diary
JULY / AUGUST 07
RoxyJam – Biarritz
This female-only surf festival is an international competition sponsored by surf and skate label Quicksilver – Roxy is their women’s line. As well as a straight-up surfing comp between the sport’s leading ladies, there are numerous related events, including art exhibitions, concerts and the unveiling of a new Roxy fragrance. For one woman, it’ll be the sweet smell of success.
From 3 July, with competitions from the 11-16 July
www.roxyjam.com
Bastille Day – Paris
The all-out annual celebration of the 1789 French Revolution’s pivotal moment is a national holiday. Catch the fireworks and dancing in the Place de la Bastille the night before, then head to the Champs-Elysées on the morning of 14th to see the military parade, including jet planes overhead. Expect a lively night in the city’s bars, celebrating “liberty, equality, fraternity!”
14 July
www.parisinfo.com
Smoke-free public places – Britain
This summer, Britons will be stubbing out their cigarettes. The whole of the UK has now banned lighting up in public places, to protect service industry workers from passive smoking. The ban took effect in Wales in April and in Scotland back in March 2006, but this July the English won’t be able to smoke cigarettes in restaurants or pubs either. Will the British stiff upper lip start quivering without a nicotine hit? Time but will tell, but enjoy (or lament?) smoke-free holidays to the UK from this summer.
From 1 July
www.smokefreeengland.co.uk
Crayfish Parties – Sweden
Midsummer’s here and it’s time for Swedes to eat crayfish and knock back a glass of schnapps or three. If you’re not attending a private get-together, the biggest public crayfish party is the one that kicks off the Malmö Festival. Buy your pre-cooked crayfish locally then settle in at one of the trestle tables laid on for the event, and sing all the schnapps drinking songs in between bites. Entry is free and unticketed.
17 August
www.malmofestivalen.se
Hearts of Tejina – Tenerife
The Corazones de Tejina festival in Tenerife is not just a party but a competition, with residents of three different village streets in Tejina (Calle de Arriba, Calle de Abajo and El Pico) vying to outdo one another in creating enormous decorative hearts made from piles of flowers, fabric, cakes and fruit. The festival has pagan roots and is said to have originated with the harvest festival of the first islanders in July and August. These days the hearts are paraded through the village streets to the local church, with plenty of music and dance and general party atmosphere.
24 August
www.webtenerife.com
summer festival round-up
Summercase Festival – Barcelona
If you fancy heading out of Scandinavia to sunnier climes, try Barcelona’s Summercase. The action takes place at the city’s Parc del Fòrum but this year many of the headlining artists are from rainy England, like the Kaiser Chiefs, Jarvis Cocker, Lily Allen (pictured) and The Chemical Brothers. Still, don’t forget French synth-masters Air and US glamourpusses Scissor Sisters. Tickets start at €95 but the price rises as the event approaches.
13-14 July
www.summercase.com
Field Day – London
Field Day is a new London music festival that’s reasonably priced at £22.50 (about €34). Hear Brighton’s finest females, Electrelane (pictured) weave their epic guitar-scapes, and catch indie siren Bat For Lashes (Natasha Khan). Also on the bill are Pull Tiger Tail – read more about them on page 24. A great day for discovering a new favourite band or five.
11 August
www.fielddayfestivals.com
Roskilde Festival – Near Copenhagen
No self-respecting muso should miss the slew of class acts at Denmark’s annual Roskilde Festival, northern Europe’s largest music festival. Highlights this year include inimitable Icelandic techno goddess Björk, funk-rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers, and reborn stadium legends The Who. All this, and a naked run through the festival grounds for those who dare, for just €200.
5-8 July
www.roskilde-festival.dk
Gothenburg Jazz Festival – Gothenburg
Jazz and summertime go hand in hand, and the well established Gothenburg jazz fest returns this August. This year’s line-up includes several of Gothenburg’s home-grown jazz acts, with names like Sweet Feet, Red Wing Jazzband, and Tubasextetten. From Norway come the Magnolia Jazzband and Oslo Swing String Artillery, and the USA is represented by the Natural Gas Jazz Band. A weekend ticket costs 650SEK (€70).
10-12 August
www.gothenburgjazzfestival.com
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