The Spring Festival in Budapest

Destination: Hungary >> 26/10 - 27/01

The Spring Festival was first held in 1981, it is the largest annual cultural event in Hungary. You can see orchestral and chamber concerts, jazz, contemporary dance, film screenings and more than 200 events throughout the city. March to April 2009.

Mali, live!

Destination: Mali >> 01/12 - 09/01

Glastonbury, Woodstock, Essakane. Spot the odd one out? Actually, there isn't one. Home every year to 'Festival au Désert', one of the biggest festivals of African music, Essakane is an oasis town in the north of Mali, a few hours drive north of Timbuktu.

Any frequent festival-goer would feel at home here, lodged as everyone is, revellers, artists, technicians and organisers alike, the Touareg way - in tents. These people, originally descendants of Berbers from the southern Sahara, are a nomadic people, who have as a tradition to come together for annual meetings known as a Takoubelt in the Kidal region, or Temakannit in the Timbuktu region.

Here, after the nomadic season, they would gather to discuss the main issues of the day, to settle disputes between groups or individuals and of course, to enjoy themselves. And that is axis around which the festival turns. The overwhelming majority of hosts are nomads, who set up camp around the venue along with their camels and flocks.

As well as the numerous concerts, one can expect a host of other attractions including traditional shows and chanting, camel rides, traditional arts, film projections and conferences. While the focus of the festival is the Touareg culture, other cultures from around Mali are also represented, as are those of Niger, Morocco and the West too.

Festival au Désert is a truly international event, welcoming people from the four corners of the world. What better way to wind down after the stress and excesses of Christmas?

For more information, visit the festival's official website.

Samba sounds!

Destination: Brazil >> 13/02 - 16/02

It's now 2010 and we can all breathe a little easier with the Christmas and New Year hype over. After a hectic day of shopping in the sales, it's time to write up your new year resolutions (quit smoking, lose weight, and the like...) AND more importantly time to plan your next holiday.

Should you be around and your boss be willing to give you some time off, Rio de Janeiro is the place to be from Februray 13th-16th. Carnival will be going on throughout Brazil, and Rio is the 'Carnival Capital'. Brazil's Carnival is the biggest Carnival worldwide and with 500,000 (foreign) visitors every year, you are guaranteed an experience that is out of this world.

Rio Carnival is a wild 4 day celebration, 40 days before Easter. It officially starts on Saturday and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday after which one is supposed to abstain from all bodily pleasures. Carnival with all its excesses, celebrated as a profane event, can thus be considered an act of farewell to the pleasures of the flesh. It usually happens in February, the hottest month in the Southern Hemisphere, when the Rio summer is at its peak.

There are lots of events on throughout the Carnival - everyone joins in the celebrations! Carnival balls, Samba parades, street parties, street bands, samba school nights...and so much more! The whole city pulsates with dancing bodies, sweating in the summer heat, loyal to the rhythms of Samba.

Carnival is vital to Brazilians, as it is the opportunity to express and develop Brazil's true culture. The Rio Carnival is one big dancing and singing party that goes on day and night for 4 days.

Before deciding to attend Carnival, have a look at the event calendar and book the relevant tickets.Tickets should bebooked as early as three months in advance if you can. Then book your accomodation as this can be a little tricky if left to the last minute. The best place to stay for Carnival is around the Southern zone of the city (Zona Sul).Don't forget to throw a costume together for the Samba parade, the highlight of Carnival!

All Carnival information can be found on:Rio Carnival 2009

200 years of Charles Darwin

Destination: England >> 02/01 - 28/02

Charles Darwin, celebrated philosopher and scientist, famous for his revolutionary theory of Evolution, will be celebrating his 200th birthday in spirit at his birth place, Shrewsbury. Variousevents will be taking place throughout the month of February. Darwin's actual birthday is on 12th February.

For those with a little bigger budget, then why not get yourself out to the Galapagos, Darwin's inspiration for his influential work: 'On the Origin of Species'.

Lithuania, Vilnius: Culture Live!

Destination: Lithuania >> 07/01 - 31/12

Vilnius, along with Linz, Austria (see our 'Events' section for what's happening in Linz) are our capitals of culture for 2009.

There will be many events taking place in the Lithuanian capital throughout 2009; however there is so much choice that we recommend you have a browse of the Culture Live website.

Culture Live is not only a one year celebration of culture for Lithuania, but it is also an opportunity to share art from a country that does not necessarily have a reputation for being an Art Capital, such as Paris, London or New York for example. Lithuania will seize this opportunity to show the world what Lithuania is all about culturally for the first time.

What is CULTURE live?
"The essence of the project is creation. Creation that is not abstract, not someone else's, not out of reach, but creation that is personalised, yours, mine, theirs. Authentic creation of the New: relationships between people, ties between organisations, countries and cities, the liberation of inner power, the bringing of ideas down to earth.

Culture live is a creative expanse which is revealed at this moment, a source of innovation, unexpected solutions in art, culture, education and business which are born here and now. Culture live is sincerely open to each and every person who is a constant creator of Life."

The events are grouped into seven sections: Special Events, Conferences & Meetings, European Art, Culture (Re)Discovery, Living History, People and Millennium of Lithuania. For more information, take a look at the Culture Live website.

Chinese New Year, 26th January!

Destination: China - Peking and the North >> 23/01 - 31/01

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is one of the most important traditional Chinese holidays. It is sometimes called the Lunar New Year, especially by people outside China. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month (Chinese: ??; pinyin: zh?ng yuè) in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as Chúx?. It literally means "Year-pass Eve".

Celebrated in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese, Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the new year celebrations of its geographic neighbours, as well as cultures with whom the Chinese have had extensive interaction.

Celebrations conducted by Chinese communities all over the world, explode with fireworks, lights, dancing dragons in the streets! The best place to go, if of course China is a tad too far from home, is a Chinese restaurant - book early!

Carnival in BARCELONA!

Destination: Spain Catalonia and the North >> 30/01 - 28/02

From the 19th to the 25th Febraury, Carnival in Barcelona epitomises some of the more gluttonous aspects of traditional celebration. This time before the Lenten fast is spent indulging in the soon-to-be-forbidden pleasures, and for Barcelonans this means a gargantuan feast dedicated to anything particularly fatty.

On Jueves Lardero - Fatty Thursday, a tortilla competition takes place, judged on taste, filling and presentation. Catalonians are also exceptionally qualified when it comes to spicy meats and especially sausages. Fuet and salchichón will have picante explosions dancing on your tongue - you'll wish you had been born in Catalonia just for the pleasure of sampling them every day.

Carnival weekend sees revellers converge on the market places and streets to watch as the local carnival guilds and commercial establishments compete for the much acclaimed pimiento de oro - golden pepper. On Saturday afternoon the celebrations come to a climax with the Gran Rua de Carnaval, a colossal parade of adorned carriages and carnival groups and a snowfall of streaming confetti.

All good things must come to an end and the celebrants mark the occasion appropriately with a funeral. The king of carnival has, after all, died and taken the carnival with him. A funeral cortege of his widows and entourage, all suitably dressed in black, mourn his passing.

For more information you can either visit the event website.

