ireland +353 (0)47 88100; www.castleleslie.com
photography: Cees van Roeden, Getty Images
LITTLE BLACK BOOK:
LILLE: OLD CITY
DISCOVER UNIQUE RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND SHOPS AMONG THE OLD CITY’S LABYRINTH OF STREETS
A L’HUITRIERE
This classy dining institution is not only the finest seafood restaurant in town, but is bedecked with beautiful sea-themed mosaics dating back to 1928, making it the perfect spot to see and be seen. Make sure you sample the meaty mussels – a meal in themselves – which come in a huge steaming mound. 3 rue des Chats Bossus, + 33 (0)3 20 55 43 41
L’ILLUSTRATION CAFE
If you want to debate the work of Jean-Paul Sartre or discuss the virtues of Monet’s painting then this bar, frequented by local intellectuals and philosophers, is the place for you. It also offers a real taste of France for those just looking for a mellow place in which to enjoy a quiet drink. 18 rue Royale, + 33 (0)3 20 12 00 90
L’INCARTADE
Although art may seem a risky purchase, the owner of this store is eager to educate even the most ambivalent browser. He’ll equip you with all the advice you need to take home an original print – or an edition – but you’ll be sure exactly what it is before you leave. 37 rue Basse, +33 (0)3 20 31 17 19
