Attractions & Events

One of the world’s most beautiful diving destinations, St.Vincent & The Grenadines is attracting an increasing number of dive visitors each year, with crystal clear waters, abundant marine life and untouched coral reefs.

Still waters will be running deep this June, as Windermere becomes the hub of two weeks of drama, quirky English behaviour and fun fiesta fervour. England’s largest lake will stage Windermere on Water 2008 on the weekend of June 6-8. The focus of this community-based event will be the Windermere Open Sailing Regatta – inland water’s version of Cowes, staged over all three days and open to all types of sailing craft from dinghy to yacht.

Imagine a horse race that takes place in a historic square in the centre of a city? Well that’s just what visitors to Budapest over the weekend of 31 May and 1 June will be treated to as the city hosts its first ever horse race in Heroes’ Square.

Copenhagen is rich in cultural events throughout the year. The city presents performances in ballet, theatre, concerts and opera at a variety of venues, from concert halls, churches and the outdoors.

To stay on dry land is to experience only half the magic of Dominica – that is the message behind the island’s Dive Fest, which celebrates its 15th anniversary in July 2008.

A major nineteenth-century museum is to be given a twenty-first-century upgrade thanks to the Kensington and Chelsea Council. Leighton House Museum, located on the edge of Holland Park, is to undergo a £1.3 million programme of refurbishment and restoration. “Leighton House is a fantastic museum but the building is in need of some care and attention” said Cllr Nicholas Paget-Brown, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environmental Management and Leisure.

The Calgary Stampede came to life back in the summer of 1912: Just as Annie Oakley was hanging up her guns and Wyatt Earp was riding quietly off into the sunset. The world famous event has been keeping the legend of the Wild West alive ever since. Billed as the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo regularly attracts over one million visitors – decked heel to toe in western attire and TV audiences in excess of two million viewers.

Base jumping off one of the biggest mobile cranes in the UK will be the star attraction at Airbourne this year as the world’s biggest seafront airshow welcomes a brand new daredevil act for 2008.

Join City Cruises, onboard one of its modern Riverliners, on the 22 July 2008 and follow the Doggett's Coat and Badge Race, between London Bridge and Chelsea.

Investment of more than £600,000 from East Midlands Tourism (EMT), emda’s regional tourism arm, has helped put The National Forest on the map. The National Forest Company (NFC) was awarded the funding as part of EMT’s Public Realm Challenge Fund and all work has now been completed across 17 sites in The National Forest ready for a busy 2008 holiday season.

One of London’s most exciting free public events has this year been extended to a 2-day spectacular. Canada Day 2008, in association with Alberta… a Canadian Affair, hosts the biggest party ever in Trafalgar Square with a free live concert on the evening of 30th June and events throughout the day on 1st July.

A new exhibition at Glastonbury Abbey examines the life of Victorian eccentric and archaeologist Frederick Bligh Bond, whose groundbreaking work established Glastonbury as the home of English spirituality.

Rory the Tiger, popular kids character on Haven’s 35 holiday parks around the UK is having a birthday party! Youngsters (and their parents) are invited to come and join him for a four night party break on May 12th to help celebrate his birthday – along with all his other friends, Bradley Bear, Anxious the Elephant, Greedy the Gorilla, Polly and Naughty Ned. Of course there will be all the traditional birthday fun with party games, balloons, cake, music and dancing.

There's less than a week to go until the Isle of Wight's newly appointed High Sheriff Alan Titchmarsh kicks off the largest festival of its kind. The Isle of Wight Walking Festival features dozens of walks across two weeks, beginning this coming Saturday (3 May) where Alan Titchmarsh will officially launch the event on Newport Quay (12pm) as part of the 'Riverfest' - an event that celebrates Newport's rivers.

May, traditionally associated with lovers and new life, is just around the corner and the great outdoors beckons. If you’re looking for somewhere to take a special someone then the launch of English Heritage’s map of ‘Romantic England’ couldn’t be more timely. The map, available throughout May at english-heritage.org.uk/romance, details enchanting tales of love, romance and chivalry that have taken place at many of its sites and highlights some of the most romantic places to visit in England.

Vinegar-soaked oak will add a distinctive new flavour to the National Forest Wood Fair on August Bank Holiday Monday. Chair maker Gordon Monk uses the blackened wood produced by this innovative technique to create stunning pieces of furniture and he will be bringing a range of his work to display at the Wood Fair, just one of the many new exhibitors who will be at this year’s event.

Bring the whole family to Royal Windsor Racecourse to enjoy 2008’s first Family Fun Day on Bank Holiday Monday – 5th May 2007. The gates open at noon while the racing starts at 2.35pm and children 16 and under enter for free while adult tickets start from just £8. You can make savings of up to £4 per ticket online when you book tickets at Windsor-racecourse.co.uk.

According to a recent poll, few English know how to highlight their National Day and Patron Saint – St. George. So, to celebrate the wonders of England in all its natural glory, why not spend an explorative weekend in the country’s largest and most important area of remaining lowland heathland - the New Forest?

He’s ‘Back in the USSR’ – well at least the former USSR! Sir Paul McCartney announced ‘Yesterday’ that he will be performing a free concert in Kyiv’s (Kiev’s) Independence Square on the 14th June. The concert, called ‘Independence Concert’ is the brainchild of Victor Pinchuk, the billionaire tycoon who was behind last year’s free concert by Elton John in the same square.

Fifteen Cornwall won gold at this year’s Enjoy England Awards on Wednesday night (23rd April) scooping the top award in the ‘Taste of England’ category, against hundreds of other entries from across the country.

Treat your dad to a sumptuous four-course lunch, on the 15th June 2008, onboard the R.S. Hispaniola, a ship permanently moored on Victoria Embankment, in London. The R.S. Hispaniola boasts spectacular views of the Thames, from St Paul's to the Houses of Parliament and offers a unique backdrop for a special lunch.

A record 550 vehicles will be descending on Eastbourne seafront over the May Bank Holiday weekend as Magnificent Motors celebrates its 5th year with the highest number of exhibitors yet.