Winter Lights Festival, Iceland

Destination: Iceland >> 06/02 - 14/02

An annual event, Reykjavík's Winter Lights Festival is a celebration of both the season of winter and of the lengthening days after a long, dark few months.

Tourists as well as locals come together for the two day weekend, this year taking place on 13th and 14th of February, to enjoy almost entirely free of charge this fantastic array of events combining art, sport, culture, history and work . There are scores of events taking place over the weekend at some of the Icelandic capital's major institutions such as the National Library, the National Museum, the Reykjavík Art Museum and the National Gallery of Iceland.

To pick out just a few, a puppet show of Icelandic puppeteer Jón E. Guðmundsson's works will take place in City Hall on both days, while Friday night is dedicated to the museums of the capital with a whole host of fascinating events taking place. Saturday is International Children's Day and so a wonderful programme just for the little ones has been put together including an origami workshop and face painting. Saturday also sees the opening of a photography exhibition detailing life in Reykjavík and its surrounding areas.

For the programme in all its stunning glory, click here.

SalsaMonaco

Destination: France >> 13/02 - 15/03

If you find yourself sitting at home on a Saturday night, twiddling your thumbs wondering what to do now that Strictly Come Dancing is over but you can't bring yourself to switch over to Dancing on Ice, well fret not, as Monaco is hosting a weekend full of salsa. Since 2006, the principality has been welcoming the world's leading performers and instructors, giving breathtaking exhibitions and lessons to everyone from beginners to the experienced. Each year the number of visitors increase and this year should see the most since the festival's birth. Between 13th and 15th March Monaco and its magical surroundings will be at the centre of the salsa world, so come and join in the fun and plug that Saturday night dancing gap?at least for a while.

For more on the event, information on all the participating artists, a schedule and how to book accommodation at special promotional prices, visit the festival website here.

St. Patrick's Festival 2009

Destination: Ireland >> 20/02 - 17/03

Things may be tough at the moment for the Irish, but economic problems will take a back seat this year as they party like only they know how this St. Patrick's Day. The St. Patrick's Festival 2009 promises to be an explosive event combining theatre, music, dance, comedy, film, a treasure hunt and of course the Parade, which organisers claim to be the best in the world! The six-day event will take place between 12th and 17th March and what's more almost all of the events are free of charge! With so many cost-effective ways of getting over to Ireland, there's no excuse for not joining in the celebrations and helping the Irish pay homage to their patron saint.

The Parade's mantra this year is 'The Sky's the Limit' and will welcome highly original and inventive street theatre troupes, artists, giant puppetry, dancers and marching bands from Ireland and across the globe, including the USA, Germany and Italy. The National Lottery Skyfest, which is a popular annual event, will be held for only the second time outside Dublin, this year in Waterford. On the agenda for 2009 are fireworks over the River Suir, musical accompaniment from Irish contemporary group Kila and a variety of street entertainment. One major pull of the festivities has always been the Denny Treasure Hunt and the Denny Big Day Out which provide fun for all the family while allowing both tourists and residents to discover the city.

Throughout the six days of celebrations, film, music and comedy will be strongly present. The Irish Film Institute will hold workshops in partnership with Donal O'Céilleachair, music comes from, among others, Seàn Keane and the Kilfenora Céilí Band while Ireland's top five comedians provide the laughs at Best of the Fest at the Laughter Lounge. 'How Irish is Ireland' promises to be a lively debate on what it means to be Irish today and is being held on Monday 16th in conjunction with The Dubliner.

For more information on what is sure to be a lively and unforgettable few days in Ireland, please visit the official St. Patrick's Festival website here.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Destination: United States, New York >> 02/03 - 31/08

As the memory of the harsh winter months fades and we prepare for the milder climate of the spring, we're all looking for ways of profiting from the better weather and the beauty that the new season carries with it. Rather than stay in the UK though and risk disappointment as another promising March is followed by an April washout, head for the capital of the United States as they celebrate their fruitful relationship with Japan in the form of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This annual event commemorates the 1912 present of 3000 cherry trees from the then mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki to the city of Washington. From its humble beginnings almost 100 years ago, the celebration of the start of spring in the US capital has grown to such an extent that it now attracts over one million visitors every year. This is no surprise as blossoming of the cherry tree in all its pink glory truly is a sight to behold. Of course people don't come from all over the world simply to admire the trees; there is a wealth of activities organised in honour of this spectacular natural marvel. On 28th March the Opening Ceremony announces the start of two weeks of festivities with Washington dignitaries welcoming visitors to their city. There are about 60 events in total over the fortnight, many encouraging people to get active and spend time outdoors. There are several different walks, including an evening lantern walk amongst the trees, as well as biking tours around the area. Sporting fixtures play a part in proceedings too with football and rugby matches and even a marathon for the brave out there. Having said that, with a backdrop such as that provided by the cherry trees, who wouldn't be inspired to run for pleasure? If all that sounds too much like hard work however, then why not take tea aboard a yacht and admire the colours from the tranquil setting of the Potomac River. For a different sort of culinary experience enjoy a sushi and sake evening for a taste of Japan. To mark the half-way point of the festival, Parade on 4th April will feature celebrity appearances, marching bands, dancing and floats all on a scale that only the Americans can pull off. You will find other events celebrating art and music as well as educational talks and discussions within in the programme. For more information on the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a full and comprehensive events calendar and find out more about Washington DC, visit the event's official website here.

Altitude Festival, Méribel

Destination: France >> 06/03 - 31/03

Every summer there is a whole host of festivals around the UK when invariably the promised sunshine and good weather is instead replaced by heavy downpours turning what used to a be vast expanse of green into the world's largest mud bath. If this is not you scene, but you have always wanted to get in on the festival scene, then the Altitude Festival could be your calling. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Méribel Resort in the 'Trois Vallées' ski area, it brings together comics, bands, DJs and skiers/snowboarders from Britain, France, the States and Canada. The whole event is aiming to be carbon neutral and to promote ways of helping to prevent global warming. One of the founders of the event is our very own Marcus Brigstocke, a regular on TV and radio as well as a successful comedy writer.

On the comedy side of things, you're in for a treat. Gracing the mike this year are some top names from the circuit including Ardal O'Hanlon of Father Ted fame, Fred Mcauley, Scottish accountant turned comedian and Omid Djalili, the talented British-Iranian actor and comedian. There are plenty of other familiar names on the bill which guarantees a truly trouser-wetting experience in the Alps!

Music-wise the headline act has to be K T Tunstall, who, in a generous gesture, is donating all proceedings from her gig to WWF. Other bands include Brighton outfit Super U, seasoned pro Mike Gray and a selection of local talent. DJs will also make themselves heard during the festival and include names such as Leo Lanvin, one of the most listened to DJs in France, sought after Brit Brandon Block and resident DJs John Spacey and Ryan Stern.

There is no news as yet of which skiers and snowboarders will be strutting their stuff on the pistes, but the displays promise to be breathtaking. In addition to these displays, there will be snowball fights, three-legged races and even sky-diving extravaganza. 2009 also sees the very first Altitude Film Festival where visitors are invited to send in films under three different categories with the chance of a cash prize for the best efforts.

The venues for all the above are a mix between the main marquee and various bars, restaurants and lodges around Méribel as well as in Courcheval, another ski resort nearby.

