October Worldwide Events

Autumn has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere and those dark nights are creeping in to haunt us; it will only get worse soon when the clocks go back too! The southern Hemisphere however is starting to smile in contrast as spring is in the air!

The Perpetual Traveller world events take on a more creative form this month and as always there is a great selection to choose from…


World Food Day 16th October 2009

World Food Day is celebrated on the 16th October and focuses on the fundamental aim of preventing people (especially children) around the world from going hungry. With an estimated increase of 105 million hungry people in 2009, there are now 1.02 billion malnourished people in the world, meaning that almost one sixth of all humanity is suffering from hunger.

Further information: www.fao.org


Grand Designs Live 9th – 11th October 2009

The award winning event for design and inspiration for your home returns to NEC Birmingham this October 2009. With lots in store for this year's show including new features and plenty of exciting exhibitors. Grand Designs Live is sponsored by British Gas and remains to be the UK’s No. 1 consumer show for anyone who has an interest in design, building, interiors, shopping, home wares, gardens, kitchens, bathrooms and overall innovation. With yearly exhibitions taking place in London and Birmingham, visitors will be able to buy, build and furnish a house, all under one roof. If you are looking to make the most of your home, the show will provide you with plenty of amazing ideas to unlock its potential and turn your dream home into a reality.

Further information: www.granddesignslive.com

 
TNT Sun & Snow Show 10th October 2009

The travel event of the year is FREE to the public and will showcase sun, snow and adventure destinations. The New Connaught Rooms hosts London's TNT Sun & Snow Show, focusing on the best travel options for those planning a winter getaway. Tour operators, travel agents, airlines and hotels are all involved.

Further information: www.tntmagazine.com


National Pilgrimage of St Rosaire October 2009

St Rosaire is celebrated every year in Lourdes with a dedicated pilgrimage and a special mass, held in the holy sanctuary of Notre-Dame du Rosaire. In 1571 Christian troops provided by the Vatican, Spain, Venice and Savoy overcame a Turkish armada in the entrance to the Corinth gulf. The Pope at the time, Grégoire XIII, attributed this victory to the daily processions of St Rosaire brotherhoods in the streets of Rome. He promptly changed his planned Victory Day to St Rosaire day, to be celebrated on 7 October.

Further information: www.destinationsen.eurostar.com


Barcolana Trieste 3rd – 11th October 2009

Trieste's Barcolana is an extraordinary spectacle that sees families and professional teams battling it out in old hulls and hi-tech boats. It is now the largest sailing race in Europe and takes place on the last day of a nine-day festival.

It all started in 1969 with no more than 50 boats, today over 2000 vessels participate in the race, which is also called the Coppa d'Autunno. It is named after the Societa Velica di Barcola e Grignano, the sailing club which still manages the competition.

Further information: www.barcolana.it


RHS London Autumn Harvest Show 13th – 14th October 2009

The Royal Horticultural Society's annual autumn flower show, held at the Society's Halls in London, features the autumn fruit and vegetable competition, ornamental plant competition, botanical art and photography.

Experts are available to discuss horticultural techniques and the most appropriate autumn bulbs to use in every setting. Many plants are available to buy. Competitions are open to all.

Further information: http://www.visitlondon.com/events/


Royal Albert Hall International Ballroom Dancing Championships 15th October 2009

Amateur and professional dancers dramatically splay their legs, strut and swirl in streamline suits and sexy sequined dresses at the annual International Ballroom Dancing Championships. The best dance talent in the country compete at The Royal Albert Hall.

Known as the Elsa Wells Championships to aficionados, around 360 of the world's foremost amateur and professional exponents of competitive Dance Sport compete for the International Standard and Latin titles.

Further information: www.dance-news.co.uk


Buenos Aires Spring Wine Tour Urbano Various Dates from 16th October 2009

On the third Friday in September, October and November, browse the fashion boutiques along Armenia and Honduras streets in Palermo Viejo while sipping the nominated wine of the night. Each boutique at Spring Wine Tour Urbano represents a national winery.

Malbec, Argentina's pride and glory vine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and white and sparkling wines each have a turn. Its sister event, San Telmo's Autumn Wine Tour Urbano in March, April and May, is also a great success.

Further information: www.buenosairesstay.com


Louisiana's International Rice Festival 15th -17th October 2009

One of Louisiana's oldest festivals, the International Rice Festival attracts 150,000 people to the town of Crowley annually. Special events include a livestock show, rice cooking, eating and grading contests and two parades, including a procession of antique farm equipment.

Other events include a Farmers' Banquet and Queens Ball, French accordion, fiddle and harmonica contests and frog jumping. Since the inauguration of the festival in 1937, it has been visited by over seven million people.

Further information: www.ricefestival.com


Munich’s Long Night of Museums 17TH October

Munich's Long Night of Museums sees around 90 of the city's museums and galleries staying open through the evening until 2am. Buy just one ticket and you get access to all participating institutions – simply heaven for the culture vulture!

Participants can join a tour or go for a personal selection of the city's wide-ranging establishments, using either specially-organized shuttle buses or the regular buses, underground, trams and trains. Lots of music and parties accompany the evening, which attracts upwards of 40,000 people.

Further information: www.muenchner.de