Events
Words: Emma Juhasz What’s in the diary – December 2007? 8 city lights You won’t be afraid of the dark in Lyon, as the city is set alight for the evening for the Festival of Lights (www.lumieres. lyon.fr). This 150-year-old tradition pays homage to the Virgin Mary and every surface possible comes alive, from candles [...]
Words: Emma Juhasz
What’s in the diary – December 2007?
8 city lights
You won’t be afraid of the dark in Lyon,
as the city is set alight for the evening
for the Festival of Lights (www.lumieres.
lyon.fr). This 150-year-old tradition pays homage to
the Virgin Mary and every surface possible comes
alive, from candles in windows to huge displays on
buildings. Get ready to be dazzled.
16 Speed Demons
Prepare yourself for lightning speeds and tight
turns as some of the world’s top names in racing
and rally driving compete in the ultimate race –
the Race of Champions (www.raceofchampions.
com). Wembley Stadium, London, has been
converted into a challenging track, where legends
in the sport, such as Formula 1’s Michael
Schumacher and World Touring Car Champion
Andy Priaulx, battle it out to become the
champion of champions.
All month
The talented Mr Wood
When he’s not playing in front of thousands of fans,
Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood explores a quieter
dimension to his artistic talent – painting. His band
mates may have once told him to “stick to playing
Everyone is encouraged to come and
join in, or you can just lend an ear.
guitar”, but renowned art critic Brian Sewell has
described him as “an accomplished and respectable
painter”. Check out an exhibition of his work
at the Richard Goodall Gallery, Manchester
(103 High Street, +44 (0)161 834 3330; www.richardgoodallgallery.com until 5 January.
21
This is the final day to have a singsong
merrily on high at the Millennium
Park, Chicago. Set against the
backdrop of the city’s iconic Cloud
Gate, this seasonal sing-along is led by
a variety of choral groups (every Friday
at 6-7pm; www.gochicago.com
Everyone is encouraged to come and
join in, or you can just lend an ear.
25
As the temperature
plummets even further in
Moscow, the locals start
to celebrate the winter
season today. Izmailovo
Park is transformed into a
winter wonderland as the
Moscow Winter Festival
(www.visitrussia.org.uk)
gets under way. Get
involved or just let the
experts entertain you at
the various folk shows,
and live music and
cultural performances.
26
Bets are on as the cream of the racing crop
burn off those excess Christmas calories at
Dublin’s premier festival at Leopardstown
(www.leopardstown.com). Wrap up warm and
head out to watch some lively horses battle
it out for the fi nishing line – if the luck of the
Irish comes your way, you may fi nd yourself
with some extra pennies for the new year.
pencil in:
LAS VEGAS
6-15 December, Wrangler National
Rodeo Finals; www.nfrexperience.com
RIYADH
9-13 December, Riyadh Motor Show; www.recexpo.com
VENICE
15 December, Christmas Concert
at Chiesa di Santa Bertilla; www.comune.spinea.ve.it
HANOVER
Until 22 December, Weihnachtsmarkt
– Christmas Market; www.hannover.de
JERSEY
Until 23 December the island is lit up to
celebrate La Fête dé Noué; www.jersey.com
31 December
Celebrate in style at some of the best
New Year’s Eve festivities…
EDINBURGH
The city centre turns into a huge street
party, along with live music and theatre; www.visitscotland.com
LONDON
Line up along the Thames and watch the
London skyline light up with fi reworks
(further event details not confi rmed at time
of going to press); www.visitlondon.co.uk
DUBLIN
Tune in to some classical favourites with
the popular RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the
National Concert Hall; www.nch.ie
ABERDEEN
Get down for free at the Castlegate
Hogmanay Concert. The event is being
headlined by the pop group Travis; www.aboutaberdeen.com
AMSTERDAM
This city knows how to party. Join in the fun
at Leidseplein, Dam Square – which is set up
with beer tents and live shows – Nieuwmarkt
and Rembrandtplein; www.amsterdam.info