The annual World Nettle Eating Championships on June 21, set in the idyllic West Dorset village of Marshwood, is a guaranteed hoot when competitors from all over the world gather together to risk fat lips and swollen tongues in a bid to earn this coveted title. Book now with self-catering accommodation specialists Dorset Coastal Cottages to ensure you don't miss out on the most eccentric event on the UK calendar.

Tourism South East together with Destination Milton Keynes would like to invite you and your family to a special one-day event at Bletchley Park on Sunday 1st June 2008. The event is designed to celebrate the 100th centenary of the birth of the famous writer Ian Fleming, who worked at wartime Bletchley Park.

Postman Pat and Jess the Cat fans should circle May 10 in their diary, as that’s the day the loveable pair have made a date to join Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway for some great family fun.

As more travellers opt to stay in the U.S. this year due to a weak dollar abroad, Context, the network of scholars who lead critically-acclaimed walking tours in several European cities, have opened their doors in New York City. A collective of professors, graduate students, and experts in a variety of disciplines, Context is known worldwide for their small-groups walks organized around a single theme and that appeal to an intellectually curious traveller.

Consistent with a company-wide initiative, creative teams at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando have employed a variety of technological innovations in the design and construction of The Simpsons Ride – opening at both parks in May 2008 – and are ushering in a new era of environmentally conscious theme park ride construction. The Simpsons Ride is a new mega-attraction based on the blockbuster movie and TV series.

Golfing accommodation expert, Eagleye Rentals, will be putting golfers on course for ‘above par’ holidays from its stand at the London Golf Show, ExCeL London, April 25-27. Eagleye only offers properties located on golf courses and resorts, so that its customers get the maximum time teeing off on their golfing holidays.

Divers that find themselves in Sharm El Sheikh in May should take a break from the underwater world and visit the South Sinai Camel Festival to witness the incredible spectacle of hundreds of camels racing. Up to 250 camels from 17 different Egyptian tribes will attend this large scale event that can be as thrilling as horse racing.

This summer head to Austria with Great Rail Journeys, the UK’s market leader for escorted holidays by rail, and experience the wonders of one of the world’s major artistic and social events – the Salzburg Festival.

Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Bath is home to some of the finest architectural masterpieces in Europe and has a rich diversity of museums, galleries and attractions including the popular Roman Baths. Yet Bath is not buried in the past.

This year’s Hampshire Food Festival has been extended from its original two-week format to run for the whole month of July 2008. The Festival celebrates Hampshire’s finest food and drink, and this year, features 120 different events.

The city of Ostend has rolled out a yearlong promotion of exclusive art in collaboration with some of its best restaurants which allows the public to dine and collect a series of 12 differently designed exclusive charger plates. Designed by a number of international artists, restaurant goers have a year to build up their unique collection which they take home after dinner in 12 of Ostend’s premier restaurants.

Head to the Georgian market town of Cockermouth, in the Western Lake District, this May Bank holiday and you might find yourself recruited by magnificently attired, Georgian Redcoats as they roam the quaint streets press-ganging ‘volunteers’ into military service!

Visitors to three Severn Trent reservoirs in The National Forest can now discover more about the stunning waters, the new and ancient woodland and the abundant wildlife in the area.

Join in the fun across the May bank holidays and experience some living history first hand at a range of great family events at some of English Heritage’s finest properties.

Close to Sun Valley Resort, the Sawtooth Mountains rise thousands of feet above the headwaters of the Salmon River, like saws set on edge. Just to the east of the Sawtooths above wrinkled, wooded foothills the White Cloud Mountains soar in summits which seem covered in vanilla ice cream.

The first South and Heart of Suffolk Walking Festival will be taking place between 10 and 26 May giving visitors and local people alike the chance to explore the Suffolk countryside with the aid of local guides, historians and naturalists. Packed with over 40 graded walks in a variety of locations, there's something to suit all tastes and capabilities.

Antigua and Barbuda are hosting a great line-up of international artistes at its inaugural Romantic Rhythms Music Festival, June 13 – 15, 2008. Headline acts include Lionel Richie, Shaggy, Keyshia Cole, Kenny Rodgers, Maxi Priest, Brian McKnight, Destra Garcia and the Atlantik band. Performing live at two concerts, they will be supported by leading regional performers, setting the stage for one of the most sought after events in the Caribbean calendar.

The National Forest is predicting a riot of colour across the landscape this summer with wildflowers bursting into bloom from June onwards. One of the most stunning wildflower meadows definitely worth a visit is at Billa Barra in Leicestershire. The wildflower meadow was created in 2003 in partnership with Landlife, the national wildflower charity and Barlows, commercial interior design specialists.

Everyone’s catching Grand Prix fever it seems and nowhere is this truer than in Spain, home to double world champion Fernando Alonso. Excitement has been especially revved up as this year Valencia, in the southeast, is set to host its first ever race in May. For motor heads and race fans alike who want to feel the engine fumes in their hair, hotels in Valencia are getting snapped up fast so now is the time to get booked.

Airbourne crowd favourite, the Red Arrows, are back and once again set to impress as they perform spectacular aerobatics and dynamic flying formations at Eastbourne airshow 2008. Organisers of the event, Eastbourne Borough Council, are excited to announce the line up for this year’s Airbourne, with the Red Arrows appearing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hailed as the biggest seafront airshow in the world, the fast jets will be joined by the RAF Typhoon, Hawk, Tucano and Tutor, as the RAF celebrate their 90th anniversary when Airbourne returns from 14-17 August 2008.

A hundred walkers will be putting their 'breast foot forward' in a charity event next month. As part of the tenth Isle of Wight Walking festival, men and women will don bras to stroll between Gurnard and Cowes on 3 May. The fun event also has a serious aim - to increase breast cancer awareness and raise money for Breast Cancer Research.

Snow pack in the Colorado Rocky Mountain has reached record levels, providing a tremendous ski season, and will promise to deliver exciting rapids with the melt off. Utah's Colorado River has no dams to retain and measure the releases, so Cataract Canyon, in the heart of Canyonlands National Park will offer pure adrenaline for thrill seekers. It will be the unbridled Colorado River in Utah.

Now we’re all being green and holidaying in the UK this summer, the hunt is on for something the whole family can enjoy doing in the evening. If karaoke night at the local disco doesn’t float your boat, why not try a spot of late night bird-watching?

