Worldwide Leisure Events

Il Palio, Siena 2nd July

Along with a second opportunity on 16th August, here is your chance to witness this renowned race! Originating from the 16th century, the Palio di Siena is the world famous Italian bareback horserace, which takes place around the Piazza del Campo. It may be over in a few minutes, but its fame attracts visitors from around the world!

Ommegang Pageant, Brussels 3rd and 5th July

Started in 1549 as a religious ritual, this event today focuses on local folklore and heritage, showcasing representatives from the various crafts and trades of the city, and includes the colour of traditional dress. New for this year, medieval jousting matches will also be taking place. The Grand Place will be alive with visitors, including the Royal Family, and it is well worth noting that numbers are limited to 3000 - so best to book ahead!

Calgary Stampede, Canada  4th - 13th July

For 10 days every Summer, Calgary comes alive with the excitement of the Old West. From the world famous Chuckwagon Races to the Rodeo, from bull riding to barrel racing, and from pancake breakfasts to glittering fireworks, there are activities galore. And what a setting! - The ideal excuse to visit the beautiful Rockies of Western Canada.

Puccini Opera Festival, Torre del Lago   11th July - 23rd August

Italy, always popular with Opera lovers, celebrates its 54th Puccini Festival this year with performances of Turandot. Tosca and Madama Butterfly. Contact us for planned itineraries to include the best of this beautiful part of Europe with tickets for your chosen performances.

  Aix –en-Provence Arts Festival, France  12th – 17th July

Considered by some, as the best music and arts festival in Europe, this event marks the opening of the new Grand Theatre de Provence and the beginning of a three-year residency by the Berlin Philharmonic.Five night travel packages are on offer from £1,500 per person, including one ticket.

Distant Heat, Jordan 31st July - 1st August

Include with a short break to Jordan, or with a trip to the Red Sea. Distant Heat is a 2 day festival of music and dance. Set in the unique setting of Wadi Rum against the backdrop of the desert, the event continues with beach and pool parties at the Red Sea resort of Aqaba.

Madrid Summer City Festival July - August

Enjoy opera, jazz, theatre or flamenco? Take a break to the Spanish capital this summer and savour the added entertainment which will be taking place across the city in this annual event.

 

Edinburgh Military Tattoo 1st - 23rd August

Why not treat yourself to a short break in this beautiful Scottish city? Include the Tattoo during your stay and enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing display. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this famous event features pipes and drums, massed military bands, together with acts from around the world.

Grenada Carnival  6th - 12th August 

Famous for its carnivals, the Caribbean comes alive once again with Grenada's biggest annual festival, SpiceMas. The capital city of St George's is the setting, with each island parish featuring its own individual costumes and activities.

Rip Curl Pro, Hossegor, France 15th- 24th August

Home to some of the best surfing in the world, Hossegor, on the French West Coast, hosts the ASP( Association of Surfing Professionals) World Qualifying Series. This is the place to be to see the highest rated surfers as they compete for a share of the US$150,000 prize money.

US Tennis Open, New York  25th August - 7th September

Wimbledon all over again! Nadal, Federer and Murray will meet and compete once more, this time in Flushing Meadows. Does a tennis lover need a more tempting reason to visit this amazing city?

La Tomatina, Bunol 27th August

Ever seen pictures of this event, and wondered wherever it is? La Tomatina takes place every year within the tiny village near Valencia in Spain. The 9000 inhabitants find their population quadrupled as thousands of visitors arrive for the largest tomato fight in the world.

 

Prague Autumn Festival, Czech Republic 1st September - 31st October

(Dates to be confirmed)

Always popular for a short break, Prague offers an additional reason to visit at this time of year. This Autumn Festival brings to a close the European Festival season, attracting artists from around the world. An ideal time to visit - between the summer crowds and the rush of the Festive season!

Oktoberfest, Munich 20th September - 5th October

Dating from 1810, this celebration has become an annual German tradition, with the start brought forward to include - hopefully - some better weather! Must see events start prior to the main festival on the 19th with the Costume and Rifleman's Parade, with further highlights throughout the the event including the Parade of Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, the Official Tapping of the Keg, and this year, an Agricultural Festival. With budget flights operating to Germany, why not pay a visit?