For more information on the festival, to buy tickets and for accommodation details, visit the official website here.

Fuerteventura carnivals

Destination: Spain, The Canary Islands >> 13/03 - 31/03

February and March are the carnival months in Fuerteventura. It is during carnival that the locals' spirit is truly unveiled and become absolutely wild! The largest parties take place in Puerto del Rosario and Corralejo, where everyone gets involved to create one long two-week party. The celebrations include lots of various cultural events, but the highlight is the costume parade which includes decorated floats escorted by skantliy-clad dancers and drummers. Everyone attends dressed in the most outrageous outfits their grandmothers' closets hold. A great atmosphere prevails as locals and tourists alike mingle together and party from dusk till dawn for two weeks. When you're not partying, make the most of the Canary Island's pleasant beaches and warm climate by relaxing by your hotel pool or on a beach. This year the carnival starts on March 13th until March 31st, so if you're around on sunny warm and fun Fuerteventura, make sure you step out of your hotel and into the wacky carnival! For more information about the carnival click here. Grab yourself a cheap package at a lovely hotel for 7 nights at £263 for more details click here

Ready, set, PARTY! Jamaica Carnival 2009

Destination: Jamaica >> 23/03 - 31/12

The Jamaica Carnival 2009 kicks off on February 1st and runs until April 30th. It is a long-awaited event as the islanders and tourists from all over the world wait in anticipation for Jamaica's biggest event of the year.

The carnival began in 1990 and has had an enormous success ever since, with over 100,000 people attending some of the carnival's biggest events. The Jamaica Carnival is basically two months of non-stop partying all over the island. The main bulk of events takes place during Easter week and although the entire island swings into action, the bigger events tend to be in Kingston; where the grand Road Parade unravels. Montego Bay and Negril are also carnival hotspots this year. The carnival usually kicks off with Beach Jouvert and end with the Road March fancy-dress street parade.

Bodies girate under a bursting sun to the sounds of Soca, Calypso and Reggae as everyone surfs the wave of joy and freedom, a large grin on their faces. There is nothing like partying at the Jamaica Carnival to really appreciate the Jamaicans' amirable and engaging party spirit.

Skive Festival, Denmark

Destination: Denmark >> 03/06 - 06/06

Skive Beach Party has two main stages on which the most popular artist of the festival perform and both stages has a capacity of up to 20.000 attendants. Skive Beach Party also has two minor theme stages making sure that the festival holds something for all tastes. Club Stöj (meaning noize) features some of the most popular DJs and electronic acts from around northern Europe, mostly Denmark, Sweden and UK. Here the crowd gets a chance of experiencing the true club vibe with pounding beats, spectacular lighting setup and none stop party.

At Rolinu! (meaning "no worries") the festival presents a laid back chill-out theme with some of Denmark's best upcoming and alternative artists. This stage is situated in cozy surroundings under the treetops in the majestic Krabbesholm Forrest where our guest have the opportunity to take a break from the hectic pace of the festivals main areas and just chill out.

Skive is situated in the mid-western part of Jutland, Denmark, just about an hours drive west of Aarhus. The festival area is located is the most beautiful surroundings on a small peninsula close to the city harbour giving Skive Beach Party a very unique touch. Getting there is easy by train, have a look at the Skive Festival website for details.

Throughout the years Skive Beach Party has featured some of the most popular international acts such as: Linkin Park, Queens of The Stone Age, Bloodhound Gang, Bryan Adams, Maroon 5, Pet Shop Boys, Meat Loaf, Ronan Keating, The Presidents of The USA, Melanie C, Run Rig, INXS, Status Quo and many others.

Street Art revered in Melbourne

Destination: England >> 06/04 - 31/12

The first city tour in Australia run by street artists has now been launched in Melbourne. The Melbourne Street Art Tour is designed by street artists to give the best representation of the city's underground street art scene, treating visitors to some of its hidden treasures.

Melbourne is renowned for its tiny lanes and back alleys, which are filled with colourful graffiti; including one of Banksy's very first works.

Visitors on the Melbourne Street Art Tour discover some of the most interesting street art and galleries in the world, as they are led down hidden laneways and arcades. The tour finishes at the famous Blender Studios, where they get to meet and see artists and street artists at work, together in a massive city art studio.

The Melbourne Street Art Tour is managed by Adrian Doyle, who has been part of the Melbourne street movement since its beginnings and is currently employed by the local inter city government.

The City of Melbourne has developed policies to allow street art to be legally incorporated into the cityscape and local businesses are increasingly commissioning artists to decorate their buildings.

The artworks are very popular with tourists too, with visitors to Melbourne regularly spotted taking photos in street art hubs such as Hosier Lane and Centre Place.

The Melbourne Street Art Tour operates 3 days a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. The tour route will change and be updated regularly, in line with what's hot on the art scene.

The tour costs AU$69 (£33) per person. For more information and bookings please visit www.melbournestreettours.com

For more information on Melbourne and the Australian state of Victoria please visit www.visitmelbourne.com/uk. To see for yourself what Melbourne and Victoria have to offer please visit www.visitmelbourne.com/uk-tv

Malta International Fireworks Festival

Destination: Malta >> 09/04 - 30/04

Malta is always an attractive option for a short break, but the end of the month presents an even better reason to go than usual with the eighth fireworks festival taking place. On 30th April and 1st May, the Maltese tourism authorities are putting on what will be a spectacular series of displays completely free of charge. The setting for the extravaganza will once again be the Grand Harbour, although according to the official Maltese tourist website, the best views can be had from Ta' Liesse/Barriera Wharf, Valletta Waterfront or from the bastions surrounding the capital. Each night will kick off with a 15-minute display and will then be followed 13 competitive one by one displays designed by local factories (to be split over the two evenings). To make things more interesting there is prize money up for grabs and a trophy too.

For full details and the event programme click here.

Enjoy the courtyards of Cordoba

Destination: Andalusia >> 16/04 - 07/06

Even if you have already visited the Andalucian city of Cordoba, it is fairly likely that you haven't been privileged enough to see what lies behind the doors of some of its private properties. Well, until 7th June some 25 local households will keep their doors open to the public so that we can all profit from these courtyards in full bloom. The event is being organised by the 'Claveles y Gitanillas' Courtyards Association and aims to help maintain these hidden gems of Cordoba which have competed against each other since 1933. The courtyards make for excellent stop off points during a walking tour of the city and can all be visited within one weekend. They are open to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 2pm. Tickets, which entitle the holder to visit all 25 courtyards cost 6¤ for one person or 10¤ for a pair. For more information on the event and to discover more about the city itself, visit the city's official website here.

Jacob's Ladder Festival, Israel

Destination: Israel >> 24/04 - 31/05

First held back in 1968, this folk music festival was founded by Menachem and Yehudit Vinegrad, a British couple who had immigrated to Israel the year before, along with several friends of theirs. It has since become an annual event and after having changed venue several times, it will this year take place on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, the largest freshwater lake in Israel. The festival actually has two editions, one taking place in the spring and another during December. Running from Thursday evening to Saturday night (the Israeli weekend), the 48 hours are crammed with acts ranging this year from Irish folk music to holistic treatments and from theatrical folklore to tap dancing lessons. While there are several accommodation options in the area, the best way to experience the festival is by camping for free in the grounds of the Nof Ginosar hotel, as good weather is guaranteed. With adult passes for all three days costing just £60 before 1st May, you are sure to enjoy every penny's worth at this exhilarating celebration of music in beautiful surroundings.