In 1908, West Virginia became home to the first official Mother’s Day observation when Anna Marie Jarvis, a native of Grafton, W.Va., initiated the celebration honouring moms. As the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day approaches, visitors are invited to see where it all started and participate in statewide events scheduled throughout the year to honour the occasion.

The concept of eating out has dramatically changed in the course of the last few years with restaurant dining now a normal everyday occurrence, finds online travel and leisure retailer lastminute.com as its annual London Restaurant Week kicks off today.

Visitors to Sence Valley Forest Park in The National Forest are now able to identify the abundant wildlife in the park thanks to new innovative information points just installed.

A campaign to encourage people to celebrate Saint George’s Day on 23 April has been launched by English Heritage. English national pride is being put to shame by that of the Irish, Scottish and Welsh, according to the organisation, and English Heritage is throwing down the gauntlet by challenging English people to celebrate their own patron saint.

The Lotus Lantern Festival, which is held to commemorate the birth of Buddha, is an important annual festival in Seoul, which brings together Korean and foreign Buddhist devotees as well as the general public. Don’t miss your chance to see this spectacular festival, which is held in the downtown area of Jongno and Dongdaemun between the 2 – 4th May 2008.

Phenomenal charity fund-raiser, Lloyd Scott MBE revealed himself to be the mystery guest at the VIP and press launch of the Lakes Aquarium, on Tuesday, April 8, one of his last public engagements before heading off to the Flora London Marathon 2008. Whilst guests gathered to be some of the first to see the new Virtual Dive Bell - a stunning piece of technology costing £100,000 that transports visitors to the murky depths of an African Lake, through immersive technology, Lloyd suddenly appeared in his famous 130lb diving suit and helmet.

Mussels, music and craic - that’s what’s in store for those who find themselves in North Connemara over the weekend of 2 – 5 May. This year sees the second ‘Connemara Mussel Festival’ on the beautiful Renvyle Peninsula, where it’s expected that more than two tonnes of the delicious bivalves will be harvested and where there’s also traditional music and dance, treasure hunts, plus mussel cookery competitions and tastings.

The hills and streets of the Lake District will come alive to the sights and sounds of a new season of arts events in 2008. Lakes Alive will feature some of the world’s best outdoor performers, bringing a taste of the Edinburgh fringe festival to the Lake District’s towns and villages.

The East Bedroom at Harewood House near Leeds, home to the Queen’s cousin the Earl of Harewood has been restored and redecorated with exquisite hand-painted Chinese wallpaper dating back to the 1760s. The wallpaper, which is now on view to the general public for the first time, provides a dazzling centrepiece to the ‘China at Harewood’ exhibition.

Six Maasai Warriors from Tanzania have got the backing of UK-based Aim 4 Africa in their quest to raise up to £60,000 to bring essential drinking water into their village. The six Maasai Warriors, who will be running in the London Marathon on April 13th, have got the extra driving power that they will need with the help of running shoes made out of recycled vehicle tyres and their rubegas (bright red garments)!

Is this a real Viking ship sailing towards us? If you are looking out from the south coast in July, you might very well be right, particularly if you are in the Portsmouth area. But don’t worry, this ship is on its way home to Denmark.

Runners in this weekend’s London Marathon in need of post-race relaxation still have plenty of offers to choose from, according to LateRooms.com. The late availability hotel specialist has a number of suggestions for cost-effective deals on hotels with facilities to rest those tired limbs.

From May 10-17 the who’s who of the bird watching fraternity will flock to Queensland’s Fraser Island to bump binoculars with eagle-eyed holiday makers during the annual 'Bird Week' festivities at Kingfisher Bay Resort.

The clocks might have gone forward for British Summer Time, but they are definitely being turned back at Townend, in Troutbeck, near Ambleside, as the National Trust-owned property celebrates its 60th Anniversary.

Jongmyo Shrine, registered as a cultural tradition within UNESCO’s World Heritage listing, isn’t merely a royal and ancient worshipping ceremony, but a festival of dance and music to celebrate and encourage preservation of Confucian values of loyalty and filial piety. Jongmyo is where 49 spirit tablets of the Kings and Queens of the Joseon Dynasty are enshrined, and where memorial services are offered.

Royal Windsor Racecourse announces the fixtures for its 2008 racing season which include popular favourites as well as exciting new initiatives for 2008 in the 26 meeting line-up.

A group of 8 postgraduate students from the MA Fashion Curation course at the London College of Fashion are curating an exhibition at Carnaby Gallery entitled ‘The End of the Party. Long Live the Party’.

One of Britain’s most action packed outdoor festivals will take place in the Lake District from the 14th to the 18th of May 2008. The Cumberland Ale Keswick Mountain Festival will include over 100 activities such as walking, climbing, mountain biking and canoeing.

North Devon’s gentle climate and natural diversity provide the perfect setting for some of the finest gardens in the country. Stretching from the edges of Exmoor to hidden coastal valleys, they encompass a variety of styles from the formal to the natural with glorious old designs passed down through generations. There are also contemporary collector’s gardens with rare specimen plants and those of national importance such as RHS Rosemoor.

Experience Argyll hospitality at its best and celebrate with the locals and visitors to this area at the Loch Fyne Food and Drink Fair, held on 10-11 May 2008. A feast of West Coast food, wine, whisky and ales, gastronomes will find a wide selection of delicious local cheeses, smoked meats and chutneys to sample and buy.

Many people picture skydiving as a once in a lifetime experience; something everyone should do once. However for many people, not only is it their profession, it is also a way of life. Competitive skydiving is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK with more and more formation skydiving teams taking part in competitions every year.

"Wordsworth Picnics" are set to become the quintessential English experience of Summer 2008, as one of the most romantically-focused attractions in England offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy an idyllic, al fresco feast in Cumbria’s glorious, natural environment. Rydal Mount, home to the Romantic poet, William Wordsworth, for 37 years, has created the ultimate picnic on behalf of visitors who wish to enjoy a few hours in what is regarded as the finest example of a Romantic’s garden still in existence today.

Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is set for a spectacular four days of flying action in 2008 as it once again joins forces with the organisers of RIAT, the world’s largest military airshow, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) to organise and manage a bumper line up of aerobatic displays in the year that the RAF celebrates its 90th anniversary.

Visitors to Beacon Hill Country Park can wander through new woodlands planted as part of The National Forest and learn more about this Forest in the Making.

This year marks the 300th anniversary of the Battle of Oudenaarde. To celebrate the occasion, the Flemish city of Oudenaarde has planned a grand scale commemorative set of events to highlight its historical significance. In July, one of its largest events includes a live re-enactment of the battle held on a scale seldom seen in Flanders with groups of civilians turning Oudenaarde into an 18th- century town.

On August 1st 2008, Western Mongolia will provide the optimum locations to witness the next total eclipse of the sun. The eclipse path crosses first through Bayan-Ulgii province and then again through Hovd province in the south west corner of the country.

On the summer solstice weekend of 20 - 22 June, the tenth GoldCoast Oceanfest surf and music lifestyle festival with an eco conscience will take place in North Devon’s Croyde Bay.

Haunting Breaks (hauntingbreaks.co.uk) offer unforgettable one and two night breaks in stunning but haunted locations from just £170 per person which feature: ghost hunting, dowsing, séances, table tipping, glass divination, dinner with wine, overnight accommodation and breakfast.

Fright Nights, the UK’s leading ghost hunt specialist, is organising a Ghost Festival at Bisham Abbey on Saturday 10 May. The Festival, which will take place from 7pm – 12pm, will celebrate six years of holding ghost themed events at the 800 year old Abbey. Mentioned in the Doomsday Book, Bisham Abbey played host to Henry VIII and the exiled Elizabeth I. With a building steeped in so much history, it’s of no surprise that the Abbey is reputed to be the third most haunted building in the country.

What do the Great Wall of China, the Egyptian Pyramids and the geographical centre of Yorkshire all have in common? Today, Yorkshire joined these famous world landmarks and became visible from space thanks to a campaign by Yorkshire Tourist Board which has literally put Yorkshire on the worldwide map.

The 23rd of April will see London’s historic Covent Garden Market transformed into the ultimate Spring destination for Londoners and tourists with the launch of Spring Renaissance, running until 18th May.

Over 140 of Suffolk’s finest artists will open their studios to visitors for free during the four weekends of June between 11am and 5pm when they will be able to appreciate the artwork on show, ask questions about its original concept and gain an insight into the creative process. Viewers will meet the artist in his or her world of creation and learn about their inspiration and the method of working.

The 2008 Bordeaux Wine Festival will take place from the 26th to the 29th of June on the quays of the left bank of the Garonne River, from the Pont de Pierre to the Bourse Maritime.

Finn Juhl was one of the groundbreaking designers that from the 1940s onward, in company with Arne Jacobsen and Poul Kjaerholm, created what was to become known abroad as ‘Danish Modern’. He became a father-figure of the new Teak style and made furniture using new techniques with great details and most of all, they were extremely comfortable.

TV celebrity, Michaela Strachan, is heading to the Lakes Aquarium, at Lakeside, near Newby Bridge, to officially open its stunning, new feature, The Virtual Dive Bell, at 1.45pm on March 29.

Set to explode in to life on April 12th 2008 is the Festival of Seville, one of the most well known events in Spain. If you fancy running away to the fair this Spring there’s still time to book one of the many hotels in Seville, conveniently collected together by Go2Spain.co.uk.

As England’s patron saint, St George is an iconic figure steeped in history and national pride with 23rd of April dedicated to him and all things English. If you are keen to prove your patriotism but just lack inspiration on how, then look no further.

On your marks, get set, go! Entries are just about to open for this year’s Beachy Head Marathon and entrants are being invited to reserve their place early with the 1,750 places always filling up well before the day itself.

The ultimate party city, Las Vegas truly comes to life when the sun goes down. As the famous Strip lights up for the evening, visitors marvel at the nightlife offerings of one of the world’s most popular cities. From classic cabaret performances through to the hippest DJs and clubs, Las Vegas is the definitive after-dark destination.

The Festival of Fools will take place at Muncaster Castle in the Lake District from Saturday 24th May to Thursday 29th May 2008. Muncaster Castle was home to the original Tom Fool and the Festival, which is sponsored by Jennings Cumberland Ale, is the Castle’s annual celebration of all things foolish.

One of England’s most deep-rooted, environmental traditions and days will this year be celebrated on April 19, at Low Farm, in the Lyth Valley, Cumbria as families gather to welcome the blossom.

Two weeks of music, dance, street theatre and exhibitions make the Galway Arts Festival one of the best-known in the country, attracting artistes and visitors from across the globe.

Wednesday 19th March 2008 marks the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s 76th birthday. To commemorate the occasion a mother and daughter, Kerri-Anne and Kimberley Regent, from Sydney shared their birthday celebrations with Australia’s icon by climbing to its summit.

More than 24,000 people from all 50 states cast votes to determine Kansas’ most important natural or manmade wonders. The winners were selected from 24 finalists; eight attractions were chosen because the Kansas Sampler Foundation, organizer of the project, bases its criteria on eight rural culture elements.

The glitz and glamour of Formula One are unrivalled in the sporting world and luxury sports operator ITC Sports is able to tailor-make packages for all of the Grand Prix in the race calendar, from March to October, including fabulous destinations such as Budapest, Valencia and Singapore.

During the last 3 weeks in June Innsbruck, the heart of the Alps, beats to the sound of football fever as it is transformed into a vast haven for football fans, when the world turns its attentions to football for EURO 2008. The city is hosting three preliminary round matches, hosting teams from Spain, Sweden and Russia, while the capital of Austria, Vienna, hosts the final.

Visitors to Tastes of Lincolnshire's first food fair of 2008 will be treated to a delicious award-winning line up. On Saturday 29th March thirty-six producers, including nine gold award winners, will gather in Horncastle and offer visitors an excellent opportunity to buy Lincolnshire food.

Walk in the Woods month is just around the corner and there is even more reason to dust off the walking boots and head for the Forest, as the first ever National Forest Walking Festival takes place from 17-26 May.

