Get out and about with our guide to what’s happening right now around the world. So get ready to eat, drink and boogie your way across the globe:
10. Snowbombing – Mayrhofen, Austria, Western Europe
The annual extravaganza that is Snowbombing is on right now in Mayrhofen in Austria and has a great reputation for adrenalin-pumped snowboarding, crazy partying and the night-time chalet-hopping! The Tyrolean resort also features the best DJs, club nights and live acts for what is billed as the ultimate winter event. Hit the slopes by day and soak up the après ski rock and roll at night, courtesy of Fatboy Slim, Dizzee Rascal and Grandmaster Flash!
9. On Ice Music Festival – Reykjavík Art Museum, Reykjavík, Iceland, Northern Europe
Each April see the cream of Icelandic music talent perform at the On Ice Music Festival held at the Reykjavik Art Museum (Hafnarhús). Icelandic music may not be the best known in the world but expand your musical knowledge with acts such as Bang Gang, Dr. Spock, Jeff Who and Sometime. Coming soon to a pop-chart near you!
8. Purcell & Handel – Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, England, Western Europe
And now for some classical music happening throughout April – the meeting of Purcell & Handel. This event sees two of 2009s major musical anniversaries being celebrated in the pairing of Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, which is new to Britain and a new production of Handel’s Acis and Galatea. The performance is unique as the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera rarely perform together. So celebrate the 350th anniversary of Henry Purcell’s birth and commemorate the 250th anniversary of George Frideric Handel’s death by putting some culture in your life.
7. De Cajón! Flamenco Festival & Tradicionàrius – Barcelona, Spain, Southern Europe
Barcelona’s really got it going on in April with two hot music festivals. Tradicionàrius, the Catalana Folk Music Festivals has two months of folk music featuring 17th-century song and jam sessions as well as skills workshops. The De Cajón! Flamenco Festival brings castanets, the stomping of heels and swishing of skirts to life. Barcelona is the place to be!
6. Noruz the Zoroastrian New Year – Iran, Western Asia
Each April sees the ancient Zoroastrian spring festival which celebrates the symbolic victory of light, goodness and fire. Embodied in the figure of the Wise Lord Ahura Mazda, who triumphed over darkness and evil and is represented by the Dark God Ahriman. Expect two weeks of celebrations and a table laid with 7 objects each beginning with the letter S in Persian – apples, garlic and wheat, followed by gifts and sweet meats.
5. The Brits – Laax, Switzerland, Western Europe
The Brits annual winter sports festival is held in Laax, Switzerland and highlights the British snowboard and freestyle ski scene. The event features over 250 rising stars, amateurs and professionals as they compete in the national boarder, skiercross, slopestyle, halfpipe and big air championships. You’ll find extreme moves both on the slopes during the day and at night when music sessions are put on.
4. Rama Navami – India, South Asia
Rama Navami is the birthday in April of the most cherished Hindu hero-god, Lord Rama. The feast of Rama Navami is celebrated more in North India and in Ayodha thousands of pilgrims form colourful processions and put on religious plays, prayers and ritual blessings.
3. Giotto Jazz Festival – Teatro Giotto, Vicchio, Florence, Italy, Southern Europe
Every year in Florence, the Giotto Jazz Festival takes over the churches, piazzas and the main stage at the Teatro Giotto for the Jazz Festivals. Lose yourself in the rhythms of Drew Cress and Tuck & Patti.
2. Sonoma Valley Film Festival – California, USA, Northern America
Want wine, food and films all at one event? Then check out the Sonoma Valley Film Festival which features 75 independent films from around the world to watch whilst you tuck into the famous food and wines of the premier wine region, Sonoma Valley.
1. The Grand National – Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England, Western Europe
The world’s greatest steeplechase, The Grand National, is currently on at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, UK. Held annually since 1839, the three day event sees 100,000 spectators visit the race to soak up the atmosphere and place the odd bet! If you do visit then make time to see the statue of Red Rum, who was the greatest horse in the history of The Grand National. Red Rum won the race in 1973, 1974 and 1977 and was also runner-up in 1975 and 1976 – an amazing record, although I bet the odds were low!