For everything you need to know about the festival and to book your tickets, visit the Jacob's Ladder Festival official website here.

Morocco Rose Festival

Destination: Morocco - The Deep South >> 14/05 - 27/05

This year from May 14th till the 27th, the Rose Festival in Morocco's stunning Dades Valley, also know as the Valley of the Roses, will be taking place in all its grandeur. The Dades Valley is famous for being the country's main region of rose-product manufacture. With its numerous distilleries, all rose-water and rose-derived products originate from here. Roses in Morocco are very important in cooking and are widely used for perfume and various other beauty products. At the end of the harvest each year, farmers celebrate the year's crops and the beauty of nature for three days high up in the valley, in the heavenly pink town of El-Kelaa-des-Mgouna, also known as the 'Rose Capital' of Morocco. The festivities attract travellers from all over the world. Floats are paraded around the valley, authentic Moroccan food is served, Berber tribes sing, dance and play traditional musical instruments. The whole valley is transformed and decorated with rose garlands, the soft sweet, scent of roses floats about the place as the crowds eagerly await a Rose Queen to be voted for! For more information on visiting Morocco and the Rose festival, you can have a browse of the Visit Morocco website

Kafka, Kleist & Shakespeare at the Vienna Festival!

Destination: Austria >> 08/05 - 14/06

Vienna Festival 2009 with Kafka, Kleist and Shakespeare

Artistic variety is the key: The spectacular open-air opening on the Rathausplatz on 8th May is followed until 14th June by 178 performances from 28 countries - opera, concerts, theatre, dance, shows and an exhibition. First held in 1951, it has grown in significance to become one of Vienna's most important cultural festivals. It is renowned for its thought-provoking programmes and in the past has addressed such themes as xenophobia and issues of national identity.

For full event listings click here. For the festival website, click here

Singapore Arts Festival 2009

Destination: Singapore >> 15/05 - 14/06

The Singapore Arts Festival first began in 1977 as a national arts festival celebrating the local arts activities of Singapore's diverse communities. Over the last three decades, the Festival, organised by the National Arts Council, has played a symbiotic and catalytic role in the development of the artistic and cultural life of Singapore. It has helped to transform the city's cultural landscape, turning it into one of Asia's major cultural capitals today. It has influenced the work of artists and has since generated a growing public demand for the arts, spawning new cultural platforms, events, and movements that help underpin the lively cultural scene in present Singapore.

Today, the Festival is characterised by a bold, progressive and innovative spirit, committed to commissioning new works by Singapore, Asian and international artists; investing in works that bridge disciplines, cultures, language and geographical boundaries; exploring, among others, contemporary issues related to history, memory, migration, and urban living; discovering emergent and promising artists; and encouraging regional and international artistic exchanges and collaborations. The Festival also features an extensive programme of free outdoor performances island-wide, bringing the arts to the doorsteps of Singaporeans.

Placing festival networking as an important process of cultural dialogue and festival collaborations, the Festival championed and co-founded the Association of Asian Performing Arts Festivals in 2004, and has since served as its chair and secretariat, overseeing a membership of 30 organisations in the Asia, Europe, America and Australasia.

The Singapore Arts Festival remains the largest singular event on Singapore's arts calendar, inviting artists from more than 20 countries, offering more than 400 activities and attracting up to 500,000 attendances - a 4-week infusion of performances and events that inspires and captures the public imagination of the city.

National Sand Drawing Festival

Destination: Vanuatu >> 15/06 - 21/06

The annual National Sand Drawing Festival is a major event for the locals of the archipelago which is hosted by a different island every year - this year the festival will take place on Epi Island.

The festival gives real insight into Vanuatu culture For an insight into indigenous Vanuatu culture and the festival demands very specific skills to be a part of it. Sand Drawing (Sandroing in local language Bislama) is the art of drawing perfectly-symmetrical, geometric patterns in the sand using just one finger. A huge amount of skill - and a steady hand - is needed to create the drawings, which include intricate motifs and perfect circles. There will also be traditional games, magic shows, storytelling and various other cultural activities taking place during the festival, which is designed to preserve local tradition.

Montreux Jazz Festival

Destination: Switzerland >> 03/07 - 18/07

The Montreux Jazz Festival, held on the eastern shore of beautiful Lake Geneva, is one of the most famous in the world. The extensive programme now extends from jazz to blues, rock and pop.

Many of the greatest jazz and blues performers have appeared at the event since its inception in 1967, including Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Getz, Charlie Mingus and Dexter Gordon. Normally around 200,000 people attend.

The programme for 2009 features jazz heavyweights like Herbie Hancock appearing with Lang Lang, the McCoy Tyner Trio, Bill Frisell, John Scofield's Piety Street Band, blues legend BB King and smooth guitarists George Benson and Lee Ritenour. The CTI All Star Band features a host of acclaimed performers, while Dianne Reeves, Angélique Kidjo, Lizz Wright and Simone perform a tribute to the latter's mother Nina Simone. Giovanni Hidalgo, Horacio El Negro Hernandez and Oscar D'Leon bring infectious Latin rhythms, while pop, dance and hip hop comes from Lily Allen, Black Eyed Peas, Underworld and Mos Def.

The MDH Club has a nightly line-up of electro and DJs, Studio 41 has late night house music and there is a full programme of free, open-air concerts every day in Vernex Park. Don't miss the free Brazilian carnival on Saturday 11 July!

For full details see the href="http://www.montreuxjazz.com/">Montreux Jazz Festival website

43rd Montreux Jazz Festival

Destination: Switzerland >> 12/06 - 18/07

Situated at the foot of the Alps on the edge of Lake Geneva, Montreux is one of the highlights of the 'Swiss Riviera'. During the turn of the 20th century, it was a highly popular destination with British holidaymakers, however it is now better known as the home of an annual jazz festival which has been going since 1967. Founded by jazz enthusiast Claude Nobs, who was then working for the tourist office, it has a rich history and it list of past participants reads like a who's who of not only jazz but all types of music: Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie and Massive Attack have all taken to the stage at Montreux. Although the festival's historic roots are jazz, the festival welcomes all genres today and this year is no exception. For two weeks between 3rd and 18th July, yet another crop of music stars from around the world gather to celebrate music in Switzerland. On the bill in 2009 are Marianna Faitfull, B B King, Steve Winwood, Status Quo, Jeff Beck, Seal, The Black Eyed Peas and Lily Allen as well as a host of other artists to discover, for example Baaba Maal from Senegal, a true superstar in his home country.

While most gigs have an entrance fee, there are several venues which are completely free of charge. The Montreux Jazz Café is one of those venues, where you can dine while listening to up and coming artists specializing in all genres. Another is the Miles Davis Hall Club, which offers a free of charge line up of DJs and live acts from 11pm. Other venues include the Cocktail Garden, Parc Vernex and the Montreux Palace Rotary Room, which will project never-before-seen footage of the Festival archive. In addition, workshops are open to the public where artists from the main lineup take to the stage for a 'carte blanche' performance of expression and demonstration.