Next month thousands will be taking to the streets of London to compete in the famous Flora London Marathon. For those who have always wanted to race, but haven’t made it into this year’s event, Flight Centre’s expert travel consultants have identified some of the top alternative and inspiring marathon destinations for your consideration.

An awesome April is anticipated in Glasgow as a compelling mix of music, theatre and contemporary arts events descend upon the city. Here’s an overview of the key events happening in Glasgow throughout April.

There’s a festival fiesta frenzy taking place in Mallorca this year as the island gears up for a feast of cultural activities. A hip arts and music scene is fast emerging and luxury accommodation-specialists, Mallorca Farmhouses, are keen to show that there’s more to Mallorca than just a relaxing beach holiday.

Like Barcelona, Paris and Vienna, Glasgow is rightly hailed as one of Europe’s great cultural centres, and among the highlights of its 2008 events calendar is the third Glasgow International Festival of Contemporary Visual Art (Gi).

This May, Brighton rolls into action once again, showcasing the best new and undiscovered musical talent with the return of The Great Escape 15 - 17 May 2008 and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

The Old Royal Naval College in Maritime Greenwich, south east London is marking the 300th anniversary since Sir James Thornhill started painting its magnificent Painted Hall in 1708. It took over 19 years to complete and has been described as England’s answer to Rome’s Sistine Chapel and the finest painted architectural interior by an English artist.

The Lake District’s Muncaster Castle is preparing to make its first American Jester the star attraction on April Fool’s Day, to help celebrate the most foolish day of the year. Paul Garbanzo from Virginia, is flying in to become king of Muncaster Castle for the day on April 1st, and prove that he really does have the ‘fool factor’.

Motorists on the M1 can now discover more about The National Forest at Leicester Forest East Service Area. Drivers travelling north from the service area will pass the sign for The National Forest and see fields of young woodland. As the trees grow and mature and new woodland is planted, this view will change.

Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli will front lastminute.com’s London Restaurant Week as it returns even bigger and better this year. Launching on 14 April, the event offers Britons the opportunity to experience fine dining at a fraction of the cost and has been extended to run for two weeks following last year’s phenomenal success.

The annual display of spectacular blues will be rolling out during April and May to carpet the Forest floor with a mass of bluebells. Bluebell spotters flock to The National Forest for its vibrant display every year.

Award winning celebrity chef Aldo Zilli heads to England’s favourite city-by-the-sea to open two exiting new eateries this year. Zilli will bring his authentic Italian cuisine to cosmopolitan Brighton, with the opening of ‘Zilli’s Café’ on 18 March 2008.

With its breathtaking scenery, world renowned hospitality and delicious local beverages, Ireland is a great place to visit anytime of year, but why not come join the party on Ireland’s national day of celebration, St Patrick’s Day.

Lions, pigmy hippopotami and lemurs are some of the newest attractions awaiting visitors to Valencia, following the opening of Bioparc Valencia (bioparcvalencia.es).

Former Yorkshireman Chris Cooper and crew will be paddling the entire coast of the UK in a 42 foot long replica birch bark canoe called “Spirit Dancer”. Chris states “This really is a homecoming for me and I’m proud to be bringing aspects of the Canadian culture I have experienced back to England.”

In response to the demand from executive clients, and the changes of the touristic market in the Algarve, Njoy Portugal, a Tour Operator with a strong technological approach, with offices in Portimão, decided to start an innovating service, being the first Tour Operator to offer Helitransfer, in association with HTA – Helicopters of the Algarve.

In this ‘golden age of dining’, eating out in a restaurant is no longer reserved for special occasions and with increasing preoccupation with local, organic and sustainable produce, food and drink is a hot topic in today’s society.

Bandstand fans will be in for an even busier summer of concerts in 2008 as a new look full colour leaflet is released to promote this year’s jam packed Bandstand programme, including popular 1812 Firework nights, Saturday Afternoon on Broadway and some exciting new tributes from the Spice Girls to Status Quo.

The season starts here – Blackpool Pleasure Beach welcomed over 600 local hoteliers to a preview of what is in store at the UK’s favourite tourist attraction in 2008.

Hungary plays host to a feast of festivals during the summer months including the famous Sziget Music Festival in Budapest and the up and coming Balaton Sound at the beautiful Lake Balaton.

They take their food very seriously on the island of Anguilla. Lauded as one of the Caribbean’s hot culinary destinations, the chic island is not only acclaimed for its 5 star cuisine found island wide, but for its finger licking local fare cooked up at roadside stalls, beachside eateries and backyard fetes.

A visit to Franche-Comté is a must for all music lovers. Each year this French region, nestled between Burgundy and Switzerland, hosts several music festivals catering for all tastes.

Some of the biggest names and brightest stars in reggae will converge on Anguilla once again when Moonsplash 2008 hits the beach for another weekend of good times and great music.

Learn to drive an historic carriage at an elegant 4 star country estate in northern Austria. The course is for people with little or no experience and consists of 5 driving lessons with one or two horses, with theory lessons given over a cocktail in the stylish piano bar.

Tennis fans don’t have to wait any longer as tickets for this year’s International Women’s Open tennis championships go on sale, with thousands of previous spectators taking advantage of early bookings.

Britain needs a hero. With England’s footballers out of the EURO 2008 and Tim Henman over the hill, the country is rooting for Formula One sensation, Lewis Hamilton.

European Rail have organised a 6-day special treat for Opera lovers. Staying at the lovely five star Hotel Principe di Piemonte in Viareggio beside the sea and included in the price are private transfers and all travel. The group will have a guide throughout.

The 2008 Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival, organized by Gable Events and sponsored by Electricity4Business, is being showcased this Saturday with a full size Chinese dragon boat display inside Midsummer Place.

There are some things worth making a journey for and one of them is chocolate. Brussels is the epicentre of chocolate passion and with fares at a bite-sized £35 return Eurolines offers a transport of delight. In a country famed for its chocolate, it is no surprise that at one side of its main Grand Place there is a museum dedicated to cocoa and the magical art of chocolate-making.

Enter the Israel Photo Tour 60 to celebrate the country's forthcoming 60th anniversary of independence and have your chance to win a holiday to the country itself.

