Worldwide Leisure Events

May Day Festival, Rome 1st May

Held in Piazza San Giovanni, this annual event heralds the beginning of Spring, with a celebration of music, welcoming musicians from around the world.

Cannes Film Festival 14th - 15th May

Founded in 1939, this is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world. Held at the Palais des Festivals in this renowned resort, this offers the ultimate hotspot for celebrity spotting.

Reykjavik Arts Festival  15th May - 5th June  

Events take place in a variety of venues, promoting international and Icelandic culture. With something for everyone, adults and families alike, here is an added attraction for visiting this very popular destination. 

Gourmet Festival, Capetown 15th - 17th May

Attracting over 50.000 food and wine enthusiasts, and hosting a selection of celebrity chefs, this event is Africa's premier celebration of food, and a must if you are a visitor to Cepetown.

TT Motorcycle Races, Isle of Man 24th May - 6th June

Motorcycle mad, or just looking for a bit of atmosphere? This could be for you. The Isle of Man comes alive for 2 weeks every year, with the famous Tourist Trophy Motorcycle Races.

 

27th Annual Steamboat Marathon, Colorado 1st June

Looking for a run with a difference! This annual event in Steamboat Springs has been voted one of the most scenic, winding through the beauty of the Rockies. For the less energetic, it also offers a Half Marathon and Fun Run.

Taste of Dublin Festival  12th - 15th June 

Always popular for a short break, Dublin offers added entertainment in June when twenty-two of the city's top restaurants and chefs host this annual Festival. Over 35,000 visitors gather in the beautiful Iveagh Gardens, to enjoy Dublin's finest food and drink, accompanied by jazz bands and a variety of performing arts. 

San Diego Restaurant Week 22nd - 27th June

For the second time this year San Diego's top 130 restaurants open their doors, offering 3 course meals at greatly reduced prices. What better time to visit!

Dragon Boat Festival, Singapore 30th June - 1st July

Boat festivals take place across South East Asia, with this being one of the largest. Local teams compete with top international players, all in their beautifully decorated boats, and all against the loud background of drums and cymbals. Include this in your visit, and take home unforgettable memories.

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.