Need event ideas for 2009?
Need ideas for unmissable events during 2009? Then take a look at these:
Linz in Austria and Vilnius in Lithuania take on the 2009 mantles as European Cities of Culture. Visit www.linz09.at and www.culturelive.It for more information.
March
The annual Return of the Sun Festival starts on 8 March in Spitsbergen, Norway. After months of living in darkness, locals celebrate the return of daylight with a week of concerts, exhibitions and outdoor events.
April
Enjoy the Belfast Film Festival (www.belfastfilmfestival.org) or Vail Film Festival (www.vailfilmfestival.org)
June
Austria celebrates Haydn Year in Vienna, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the death of the composer. Check www.haydn2009.net for more details.
Edmonton, Canada hosts the International Jazz Festival from 26 June until 5 July. Many different styles of jazz to suit all tastes and free, late-night jam sessions. Visit www.edmontonjazz.com to find out more.
July
The longest total eclipse of the sun this century takes place on 22 July – lasting 5 minutes and 40 seconds. Where will you be to get the best view?
16 July sees the start of the 10 day Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. Visit www.hahaha.com for more information.
August
La Tomatina takes place on the last Wednesday in August in Bunol, Spain. Thousands of people come from all over the world to throw tomatoes in honour of the town’s patron saint. Nearest airport is Valencia.
The International Fringe Theatre Festival in Edmonton, Canada is from 13-23 August. Second only in size to the Edinburgh Fringe, it is the largest and oldest in North America. Enjoy the classics and new works, as well as jugglers, poets and clowns. www.fringetheatreadventures.ca for more information.
October
Savour the Turin Slow Food Festival. Visit www.slowfood.it for more details.
November
20 years ago the Berlin Wall came tumbling down. Germany has planned a year of celebrations, with the main event taking place on 9 November. Visit www.mauerfall09.de for more information.
The Canadian Finals Rodeo is held from 11-15 November in Edmonton, Canada where the toughest cowboys compete to win a C$1 million prize. With more than 100 competitors wrestling steers, roping cattle and battling bucking broncos, it’s wild! Visit www.canadianfinalsrodeo.ca for more information.
December
Christmas markets abound across Europe – enjoy gluhwein while you shop for gifts with a difference.
The annual Toronto Santa Speedo Run is a charity event – seeing grown men dressed only in red Speedos, Father Christmas hats and trainers running through the streets in sub-zero temperatures. Visit www.torontosantaspeedorun.com for more details.