Hermanus Whale Festival  24th - 28th September  

Enjoy Springtime in South Africa and join celebrations to welcome the return of the Southern Right whales. Hermanus, renowned as one of the best whale watching destinations in the world, celebrates the arrival with the 'Welcome the Whales Wave' - a 5km long human chain of over 5000 people, lining the cliffs of Walker Bay.

International Oyster Festival, Galway  25th - 28th September

Starting back in 1954 with just 34 visitors, this event to celebrate the oyster now attracts visitors in their thousands to this Irish city. Four fun filled days and nights include the Oyster Open Championships, the Mardi Gras party and the Oyster Festival Gala Ball.

Grand Prix, Singapore 28th September

If you need an excuse to visit this beautiful island, then this could be it. The race will be the first Formula 1 street race in Asia, and the first night- time Grand Prix. Set against the backdrop of downtown Singapore, cars will speed along Raffles Boulevard passing Marina Bay landmarks, and City Hall.

National Day Fireworks, Hong Kong  1st October

The celebration to mark the founding of the People's Republic of China is marked in spectacular style in Hong Kong, with an amazing pyrotechnic display in Victoria Harbour. Complete with display boats and floating launching paids, and set against one of the most famous backdrops in the world, this is a sight to be seen.

Tennerfest, Jersey   1st October - 12th November

It’s here again – the chance to experience some of the best restaurants on the island for some of the best prices. Over 110 establishments will be taking part, and depending on the venue chosen, lunch or dinner can be enjoyed from as little as £10, £12.50 or £15. It would be a shame to miss out!

Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe, Paris         5th October

Europe's  richest horse race brings together the classic winners from England, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy. Why not make a date for this special event, and combine with a break in the beautiful French capital. Contact us for your travel arrangemets and ticket packages.

PGA Grand Slam of Golf, Bermuda       14th-15th October

See some of the world's top golfers while enjoying a break on this beautiful Atlantic island. Winners of the 2008 Masters, US Open, British Open and PGA Championships will be gathered at the host hotel and golf course, the luxurious Fairmont Southampton. 

White Night, Malta  October( Date to be confirmed)

Following on from the success in Rome, Paris and other European cities, all night celebrations turn this month to Malta. Theatres, museums, gardens and cinemas in Valetta remain open throughout the night, offering entertainment in all areas of the city. 

Halloween, New York  31st October

31st October is a major event across the USA and nowhere more so than in the Big Apple. A great parade takes place in downtown Manhattan, making it the larges celebration in the world, and the only large night parade in the country.

Day of the Dead, Mexico  1st - 2nd November

This time is widely celebrated across the country, with offerings left to the dead at dedicated alters. Far from being morbid, the event is quite a celebration with bright street festivals, and each region celebrating in its own unique way.

Diwali, India  7th - 11th November

Five continuous days of celebration across the country mark this most important Hindu Festival. The Festival of Lights, taking place on the 3rd day, is the major day, when presents are given, local people light their houses with candles, and fireworks abound.

Ellerslie International Flower Show, Auckland  14th -18th November

Visitors to New Zealand may be keen to see this event. Inspired by Chelsea, it is the largest plant and flower show in the Southern Hemisphere.

England Cricket Tour to India November 2008

The England team will be returning to India this month. We have plenty of contacts for specialist Sports trips, so if you are a fan and thinking of paying a visit, please give us a call.

 

Grand Cayman Marathon,  7th December

Calling all budding athletes - Join fellow competitors for this Sixth Annual Cayman Marathon , and enjoy the best of this beautiful Caribbean island. Coinciding with Cayman Jazz Fest, between 6th and 8th December, here are just  two reasons to pay a visit now.

Bandol Wine Festival, France 7th December 

Each year on the first Sunday in December, this Mediterranean port is invaded with thousands of wine enthusiasts. A festive atmosphere is in the air as both consumers and professionals meet to savour the new wines of the season.

Christmas Markets December

It's that time again! Why not celebrate with a short break to one of our European cities? From Basle to Berlin, and from Paris to Prague, there are destinations galore to explore at this festive time of year.