Franche-Comté, a region of Eastern France, has launched its own stretch of the pan-European EuroVélo 6 Nantes-Budapest cycling route. Spanning over 187 kilometres, the route in Franche-Comté follows the course of the Doubs River taking in the cities of Dole, Besançon, Montbéliard and Belfort.

Cancun will make history on Saturday March 8th when they host ‘The World Heavyweight Boxing Championship’ in the Cancun Bullring. It will be the first time a high profile sporting event of this nature has taken place in Mexico.

Anjou Tourism in the Western Loire is delighted to announce Cyclopedia - the first innovative, multi-media GPS handheld guide for cyclists and a perfect way to explore the gentle slopes of the Loire area, châteaux trails, abbeys and small towns. The system received an outstandingly positive response when it was trailed in 2007.

Arguably ‘the wine capital of the world,’ Bordeaux has even more to offer than its famous Châteaux and wines. A true tourist destination, the region is full of 18th-Century architecture and many outstanding museums.

BridgeClimb Sydney was awarded the top gong for best “Major Tourist Attraction” at the 2007 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards last night, Friday 29th February 2008.

Kids should hold their breath and start crossing off the days on their calendar, as the countdown begins to the unveiling of the most exciting feature in any tourist attraction in the region, if not the country.

Come and visit one of the stars from The Other Boleyn Girl – not Scarlett Johansson, but Dover Castle, the stunning fortress which provided the dramatic backdrop to this highly anticipated film about love, treachery and intrigue in Tudor England.

Visit the bright lights of Las Vegas this April when this larger than life entertainment capital hosts the big fight live. See Joe Calzaghe, the undisputed world super middleweight champion go head to head with America‘s Bernard Hopkins in his first fight at light heavyweight, as Wales’ boxing hero takes the fight stateside.

Amateur and professional photographers are being encouraged to put Alfred Wainwright’s Lake District in the picture for a new competition. The Cumberland Ale Keswick Mountain Festival is launching the photographic competition to find the image that best represents the popular author’s love of the Lakeland fells.

40 year old Brit Marc Poncin is set to descend the slopes competing with the words fastest men at the 2008 Subaru Velocity Challenge World Cup of Speed Skiing held March 5-8 in Sun Peaks Resort. The current UK speed skiing record holder Marc is ranked 5th in the world with a speed of 245.23 km/h.

Mothering Sunday is the time to give thanks for all the things our mothers do, so why not take the time to organise something unique in Bristol?

From assiette to Lady could be the transformation you engineer for your Mum this Mother's Day, if you try to get her out of the kitchen and treat her to something special on her own country estate this Spring.

Airbourne, the biggest seafront airshow in the world, is offering major companies across the country an opportunity not to be missed. Sponsors are invited for this popular aerobatic event with the chance to reach over 500,000 visitors.

Adrenaline junkies look no further – unexpected though it may be for a city, Bristol is bursting with adventure for those who want to get physical.

Those seeking the Holy Grail of eternal youth are heading to the South Lakes in droves, as boat-ox, on Windermere, becomes the answer to the age-conscious, 50-somethings’ prayers.

A marvellous March is predicted in Glasgow as three of its most popular arts festivals look certain to draw record audiences to Scotland’s largest city.

The Surrey Business Award for ‘Leisure and Tourism 2007/8’ has been awarded to English vineyard Denbies Wine Estate for its’ outstanding achievements. Denbies Wine Estate is the largest wine producer in the UK and one of the largest visitor attractions in the South-East of England.

Rally car and motor bike enthusiasts that are disappointed by the cancellation of the annual Dakar Rally will be pleased to note that the first ever Central Europe Rally is taking place in Hungary in April as part of the new ‘Dakar Series’ of events.

Discover the magic of Puccini opera on a four night opera festival break (7-11 August) to Italy led by award winning journalist and well known opera critic and director Adrian Mourby.

It is time for The World Pesto Competition 2008 in Genoa, Italy. For the second Pesto Championship, 100 competitors from all over the world will challenge each other to win the title of the World Championship.

Toddlewood is soon to launch in Norfolk - an organic healthy play area for the under 5's situated in BeWILDerwood on the Norfolk Broads. The wild and imaginative adventure park with magical tree houses and inhabitants, will throw open their gates again on Monday 17th March 2008, with new additions including ToddleWood, providing even more wild family fun for the 2008 season.

City Cruises plc enters its summer season on the 17th March 2008 with a new sightseeing timetable and new prices and London Showboat schedule will take effect from the 1st April 2008.

The unveiling of a set of intriguing photographs is causing visitors to the Aquarium of the Lakes, near Newby Bridge, Cumbria, to ask the question: "What's that coming out of the lake - is it a monster?"

Kids and adults alike can travel back in time in 2008, if they head to the beautiful Western Lake District to explore its heritage and history this Easter - or at other times throughout the year.

Show your mum how much you care by treating her to a sumptuous four-course lunch, on the 2nd March 2008, onboard the R.S. Hispaniola, a ship permanently moored on Victoria Embankment, in London.

Forget horse racing, rowing and tennis the new focus for “the season” is firmly on food. Taste Festivals are in such demand that a whole series of UK regional events in five UK cities are planned for summer 2008.

Returning even bigger and better, Britons can once again experience fine dining at a fraction of the cost as online travel and leisure retailer lastminute.com launches its second London Restaurant Week on 14 April.

Valentine’s Day marked a special occasion for the Barbados Tourism Authority with the launch of the Barbados Year of Romance E-Brochure for 2008.

Up to 100 cars, hundreds of support personnel and thousands of fans are expected to pour into Jordan between the 24th and 27th April as the country takes it’s first steps into one of the world’s biggest sporting championships – the FIA World Rally Championship.

TignesFest is a dynamic new alpine music event to be held in one of the top rated (and highest!) ski resorts in the world, Tignes. Running from 17-20th April, TignesFest is a musical cocktail showcasing the freshest talent out there today.

Australia’s newest icon, a multi million dollar convention centre in central Melbourne, has unveiled its bold new identity. The new Melbourne Convention Centre is the centrepiece of an AUD$1.4 billion development in South Wharf, central Melbourne.