For more information on this legendary festival, including the programme, ticket information and practical advice, click here to be redirected to the official website.

Queenstown Winterfestival, New Zealand

Destination: New Zealand >> 18/06 - 05/07

For over 30 years this out-of-the-ordinary annual event has been celebrating the start of winter like nowhere else. The town of Queenstown, situated in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island, will this year be honouring the coming of the cold season between 26th June and 5th July with a plethora of events ranging from the cultural to the downright ridiculous. The whole thing kicks off with a firework display on the evening of 26th down by the lake with food stalls and music from New Zealand's top percussionists. During the following days in downtown Queenstown, you'll be able to watch a film, take a stroll through the markets or catch an ice hockey game before donning your best mask for the Lindauer Diamond Ball. For something a little more energetic, try one of the fun runs/walks or give Frisbee golf a go! You'll find other ways to amuse yourself too with jazz nights and a satirical look at the history of the country from Te Radar. Perhaps the most ridiculous event of all is the Ski Through the Decades extravaganza where people dress up in typical dress from their favourite decade and take to the slopes to wow the crowd with their skills. Prizes for the best dressed.

For all the practical information on the event (including how to prepare yourself for such an outrageous celebration) plus the full programme, visit the official website here.

Festa del Redentore, Venice, Italy

Destination: Northern Italy >> 24/06 - 18/07

This historic event is celebrated each year on the third Sunday of July and commemorates the end of the plague which gripped the 'Serenissima' between 1575 and 1577. Within this period almost 50,000 people died; equivalent to a third of Venice's population. In 1576, a church was erected in honour of the 'Redentore' or the 'Redeemer' in return for help in putting an end to the plague. Once over, Venetians began to pay homage at the basilica in memory of the good brought upon the city.

In order to cross the Guidecca Canal to allow the procession access to the church, a bridge of boats was built and is still done so today. At sunset on Saturday, the boats, which are illuminated and decorated, begin congregating in Saint Mark's Basin and along the Guidecca Canal. Food and drink is prepared and consumed in a festive atmosphere before a fireworks display takes place at 11.30pm until midnight.

There is of course a religious side to the celebrations which starts at 10am on the Saturday and go on all day Sunday ending with a procession. This year the festival will take place on 18th and 19th July, perfect for a short break in one of the world's most romantic cities.

Pflasterspektakel 2009, Linz

Destination: Austria >> 03/07 - 25/07

If ever there was an excuse for a weekend away, this is it. Between 23rd and 25th July Linz, co-Capital of Culture 2009 hosts the 23rd Pflasterspektakel, a celebration of international street art featuring 500 artists from 40 countries. Inspired by his being caught up in the birthday celebrations for Morocco's King Hassain many years ago, cultural manager Siegbert Janko's idea to bring the magic of the Djemaa el-Fna to Linz was finally realised in 1987 after two years of preparation.

Every day over 10 hours of street entertainment can be enjoyed on the streets of Linz in 40 locations divided into five zones. The programme for each day's festivities is published at midday and distributed around the town, the artists having themselves decided where to perform during the morning. None of the artists are paid for performing at Pflasterspektakel, so donations are much appreciated.

For more information on the festival and some practical advice on the city, visit the Pflasterspektakel 2009 official website here.

New York Restaurant Week

Destination: United States, New York >> 10/07 - 31/07

Actually, it's almost three weeks! The name has not changed since 1992 when the city put on the event to welcome the Democratic National Convention. The culinary extravaganza now covers both lunch and dinner allowing both locals and tourists alike the chance to dine at 250 of the city's top eateries at a fraction of the normal price. The tariffs are fixed at $24.07 for the lunch menus and at $35 for dinner. The biannual event (there is a winter version too) is taking place this summer between 12th and 31st July and all the menus are available on the New York Restaurant Page of nycgo.com. You'll also find out all about other events going on during the period and be able to take advantage of several special offers.

Cowes Week, Isle of Wight

Destination: England >> 31/07 - 07/08

Cowes Week will be taking place on August 1st-8th this year and is the world's premier sailing regatta, with almost 1,000 yachts and 8,000 competitors taking part in some top-class sailing. Cowes Week has a rich heritage and attracts a wide range of competitors from amateurs to Olympic and World champions. It has a huge amount to offer both sailors and visitors alike, with an exciting racing schedule and a packed entertainment itinerary on shore throughout the week.

A visit to Cowes during the regatta is a must, with its great selection of specialist shops, excellent line-up of live bands and superb choice of cuisine, all helping to create a festival atmosphere - plus one of the best sailing spectacles in the world. One of the highlights of the Regatta is the fireworks display, taking place on the final Friday of Cowes Week. The Cowes Week Parade Entertainment schedule is available via the link below.

For more information see the Isle of Wight website

Chocolate Fest, St. Stephen, Canada

Destination: Canada, Quebec >> 23/07 - 08/08

Ever since 1985, The Great Chocolate Mousse and his wife Tiffany have been welcoming chocolate-lovers to St. Stephen, in the southwest corner of the Canadian state of New Brunswick for Chocolate Fest. The city, which was named as Canada's Chocolate Town in 2000, sits on the St. Croix River (marking part of the US-Canada border) and is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the event this year. Ganong Bros. Limited has been producing chocolate and sweets here for over 130 years.

Between 2nd and 8th August, you'll be able to take part in a number of chocolate-related activities including the opening brunch, the cake-cutting ceremony, the treasure hunt and the chocolate hand-dipping contest. Alongside all this are various other food-orientated festivities as well as displays, tours and events for the kids.

For more information on Chocolate Fest, visit the official website.

Helsinki Festival 2009

Destination: Finland >> 01/08 - 30/09

Don't know where to spend the last week of August? Still have some partying spirit left in you after the summer holidays? Well, Helsinki has the perfect solution! With an eclectic mix of events taking place from 13th to the 30th August, there's plenty to choose from. Classical music concerts, plays, festival tents, circus, film showings, poetry, jazz and much much more, you really are spoiled for choice! There are even events especially for kids, with circus entertainment, plays and films. The long winter nights are finally done and over with and Helsinki breaks out in an homage to the arts to celebrate! This year's festival looks to be another fine edition this summer with its indeed generous program giving you time to explore the city, its food and people without missing out on the festival events. Celebrations will take place all over town and past the midnight sun's appearance, giving the festival a mystical edge. Art and music is on every street corner, every park and church; galleries are open until midnight so plenty to do, plenty of time to relax and enjoy before heading back to work! Helsinki Festival Guide The Helsinki Festival aside, there is also a second major event, the URB Urban Festival, taking place from the 3rd July to 9th August mainly hosted by the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art also in Helsinki. Several artists head to the museum and other venues around the city in the aim to show the significance of emerging energy through the arts of break dancing, theatre, film among other mediums.

Commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall

Destination: Germany >> 07/08 - 30/08

Berlin's German Historical Museum is holding a photographic exhibition chronicling the period 1989 and 1990 marked most notably by the fall of the Berlin Wall and thus the creation of a united Germany. Divided into four main parts, 'Photographs of the Turn of an Era' takes a look at the defining moments of a most critical period in European history. Including images of everyday life, politics in action and the largely unknown country left behind in the east, the exhibition recounts events leading up to, during and after the fall of the Wall.

