Diary – This Month
News and events from across the network
01 – London
Go on parade
Shake off your hangover and make for Parliament Square where 10,000 performers representing 20 countries worldwide will start off around midday. www.londonparade.co.uk
06 – Venice
Catch the Befana race
Look out for a group of highly unconvincing transvestites racing along Venice’s Grand Canal on Epiphany. Don’t be alarmed: these male gondoliers are dressed as Befana, a witch who distributes toys to good children. They race from San Toma to the Rialto Bridge and the winner gets the stocking hanging from the bridge.
05 – Dublin
Laugh with The Mighty Boosh
Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding’s hit comedy show comes to Dublin’s O2 centre this month. This swanky new venue is hosting the second Mighty Boosh live tour for one night only. So don’t miss the chance to chuckle in the aisles at your favourite characters from the TV series, and marvel at the musical talents of the Boosh Band. www.themightyboosh.com
09 – London
Sail around the London Boat Show
One of the British capital’s leading exhibition centres is turned over to this nautical showroom, talking shop and mega-chandlery. Weekend yachties join saline-soaked sea dogs for 10 days of boat fun, including displays at the earby Royal Victoria Dock marina, Royal Navy Frigates and guest appearances from such sailing luminaries as Dame Ellen MacArthur. www.londonboatshow.com
18 – Amsterdam
Delve into the Big Apple’s streetlife
Why fl y to NYC when photographer Helen Levitt can bring the streetlife to Amsterdam? The veteran snapper has shot cenes of the Five Boroughs for over 70 years. Her retrospective at Foam Fotografi emuseum Amsterdam conjures up merica’s foremost cultural crucible perfectly – catch it until 18 January. www.foam.nl
25 – Glasgow & Edinburgh
Burn up the streets of Scotland
The mother of all parties hits Glasgow and Edinburgh tonight, as Scots celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of the nation’s favourite son, poet Robert Burns. Swill some whisky, sample the traditional haggis, or maybe partake in some country dancing with the locals. Tonight’s festivities kick off Scotland’s fi rst everHomecoming Year, which sees a variety of events being hosted nationwide during 2009. www.homecomingscotland.com
Dublin
1 JANUARY
The Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Day Parade
A number of skilled brass bands feature in the Republic of Ireland’s foremost New Year’s Day event, organised by the city’s Lord Mayor’s offi ce. A great family event. www.newyearsday.ie
Amman
6 JANUARY
Baptism of Jesus Christians celebrate the baptism of Jesus on the banks of the River Jordan today. Come to the ater’s edge, less than an hour’s drive from Amman.
Addis Ababa
7 JANUARY
Christmas comes late
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate their feast of Epiphany on this date with a spicy chicken stewand flatbread, and a game of ganna or hockey.
Edinburgh
10 JANUARY
Great Winter Run
This 5km run through Holyrood Park shouldn’t be too challenging for anyone used to donning a numbered bib. Yet, beware: the first part of the course is uphill, towards the summit of Arthur’s Seat. www.greatrun.org
Cairo
11-14 JANUARY
Flora Egypt
Petal pushers, take note: this annual exhibition of fresh cut fl owers and ornamental plants takes place for the
fifth consecutive year. www.fl oraegyptfair.com
Zurich
22-25 JANUARY
Mercedes Benz CSI
The firm that made the first production line car sponsors this event, dedicated to an earlier form of transport. The CSI is one of the world’s most prestigious indoor riding tournaments. www.mercedes-csi.ch
Lyon
24-26 JANUARY
The World Pastry Cup
Get just desserts at this global pudding competition, which pits international teams of patisserie chefs against one another for this coveted gastronomic world title. www.cmpatisserie.com
Brussels
31 JAN – 1 FEB
Truc-Troc
The city’s Centre for Fine Arts hosts this weekend orgy of artistic expression. Expect art sales, live concerts, DJs and interactive exhibitions. In fact, anything other than a conventional gallery show. www.bozar.be