As Easter falls early this year, the Windsor Festival Spring Weekend, Thursday 6 - Sunday 9 March, sponsored by Honda, will explore some wonderful music on the theme of the Passion of Christ.

Get back to the garden this Easter weekend and enjoy the delights of Britain’s capital of horticulture as part of the festivities taking place for Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 08.

DFDS Seaways has launched its Legoland Denmark offering for 2008. Departures are on selected dates from April to October and prices start from just £180 for a family of four, two adults and two children, for four nights.

Tenerife has been chosen as the only Island in the Canaries to host what is said to be the largest Ice Spectacular in the world ‘Disney on Ice’. The UNESCO Heritage site of La Laguna will welcome the production from 14 – 17 March 2008 at the Pabellón Santiago Martin Ice Rink.

Jordan will bear witness to some of the world’s greatest marathon runners as they go head-to-head in a race to the lowest point on earth during the 15th Dead Sea Ultra Marathon on Friday, 11th April.

The biggest thrill, 10,000 years in the making, will take Niagara Falls by storm. This summer, the Fury will hit. The new multi-million dollar attraction, staged at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls, is the only one of its kind in the world and this summer The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) will be unleashing the Fury at the new Table Rock Center.

Governor Joe Manchin of West Virginia has declared 2008 as the centennial year of Mother’s Day. The first fully organized Mothers Day program was held at the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, Taylor County, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908.

A sparkling new Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) has opened in the very heart of London next to Trafalgar Square. The ambition of the Korean Cultural Centre is to host cross-disciplinary events that will appeal both to those with a specialist interest in Korea and general appeal to the public.

So successful is the Isle of Wight speed-dating walk, which forms part of the annual walking festival (3-18 May) – the biggest event of its kind in the UK - that it has already resulted in two weddings with a third couple due to marry in the summer of 2009.

Following a successful run in 2006, the British Museum and Dubai Holding have announced that the exhibition Word into Art will be on show in Dubai until the end of April 2008, with free admission.

Some 4000 Londoners a week are stepping inside the Canada Bubble at Canary Wharf. Visitors are attracted, since the opening on January 21st, by the ice wine chocolates offered in a space reminiscent of an Ontario Vineyard, the salt water toffee in the space which captures the spirit of the coastal Atlantic Provinces, the CD from the Quebec 'bistro', or the hand massage in a replica Alberta spa.

St. Lucia Jazz 2008 is set to be bigger and better than ever before when this paradise island opens it’s arms to an elite line-up of international stars for the best party in the Caribbean.

Bordeaux’s Ecole du Vin has announced the dates for three new courses at the wine school in 2008. Held in the heart of Bordeaux, each of these courses provides the opportunity to learn more about Bordeaux wines.

Whilst most people may be familiar with the regular festivities such as St. Patrick’s Day or America's Thanksgiving Parade that take place across the Great Lakes of North America, here are some of their lesser known counterparts well worth a visit!

Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, owned by the Hualapai Tribe, is pleased to announce that the Grand Canyon is a likely contender to become a New Seventh Wonder of Nature.

The ‘Great British Ghost Hunt’, organised by Fright Nights, the UK’s leading ghost hunt specialist, has raised over £16,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The ghost hunt, which took place at 10 of Britain’s most haunted locations, was organised to find out which was the most haunted venue.

Culture10, the festivals and events arm of destination marketing agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) launches its 2008 cultural programme, packed with unique world-class events and festivals across North East England throughout the year.

Twenty years ago Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards became everyone’s favourite Olympic hero when he dropped into the record books as Great Britain’s sole entrant in the 70 and 90 metre ski jump. Unfortunately he finished last in both events but forever became a winner in the heart of his fans across the world.

The first South and Heart of Suffolk Walking Festival will be taking place between 10 and 26 May giving visitors and local people alike the chance to explore the Suffolk countryside with the aid of local guides, historians and naturalists.

For one winter day, the snow and cold will no longer be obstacles to enjoying a round of golf. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau today announces the 19th Annual Ice-Tee Golf Tournament. Scheduled for February 24, participants will tee it up for nine holes of golf atop frozen Lake Wallenpaupack.

Since the release of the film “Groundhog Day” fifteen years ago, tourist visitors to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on the actual day of quirky celebration, February 2nd, have often more than quintupled the population numbers.

As our credit and debit cards “dry out” after the heady spate of spends before Christmas and January sales, shopaholics will be relieved to know that there are still fantastic bargains waiting to be snapped up in nearby Flanders.

Food lovers can discover the fabulous food of the Forest with the National Forest Food Guide now available on the website Visitnationalforest.co.uk/food.

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool is really driving ahead to become the country’s top destination for coach parties and groups with a busload of special offers for coach and tour operators.

Transport yourself to the award-winning visitor centre amidst the vines at Familia Zuccardi’s winery, 40km east of Mendoza city in Argentina, in the foothills of the Andes. Right now it’s summer – so collect a picnic hamper and drift off to the sunny gardens.

The City of Antwerp hosts a legendary and unique collection of diamond jewellery this Spring. The exhibition focuses on exceptional women who form the subject matter of the “Diamond Diva’s”.

A life-size Victorian railway carriage is coming to Ballater – 100 years after the last Victorian carriages graced the scene, and some forty years since the last trains appeared in the Deeside town.

Families wishing to experience the excitement and dread of having to complete an I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here style bushtucker trial, can do so by heading to the Aquarium of the Lakes, on the southern shore of Windermere, in Cumbria, from February 11-24.

From Saturday 15th March through to Monday 17th March 2008, Guinness Storehouse, home to the world’s most famous beer, will throw open its doors and invite visitors from all around the world to join in with the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the third, and what is set to be largest, Guinness Storehouse Festival.

The Swatch O’Neill Big Mountain Pro will be hitting the slopes once again this year from 24th February to 2nd March and the impressive competitor line-up has already set tongues wagging.

Glasgow Art Fair 2008 takes place from Thursday 27 March until Sunday 30 March 2008. Located within its trademark white tented pavilions which dominate George Square in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre, this eagerly anticipated annual art buying extravaganza offers its 16,500 visitors four days of buying, selling and discovering art.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was created to honour those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

The 2008 North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival, Thursday 1 – Friday 9 May, embraces a full programme of sixty-six guided and speciality graded walks ensuring all levels of ability can discover the region’s beautiful and diverse scenery on foot.

