December Diary
3 3-7 Experience cinema, Caribbean style The Barbados International Film Festival takes place towards the beginning of this month. Though film selections and screening locations had yet to be confirmed when we went to press, visitors should expect great opening night screenings, red-carpet awards and closing night galas, as well as a number of world premieres, taking place at idyllic [...]
3
3-7
Experience cinema, Caribbean style
The Barbados International Film Festival takes place towards the beginning of this month. Though film selections and screening locations had yet to be
confirmed when we went to press, visitors should expect great opening night screenings, red-carpet awards and closing night galas, as well as a number
of world premieres, taking place at idyllic locations across the island.
www.barbadosfilmfestival.com
4
4-6
Shop fashionably late
Indulge the inner fashionista during the first weekend of December in a wonderful temporary ‘pop up’ market, situated in Covent Garden’s Flower Cellars (4-6 Russell St, London W1). Fashion Weekend After Hours is open until 10pm on 4 (Thurs) and 5 (Fri) December, and 8pm on Saturday night. It will be offering Dolce & Gabbana,
Roberto Cavalli, Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano, as well as up-andcoming lines like Beyond The Valley and Belle & Bunty at low prices. Plus there
will be DJs, bars and personal stylists.
www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk
7
Kick-start Christmas in Chicago
Thousands of bikers throughout the Midwest will gather together a bundle of toys and saddle up for needy kids this winter. The 31st Annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade takes place on the first Sunday in December. Entrants must donate a toy and the collected gifts are distributed to local needy children later that month. The parade starts at around 9.30am at 8300 South Western Ave and wends its way to the Marine Corps Reserve Center on Foster Avenue. Come along to support, or saddle up yourself.
www.chicagolandtft.org
8
Light up Lyon
Though Lyon’s sparkling Festival of Lights dates back to 1850 it has gone from a local lantern show to a luminaire extravaganza. The event attracted four
million visitors last year, and despite its artistic pretensions, the festival remains popular, enjoyable and family orientated. Fly in, turn on and bring kids.
10
10-15
See Hirst’s skull in Holland
Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum closes its exhibition of Damien Hirst’s diamond studded skull, For The Love of God, midway through December, so catch
it while you can. The work is accompanied by a selection of 17th-century art made by Hirst from the Rijksmuseum’s collection.
www.rijksmuseum.nl
31
See in 2009 in Edinburgh
This year’s Hogmanay promises to be treat, with a torchlight procession on 29 December, street parties and outdoor concerts on the night itself,
and – for the truly crazy – a triathlon on New Year’s Day.
www.edinburghshogmanay.com
Or how about…
UK
26 November – 7 December
National Tree Week
If you’re in the UK and want to do a bit for the environment,
then join in this community-based arboreal celebration. Find
out how you can help via the Tree Council’s site.
www.treecouncil.org.uk
London
11 December
Kings of Leon
The Tennessee four piece bring their popular brand of southern-tinged super rock to London’s O2 Arena this month. Book it while you still can.
www.theo2.co.uk
Amsterdam
15 December
Public Enemy
It’s nearly 20 years since Public Enemy encouraged listeners to fight the power and, though their original fanbase might have given up the struggle, the band continue to tour their politically aware, unvarnished style of hip-hop. Catch them at The Melkweg playing old favourites as well as selections from their latest album.
www.melkweg.nl
RIYADH
15-19 December
Riyadh Motor Show
Given its position as the world’s foremost petroleum exporter, it’s only appropriate that Saudi Arabia hosts one of the world’s leading car shows. The Riyadh Motor Show
showcases next year’s models, and the stands are aimed squarely at consumers.
www.recexpo.com
ANTIGUA
31 December
Nelson’s Pursuit
On New Year’s Eve, the Antigua Yacht Club commemorates Lord Admiral Nelson’s famous pursuit of the French, which
culminated in the Battle of Trafalgar. Contact the club for details of their commemorative race and a party.
www.antiguayachtclub.com
