As we approach the summer wind of August and the barometer starts to peak in the northern hemisphere, the cultural events and festivals are poised to go into over-drive across Europe in particular.
Edinburgh wins the crown of most events for the month of August and our compliments go to the proactive organisers that have managed to attract such a plethora of entertainment for the locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
So here goes for the Top selection of Sharon's Sizzling Summer Perpetual Traveller Events for August...
Cultural August Pano Platres, Cyprus 1st - 31st August 2009
August is a classic time of celebrations and festivals throughout the island of Cyprus and the concept of 'Cultural August' is a series of events, guided tours, exhibitions and entertainment that has been designed to take place throughout the month in the spectacular wine-producing region of the Troodos Mountains, where one can escape the heat of the coast!
Further information: Cyprus Events http://www.cyprusevents.blogspot.com
Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Scotland 3rd - 25th August 2009
Fringe 2009 features 31,320 performances of 2,088 shows in 247 venues. 40% (838) of the shows are World Premieres and from the remaining 60% of the programme 278 of the shows are European premieres and 52 are UK premieres. Performers have registered shows originating in 46 different countries from Austria to Zimbabwe. Comedy makes up 32% of the programme, followed closely by Theatre with 29%. Music is next with 17%, Musicals & Opera are tied with Dance & Physical Theatre with 5% each. A staggering 18,792 performers will take to the stage at the Fringe in 2009, who this year have prepared a special programme for children.
Further information: www.edfringe.com
Edinburgh International Festival, Scotland 7th-31st August 2009
The Edinburgh International Festival presents a fabulous programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance in six major theatres and concert halls and a number of smaller venues, over a 3 week period in late summer each year. Festival 09 will run from the 7th to the 31st of August. A full programme of Events set to promise a captivating time for all lucky enough to participate!
Further information: www.eif.co.uk
The Tanz in August - Berlin Germany International Dance Festival 14th – 30th Aug 2009
The Tanz, Berlin International Dance Festival presents performances at cultural venues all over the city. This year's program is "framed" by new stagings of two works from the 1990's: Michèle Anne De Mey's Sinfonia Erotica, a choreography set to music by Beethoven. The Tanz presents a programme of contemporary dance performances alongside workshops at cultural venues all over the city. Its innovative, provocative and controversial performances have led to tremendous success.
Further information: www.danceeurope.net
V Festival – Hylands Park Chelmsford. Weston Park Staffordshire England 22nd & 23rd August 2009
V Festival is a two-day music festival that is held simultaneously in Chelmsford and Staffordshire. Although it features predominantly rock music, the festival books a wide range of acts and the most likely amongst UK festivals to book more mainstream pop acts each year. Festival goers can take their pick from the V stage, Channel 4 stage and JJB arena throughout the day. The line up for 2009 includes Oasis, The Killers, Razor light, Elbow, The streets, Lily Allen, Kean, James Morrison, Natalie Imbruglia and Lady Gaga.
Further information: www.vfestival.com
August Moon Festival, Boston, United States 23rd August
Also known as the 'Moon Festival', The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival commemorates a 14th-century uprising against the Mongols. Plans for the revolt were smuggled to like-minded sympathisers inside small cakes. Today the cakes are made from ground lotus and sesame seed paste known as 'moon cakes' and are typically eaten as part of the celebrations. The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival generates great interest in many families that travel to vantage points for moon-watching parties. Boston's Chinatown is the third largest Chinese neighbourhood in the country so festivities are usually busy & very lively indeed.
Further Information: www.bostonusa.com
Tomatina Festival - Buñol Spain 26th August 2009
The sunny Mediterranean city of Valencia in Spain is world-renowned for its tasty and succulent oranges. Nearby is Buñol, a smaller town just as famous for its produce. However, its notoriety comes more from the locals' habit of wearing the produce as well as tasting it! Every year, Buñol hosts La Tomatina, the world's largest vegetable fight. Situated only 30 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean Sea and well-connected by motorway and rail to Madrid and Valencia. This charming town erupts into a fiery blaze of tomato-hurling on the last Wednesday of every August. The "batalla" takes place during a week-long celebration filled with on-going festivities and with even greater anticipation for the monstrous tomato battle that serves as the culmination of the week's events.
Further information: www.spanish-fiestas.com
Notting Hill Carnival, London England 30th-31st August 2009
Held every August Bank Holiday since 1966, the Notting Hill Carnival is the largest celebration of its kind in Europe. It all started as a local impromptu festival set up by the West Indian immigrants of the area. It has now become a full-blooded Caribbean carnival, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. With scores of massive sound systems, spectacular floats and of course, the traditional steel drum bands, plus hundreds of stalls lining the streets, this is probably London’s most exciting annual event!
Further information: www.mynottinghill.co.uk
So there you have it a tantalising selection of first rate events to enjoy this August. We only hope that Swine Flu doesn't spoil the show!
Have an arousing August!
Sharon Mckinley
Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
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