Events
What’s in the Diary? Words: Emma Juhasz; Photography: Getty Images, Werner Huthmacher 1 gala affair The church bells will ring and sirens will sound on Independence Day in Antigua. There are 365 beaches on the island – one for each day of the year – so you’re bound to easily find a [...]
What’s in the Diary?
Words: Emma Juhasz; Photography: Getty Images, Werner Huthmacher
1 gala affair
The church bells will ring and sirens will sound on Independence Day in Antigua. There are 365 beaches on the island – one for each day of the year – so you’re bound to easily find a place to join in the festivities which continue for at least another week.
16 light notes
Beat off those winter blues at the London Jazz Festival (www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk), until 25 November. Celebrating American music, the event will include a special concert dedicated to the First Lady of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald, on the 90th anniversary of her birth.
23 world today
Michael Moore’s revealing documentaries, like Sicko and Bowling for Columbine, whet audiences’ appetites for truthful stories. Get your fill at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (www.idfa.nl), which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
free for all
Beirut celebrates with fervour on Lebanon’s Independence Day, which is one of the most important events in the Lebanese calendar.
25 grand designs
The Last chance to catch sight of the innovative designs by leading modern architect Zaha Hadid. The Design Museum, London (www.designmuseum.org) has dedicated two floors to her extraordinary works which span the globe, highlighting the Phaeno Science Centre in Wolfsburg, Germany (below) and her designs for the Aquatic Centre for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
3 black magic
If you’ve been feeling that the magic has gone out of your life since all was revealed in J.K. Rowling’s (left) final
instalment of Harry Potter, then cast a spell and head to Witchfest International (www.witchfest.net) in south London. It’s thought to be the largest and most popular recorded witchcraft gathering in the world.
7 treasure trove
Venture into the world of Indiana Jones on the final day of this year’s Basel Ancient Art Fair (near Zurich;http://baaf.ch). The oldest pieces on show and for sale will be at Rupert Wace’s stand (www.rupertwace.co.uk),
such as an Egyptian limestone relief fragment (below), priced at £32,000 and a drinking vessel from the ancient Iranian city of Amlash, which intrepid treasure-hunter Indie would have loved to have got his hands on. It could be yours for a mere £28,000.
27 east is east
The cream of the film crop heads east for the Cairo International Film
Festival (www.cairofilmfest.org) until 7 December. View some of the lastest releases and catch celebrities, such as Danny Glover (pictured), who was honoured in
last year’s awards.
pencil in:
AMMAN
14 November: Join the celebrations commemorating late King Hussein’s birthday; www.visitjordan.com
MANCHESTER
8 November– 6 January: Open-air ice rink in Piccadilly Gardens; www.manchester.gov.uk
BRUSSELS
1-30 November: Hors Pistes – European Circus Festival; www.halles.be
CHICAGO
23 November–23 December: Christkindlmarket;www.christkindlmarket.com
EDINBURGH
16-18 November: Fiddle 2007; www.scotsfiddlefestival.com
BELFAST
1-4 November: Trick or Treat Trail at Belfast Zoo; www.belfastcity.gov.uk
HANOVER
26 November–22 December: Christmas Market; www.hanover.de
JEDDAH
25-30 November: Saudi International Motor Show; www.acexpos.com
LAS VEGAS
1-4 November: Professional Bull Riders World Finals; www.pbrnow.com
LEEDS
7-18 November: Leeds International Film Festival; www.leedsfilm.com
LONDON
1-17 November: Fragments, exhibition for No More Landmines Trust; www.motive-art.org
LILLE
21 November-24 December: Christmas Market; www.lilletourism.com
TBILISI
23 November: St George’s Day celebrations; www.etbilisi.com
INSIDER NOTES
Words: Emma Juhasz
PERFECT HOST
Royalty may have constructed some of the finest venues in London, but now these are no longer fit just for kings; many are
for hire to the hoi polloi, too. Host an event at 17th-century Armoury House, home to the Honourable Artillery Company,
established by Henry VIII in 1537, for example. Or on the HQS Wellington, a historic ship moored on the Thames, and you can
be sure it will not only be inspirational but also educational. Event specialist Chester Boyd has exclusive access to these
venues and offers inventive and delicious menus to fit any occasion. See in the new year overlooking the Thames and the
London Eye on the HQS Wellington, or spice up your life and your Christmas with one of their cinnamon-spiced parties, for which
they can accommodate you up until the end of January 2008. Tel: +44 (0)20 7653 6666; www.chesterboyd.co.uk
LIGHT LUGGAGE
Take some weight off your mind by checking how heavy your bag is before you head for the airport. This clever hand-held pocket device is easy to operate and can be used on bags up to 50kg. Price £35; www.flylite.uk.com
Music maestros
So you want the perfect soundtrack to your holiday or a party but can’t face wading through your music collection to create it. Then let the experts compile your ultimate collection. Audio Sushi is a team that will hold an initial consultation with you, then put together a CD packed with your favourite tunes which you can transfer to your MP3 player; www.audiosushi.net
GET IN THE FAST LANE >
Do you have champagne tastes but sherbet pockets? Then
make like a millionaire and rent the latest sports car from Exclusive Rent A Car. Newly opened in the UK, this Italian company offers everything from Lamborghinis to Ferrari Spiders – and you can even hire a chauffeur, too. Add to that a selection of
yachts and luxury jets and you can’t fail to impress; www.exclusiverent.com