You have until 30th August to catch the temporary exhibition, which is open daily from 10am to 6pm and is priced at 5¤. Tours are available each afternoon at 3pm, costing 4¤. Under 18s free. More information on the German Historical Museum website.

Festival of the Winds, Bondi Beach, Oz

Destination: Australia >> 13/09 - 13/09

The skies will come alive with hundreds of kites of all shapes and sizes from local and international kite-makers and flyers alike at Australia's largest, longest-running and most exciting kite flying festival.

There will also be a day-long dynamic multicultural entertainment program held in the Bondi Pavilion Courtyard Amphitheatre, along with free music and dance workshops, children's entertainment, including rides, face painting, animal farm, wandering minstrels, jugglers, stilt walkers, puppeteers, clowns and craft and kite making workshops.

There will be an aerial art exhibition held in the Bondi Pavilion Gallery and multicultural food stalls with food and drink from around the world will be available in the Southern courtyard.

For full details click here

Belgian Beer Weekend, Brussels

Destination: Belgium >> 20/08 - 06/09

Over the first weekend of September, Brussels' Grand'Place welcomes for the 11th time the Belgian Beer Weekend. The event is a celebration of Belgian beer, which is the most varied of any country in the world. 40 brewers of all sizes will be represented showcasing hundreds of beers coming under many different categories, some of which may be familiar, others of which are waiting to be discovered.

The event kicks off at 2.00pmwith a celebration of Saint-Arnould, the patron Saint of Beers, at the consecration of the beer in the Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral. Then at 6.00pm the drinking can commence when brewers from all over the country descend on one of the most beautiful squares on Europe to share their gift with you. Saturday sees historical brewery carts and beer wagons gathered at the Fish Market while a little later the Brewer's parade takes place on the Grand'Place. On the final day, the Sunday, a parade of bands and brewer's confraternities will animate the streets of the capital.

For the full programme, a list of participating brewers and details of all the beers featuring this year head to the Belgian Beer Weekend website.

I Primi d'Italia 2009

Destination: Belgium >> 04/09 - 28/09

The town of Foligno, slap bang in the middle of Italy, is host to this culinary festival which celebrates the country's 'primi piatti', or first courses. All the ingredients are here for the visitor to understand and experience Italy's love affair with food. Pasta, rice, soups and gnocchi are promoted through chefs, critics and producers and there are several ways the public can get involved. In the historical centre of Foligno medieval taverns host great value tasting sessions against a quaint backdrop. The twenty best pasta producers in Italy will be present throughout the festival in the Chiostro Palazzo Trinci, a 13th century cloister, where you can get to grips with the process of making pasta and of course buy the real McCoy. If you fancy getting your hands dirty then the cooking master classes are for you. If you your budget doesn't stretch to the 84¤ price tag, then why not listen to chefs explain how and why they choose their products to produce their first courses or take part in a question and answer session. There is something for the kids too with a health-conscious range of cooking activities. On a more light-hearted note check out the fashion show featuring apparel made from pasta or have your caricature drawn according to the type of pasta you are! Music, magic and 'mangiare' complete the line up with of course many more stalls and exhibitors showcasing the best of Italian produce. The festival takes place this year between 24th and 27th September. For more information, visit the official website.

Exotic Aruba's music festival

Destination: Netherlands Antilles >> 14/09 - 31/10

Soul legends, Earth, Wind and Fire are set to turn the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba into a Boogie Wonderland at the eighth annual Aruba Music Festival, from October 9 - 10, 2009.

With a remarkable career spanning over four decades Earth, Wind and Fire, who will headline the 2009 festival, have sold over 90 million albums worldwide earning them a place on the list of best selling music artists of all time. Chart topping hits include 'After the love has gone', 'Let's Groove' and 'Boogie Wonderland'.

Latin singer Paulina Rubio, one of the world's top-selling female Latin pop artists, and Columbian singer Fonseca, will add some spice to the annual music festival which takes place at the Aruba Entertainment Center in downtown Oranjestad, Aruba's colourful capital.

Tickets for the 2009 Aruba Music Festival are available in three categories. Gold Circle seating (limited availability) is priced at $125 (£75), preferred seating at $75 (£45), or general admission at $50 (£30). www.ticketweb.com

Lake of Stars, Malawi Festival

Destination: Malawi >> 24/09 - 19/10

While the venue for this year's festival has changed, its goals and values definitely have not. Founded back in 2004 by Brit Will Jameson, the event has attracted attention from high places, including the Malawian government, who sees its value in attracting tourism which in turn aids the country's developing economy. It also has as its aim to raise money for charity and to raise awareness of Malawi's artists amongst an international audience. It is a favourite with travellers passing through the country as well as locals and southern Africans.

Taking place this year between 15th and 18th October at the Sunbird Nkopola Lodge, Mangochi, on the southern edge of Lake Malawi, the lineup already includes The Maccabees as well as Radio 1's Nihal with many more African artists yet to be confirmed. The accommodation is surrounded by lush gardens and overlooks the great lake. Many of the country's highlights are only half a day's drive away meaning you can enhance the extraordinary experience of listening to music in a setting like this with getting to know a little-visited part of the world.

For more information on the festival, including all the related projects, and to book your tickets, visit the official website.

6th Mountain Cheese Olympics, Switzerland

Destination: Switzerland >> 01/10 - 25/10

There are surely few more worthy hosts of the Mountain Cheese Olympics than the region of Saignelégier-Tramelan-Bellelay, which crosses two of Switzerland's cantons, Jura and Bern. The production of cheese in this part of the world is a way of life and vital to the economy. And the quality of the cheese is among the best in the world. Perhaps the main purpose of the Olympics is to find the finest cheeses out there, but make no mistake, this is a serious business. The entry requirements and competition rules are extremely strict and incredibly detailed. 80 judges, all from countries with mountain farming and cheese production, will scrutinise around 800 cheeses in 16 different categories.

The actual competition will take place in Bellelay Abbey, where, over the three days of the event, visitors will also be able to take in the Tête de Moine museum, home of the region's most famous cheese. There is also a presentation featuring stories about the area and its well-known product. Saignelégier, where the opening and closing ceremonies will take place, is a hive of activity. You can watch the production Gruyère cheese, sample the cheese buffet or fondue and at night why not take in the show and then drink and dance the night away. There is plenty to keep the kids occupied too with horse and pony riding, face painting and competitions such as cheese rolling rand cow milking!

The 6th Mountain Cheese Olympics take place between 22nd and 25th October and entry to the event is free. For all the information you need on the event visit the official website.

Your heart's desire this Hallowe'en

Destination: England >> 19/10 - 31/10

A series of encounters, performances and film screenings, artists, magicians, performers and academics come together at Bristol's Compass of Desire Festival. Featuring an eclectic and decadent programme of circus, magic and burlesque performances it's one of Bristol's most bewitching Halloween events. Enter the Compass den of desire, a world of libidinous lovin', romantic encounters, sordid, sexy, beautiful and beastly! Using the directional points of the compass to navigate its way across the globe, the Compass of Desire Festival moves from a sexy French burlesque cabaret to acts from the island of Cuba, and further afield. Challenging and provocative, its fiery programme is guaranteed to get Bristol hot under the collar! For full details see the website.

Mexico's D-Day!

Destination: Continental Mexico >> 23/10 - 01/11

Every year, Mexico's famous commemoration of the dead, 'El Dia de Los Muertos', unravels in Oaxaca on November 1st. The festival is both a jovial and emotive celebration of the locals' ancestors through prayer, singin, feasting and of course, drinking. The festival's origins lie in pre-Hispanic Mexico, when a month was dedicated to commemorating the spirits of the dead. After Christianisation, it was moved from July/August to coincide with the Christian feast days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day in November. There are two Days of the Dead in Mexico: the first is dedicated to the spirits of children on the 1st Nov and the second, the spirits of adults on Nov 2nd. The festival is prepared weeks in advance; decorative paper skulls, morbid little lanterns, costumes, plastic skeletons and themed candy, like white chocolate skeletons are placed all over town. Often cemeteries are decorated and favourite food and drink of the deceased taken there, along with a photograph of them. On the Día de los Angelitos, cherished toys and other objects are brought out and placed on altars in the home. The spirits of the little-ones are invited to come and share the feast (a place is set for them at the table). The second day is the main day of the celebration, and is marked with street colourful events in the Xócalo main square, Palace Museum, restaurants in the Old Town and most of the theatres. Much of the day is spent in cemeteries, and there is a traditional communion meal in the evening. You'll also find public altars throughout the city, along with flower offerings, concerts and the wafts of chicken with chocolate and tomato mole sauce.

Christmas spirit in London

Destination: England >> 03/11 - 05/01

If the conventional ceremony of the switching-on of the lights in the West End isn't your cup of tea, grab your dancing shoes and get ready to shake rattle n' roll in cool Carnaby street which, in honour of its 50th Anniversary, is launching a psychedelic swinging Sixties street party next Tuesday from 6pm. Quirky as always, Carnaby Street promises not to disappoint with this year's six metre high inflatable decorations symbolising Sixties themes: Peace, Love, Joy and Hope for the year to come.

If a psychedelic Sixties party and inflatable symbols are a tad cheesy for you, opt for a combination of glamour and tradition in Bond Street on the 19th for a visit to Lapland! In aid of the Great Ormond Street hospital, Bond Street is adorned with all things glitzy. Be transported to Santa's headquarters as you wander around fir-tree lined, snow-covered streets, with reindeer clip-clopping along the pavements, carol singers spreading festive cheer and rickshaw sleighs towing shoppers while this year's 'Bond girl' is revealed. In previous years, Bond Street has seen celebrities such as Princess Diana and the Kidd sisters carry out the ceremonious flick of the switch.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2009

Destination: United States, New York >> 13/11 - 26/11

A new era begins for this, the 83rd Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, as for the first time in its history it leaves its traditional home on Broadway and instead will run along 7th Avenue. Amongst the floats on show this year will be 1-2-3 Sesame Street, the Care Bears, Snoopy's Dog House and Santa's Sleigh. Some of your favourite cartoon characters, such as Buzz Lightyear, Shrek and Spiderman, will also be taking part in the form of giant balloons. Add to this a whole host of clowns, bands and performance and you have the incredible spectacle that is the Parade.

For more information visit the official website or, alternatively, if you are already in New York, why not pop into the NYC & Company Official Visitors Center at 810 7th Avenue. You can also call the Parade hotline on +001 212 494 4495.

Istanbul for art

Destination: Turkey >> 23/11 - 06/12

Art-lovers listen up as the year comes to a close. If you still haven't got enough from the year 2009's art installments, with its Biennales, fairs and major exhibitions, then there is still time to catch the Contemporary Art Fair in Istanbul. For four days, from 3rd-6th December, the art festival, Contemporary Istanbul will be celebrating the arts and culture of the city.

Contemporary Istanbul will be hosting events at national and international galleries, with artists, collectors, museum directors, curators, art critics, members of the press and art lovers from all over the globe. The fair will be taking place at the Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC).Contemporary Istanbul will also be organising several events and projects such as conferences and exhibitions throughout the year.

For the full list of the fair events, click here.

Boarderweek, French Alps

Destination: France >> 30/11 - 20/12

From 12th-19th December, Boarderweek is one of the highlights of the Val Thorens season. A full festive week is dedicated to freestyle snowboarding and skiing, with professionals competing in fierce competitions and a host of parties, concerts and side events. Check out the competitions for both amateurs and professionals, and between heats get down to the Test Area in the Place de Caron to try out all the latest equipment for free. The Easy Fun Park has rails and ramps for amateurs to try out their latest tricks and for the pros to hone their skills - all free of charge. Add to that a non-stop party vibe, special concerts and DJs performing live from the slopes and you've got yourself a corker of a holiday.

For full details see the Boarderweek website

Xavier Veilhan at Versailles

Destination: France >> 13/09 - 13/12

Versailles hosts a modern-art one-off as Paris-based Xavier Veilhan weaves his strikingly modernist artworks among the historic château's cobbled courtyards. The highlight is Le Carrosse, Veilhan's purple 15-metre-long take on a Louis XIV carriage, complete with horses in mid-leap.

The carriage commands the attention in the main courtyard directly in front of the château itself, brusquely juxtaposing the building's famous cobblestones and ornate brickwork. Elsewhere, works crop up in the Royal courtyard, the Gabriel and the Queen's staircases and the Château gardens, each drawing an intriguing line between past and present. Visit the website for further details of this unprecedented display.

For more details, click here

New Year's Eve in Sydney

Destination: Australia >> 14/12 - 01/01

The self-proclaimed New Year's Eve capital (and who's to argue) will bring in 2010 with a bang, literally, with what it claims to be an even better firework display than ever. Against what has to be one of the most spectacular backdrops for any show, several events have been planned (over the course of 15 months) to celebrate the turning of a new year. From 5pm on 31st December there will be an aerial display above Sydney Harbour, featuring vintage planes including De Havilland Tiger Moths. Following at 8m will be an Indigenous Smoking Ceremony whereby five vessels will cleanse the harbour of negative spirits to the backdrop of a projected countdown to the New Year on Sydney Harbour Bridge. The traditional Acknowledgement to Country will take place afterwards in which respect is paid to the original inhabitants of the land and their customs.

For those who won't make it through until midnight, at 9pm there will be the Family Fireworks, an 8 minute performance choreographed along to music children's movies as well as to the latest pop tunes. The fireworks will be launched from barges, skyscrapers and locations to be revealed on the night. In the lead up to the main display at midnight, the Harbour of Light Parade will take place and features over 50 illuminated vessels completing a 10-mile course around the harbour.

The main event of the night however, and one of the most eagerly anticipated of all New Year's celebrations around the world, takes place at midnight when an epic spectacle is unveiled on the stroke of 12am. Over one and a half million people will be present to watch the show unfold in front of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, with fireworks being set off again from barges, skyscrapers and the bridge. Some surprises are in store this year thanks to the help of new technology although all your old favourites will make an appearance too.

For more information on the event and for practical advice, visit the official Sydney New Year's Eve 09 website.

New Year in Rio de Janeiro!

Destination: Brazil >> 28/12 - 31/12

It's well known that Brazilians know how to party and New Year's Eve in Rio, or Reveillon, is one of the biggest events of the year. The main party along Copacabana beach hosts several music stages, fireworks and dancing.

The parties on Copacabana Beach are enormous. During the day hundreds of people come to the seafront to pay homage to the Afro-Brazilian orixá, or goddess, Iemanjá, placing offerings in the sea. Music is played throughout the day, but it really kicks off around 7pm when live acts and DJs start up the sound systems on the official stages.

Three stages are set up over a 4km stretch: there is a Brazilian popular music stage playing sambas, pagodes and choros, a rock stage and another playing older music such as boleros, samba-canção and old carnival songs. At midnight a spectacular firework display blasts out the old year and toasts the new one. This is only the beginning, however, as people dance into the night.

Around two million people are expected on Copacabana beach and therefore organisation of transport in and out of the area is vital. Roads are blocked to traffic from 6pm on 31 December until 4am on 1 January. There are taxis, tourist buses drop people off and urban buses have free access. To use the metro you must buy a special ticket in advance from certain stations. Check which stations will be open when you buy your ticket.

World Buskers Festival, Christchurch

Destination: New Zealand >> 30/12 - 31/01

The New Zealanders are known for their outrageous side and the World Buskers Festival just goes to perpetuate that image. For the 17th year running, Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, will play host to the World Buskers Festival, which sees the coming together of 44 acts from 10 countries in 450 shows of some of the most inventive, innovative and ingenious street performances you'll ever see. Homegrown buskers will perform alongside those from neighbouring Australia as well as artists from as far afield as Israel, Germany and the UK. Featuring acrobatics pairs, circus performers and living statues, the festival will also welcome some fine standup comedy acts and magicians into the fold. There are several venues hosting the festival, including one for kids and families. Remember, although an organised festival, the performers are still buskers so please show your appreciation by giving as much as you can. For all scheduling/practical information visit the festival's official website.

Temple Bar Trad Fest, Dublin, Ireland

Destination: Ireland >> 14/01 - 31/01

It was not until 2006, after an almost 20-year void, that Dublin was home to a traditional music festival. Now in its fifth year, the Temple Bar Trad Fest crams the very best of Irish music, dance, performance, film and food into five jam-packed days. Quite how they managed to squeeze so much into just a few days is anyone's guess, but if anyone can do it, it's the Irish!

The event centres on Temple Bar, the Irish capital's old city on the banks of the River Liffey. Seen as the heart of Dublin, the quarter boasts a history of over 300 years. Several venues will play host to the festival, which includes live concerts of traditional Irish music, films (both indoors and out), a photographic exhibition on the history if Irish music since 1901, a food market and culture workshops. One could not of course go to Dublin without visiting its pubs, which represent a significant cultural feature of the capital, so the organisers have put together a pub trail along which you'll discover performances of traditional Irish song. The city's restaurants have also been involved with some of the best opening up its doors to visitors with promotional prices during the five days of the festival.

For more information, visit the . Once there, you can find out more about the festival as well as the city at the information centre at 12 Essex Street.

WOMADelaide

Destination: Australia >> 22/01 - 08/03

Since 1982, when the first WOMAD festival took place in Shepton Mallet, a small town in Somerset, 160 festivals have taken place in 27 countries bringing 1000 artists from 100 countries to over one million live spectators. WOMAD, which stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance, aims to "to excite, to inform and to create awareness of the worth and potential of a multicultural society." The festival has attracted some of the biggest names in music including Peter Gabriel (one of WOMAD's founders), Youssou N'Dour, Nina Simone and Crowded House and this year's WOMADelaide is no exception with Gilles Peterson and Ravi Shankar gracing the stage in Adelaide's Botanic Park. In total 56 acts will play at WOMADelaide representing 27 countries from Australia to Mexico, Japan to Western Sahara.

For the full programme and all the practical information you need including ticketing and getting there, visit the < Href=http://www.womadelaide.com.au/>official homepage. The event, which takes place between 5th and 8th March, has all the makings of an unforgettable weekend. As Peter Gabriel says: "I challenge anyone to come to a WOMAD and not be really excited or inspired by at least one thing."

Beer Day, Iceland

Destination: Iceland >> 28/01 - 01/03

A whole day dedicated to the consumption of the world's favourite alcoholic beverage? That can't be true. Well, we've got news for you, it's absolutely true. Every year on 1st March, the Icelanders celebrate the end of prohibition by pouring ale down their throats at the country's restaurant's bars and clubs until the early hours of 2nd March. The place to be is Reykjavik, the capital and most populous city, where you will be guaranteed to meet merry locals and tourists in the streets sipping Egils, Thule or Viking, the three local brews.

It may be hard to believe but beer was actually prohibited in Iceland until as late as 1989. It started back in 1915 after parliament had voted in favour of a ban on all alcoholic drinks, however after a few years the laws were relaxed and spirits were legalized once again. Then in 1989 parliament voted in favour of lifting the ban; a decision which is celebrated by the islanders to this day.

Northern Lights magic

Destination: Finland >> 08/02 - 31/03

On cloudless nights in late spring and early autumn, greenish-yellow, red or violet lights curl and stretch across the midnight skies in Finnish Lapland. According to Sami legend, it's caused by the swish of a giant fox's tail striking snow...

A more scientific explanation is that charged particles from the sun speed through space and crash into the Earth's atmosphere at 90,000 times the speed of sound. The lights are never the same - you might see ghoulish emerald-green patterns invade the sky one evening, and a rainbow of red, fuchsia, turquoise and amethyst the next. How long the spectacle lasts and when it happens is, of course, up to Mother Nature, so be patient and enjoy the show she puts on.

The best place to see the Northern Lights is an area on the northern coast of Norway (where they occur almost every night in the dark winter period under a clear sky) and in north-west Finland. You can witness the auroras on average three nights out of four in the tiny Finnish village of Kilpisjärvi.

For more information to plan your trip, see the Lapland website"

Art Dubai

Destination: Dubai and the Emirates >> 01/03 - 31/03

From March 17th-20th, Art Dubai 2010 will be welcoming over 70 galleries from 30 countries and will present an extensive programme of collateral events including the Global Art Forum, the Abraaj Capital Art Prize, special projects curated by Bidoun Projects and The Poetry of Time presented by Van Cleef & Arpels. Art Dubai has become the essential gathering place for collectors, artists and art professionals from across the Middle East, South Asia and beyond, setting the business of art within a context that is intelligent, stimulating and relevant.

For full details, visit the Art Dubai website

St Paddy's Day 2010

Destination: Ireland >> 12/03 - 17/03

It's probably the only time of year when you can dress head to toe in green without looking like Kermit the Frog. St Patrick's Day 2010 is almost upon us and as usual, one of the biggest Paddy's parties can be found in Dublin. The city's annual St Patrick's Festival is Ireland's largest event, this year spanning the 12th - 17th March and culminating in the much anticipated Festival Parade. Get ready for fireworks, films, family fun, art exhibitions and of course music and dance...oh, and the odd pint of Guinness!

Find the craic on the festival's official website