February 7 2008 marks the start of the Chinese New Year of the Rat. Legend has it that the Jade Emperor invited numerous animals to his party. The first 12 to arrive were the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and lastly, the Pig.

Dame Kelly Holmes, winner of two Olympic gold medals, today (29 January) officially opened Ebbsfleet International – heralding the new Eurostar station just off the M25 as the gateway from southern and eastern England to mainland Europe.

The privately-owned TodiCastle Estate is centrally and conveniently located to visit the significant Umbrian towns of Orvieto, Assisi, Spoleto and Perugia. There is an abundance of unique and characterful festivals and events that take place in the area.

Spring is on its way – and the first signs can be seen at English Heritage’s Audley End. With beautiful snowdrops to be seen around the grounds, now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the end of the winter.

The world’s biggest party just got bigger thanks to global social networking website Badoo.com. The multilingual social network site has signed up Brazilian carnival queen, Daniela Mercury, to provide a personal blog directly from this year’s carnival celebrations in South America.

During the winter months over 50 of Scotland’s gardens open their gates to the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, which, this year, runs between the 1st February and 16th March. Every year it showcases the best snowdrop gardens in woodlands and estates across Scotland, some of which open exclusively for the Festival.

Young British pianist, Benjamin Grosvenor, takes centre stage at the 2008 Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts, leading a global list of performers. Held from Tuesday 15th January to Saturday 23rd February 2008, the Bermuda Festival is one of the island’s premiere cultural events.

Following the success of the 2007 PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda, visitors to the island in 2008 will have a second opportunity to see some of the world’s top golfers compete, in the season-ending showcase featuring golf’s biggest names.

This year’s Six Nations rugby tournament promises to be one of the most exciting ever – with last year’s winners, France, expected to seek revenge for a lacklustre World Cup in defending the title and World Cup runners-up England aiming to storm through and take it from them.

Culture vultures should head over to Budapest in March for the annual Spring Festival (14-30 March 2008) where the city is awash with around 200 events and performances catering for all tastes.

One of the most eventful times of the year is set to hit Willows Farm Village with the arrival of hundreds of newborn lambs. Visitors to the tourist attraction, which features a mix of farmyard animals, events, shows and adventure activities, near St. Alban’s in Hertfordshire, will have the opportunity to join in the February Frolics event – seeing newborn lambs, even watching lambs being born, every day from 9th – 17th February.

The Lake District’s World of Beatrix Potter Attraction near Lake Windermere is preparing to make Jemima Puddle-Duck top of the class for schools in 2008. To mark the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, the award-winning attraction is introducing exciting new three-dimensional displays to bring her story to life.

Leicester Shire Promotions has announced a new short break promotion for festival-goers in summer 2008. The Big Session Festival, taking place from 13-15 June at De Montfort Hall and Gardens, Leicester, features the cream of the folk music world.

The bubble (or dome) has burst on to Reuters Plaza at Canary Wharf. Those exiting Canary Wharf tube station between January 21st and February 17th 2008 will be able to step into Canada and ask the Canada Ambassadors all about what the country has to offer.

Eastbourne charities get set for a boost this week as the Beachy Head Marathon donates more than £2000 to all the volunteer groups who helped to make the 2007 event such a huge success. More than 1700 runners, joggers and walkers took over the South Downs for the sixth Beachy Head Marathon last October, an event which regularly donates surpluses to charity.

Scottish folklore is steeped in tales of magical and monstrous creatures believed to haunt the rivers and lochs of Scotland, yet it is the mystery of Nessie, the Water Horse or Loch Ness Monster which continues to capture everyone’s attention.

With half term and Easter so close together, families will be looking for places to visit and new experiences to enjoy and where better to go than Europe’s Youngest City – Birmingham!

Birmingham will be snapping open the fortune cookies to welcome the Chinese New Year. Firecrackers, music and traditional Dragon Dance all kick off the official Year of the Rat celebrations in Birmingham’s Chinese Quarter.

One 18th century Scottish poet, 312 credited songs, 37 years of life, 15 years of romancing, the acknowledged father of 14 children and still celebrated throughout the world each year on the 25 January - it is little wonder Homecoming Scotland is marketing the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns with a year long programme of events in 2009.

The kid’s are at home for a week, the February weather is seriously unpredictable, and you have run out of options to entertain them, so why not take the opportunity to explore Britain’s smiliest city?

With hundreds of festivals and special events taking place throughout the Valencia Region every year, there is always a special reason to visit. Plan your trip in 2008 around one of the following events . . .

Are you an exhibitionist? Could you pucker up in public? Would you kiss on camera? Fashion photographer Gregg Stone is looking for a diverse selection of kisses to be included in his photographic; Carnaby Kiss Exhibition at the Carnaby Gallery, 1 - 2 Carnaby Street, London W1.

The 2008 National Forest & Beyond Visitor Guide was launched yesterday (Tuesday 15 January) at the new eco-friendly YHA National Forest near Conkers, Leicestershire.

A trip to the Flinders Ranges in South Australia’s Outback would not be complete without visiting the 83 square kilometre rock amphitheatre that is Wilpena Pound.

Bath Tourism Plus, the tourism marketing organisation for Bath and the surrounding area, is pleased to announce the release of its annual guide, Bath & Beyond 2008, providing visitors with all the ideas and inspiration needed for a day out, short break or holiday.

A trip to the Ferrers Centre for Arts & Crafts will now reveal the fascinating history of both this former stable block and Staunton Harold Hall including the bloody murder of John Johnson by the 4th Earl Ferrers, who remains the last peer of the realm to be executed.

There’s just under three weeks to go for Groundhog Day – the day when the sleepy groundhog leaves his winter retreat to foretell the coming of the spring.

Not to burst anyone’s bubble, but Canada has done the impossible: it’s shrunk down seven of its provinces to fit under a dome the size of a railcar. Welcome to the Canada Dome at Canary Wharf.

VisitScotland has just launched a new anniversary section on the Scottish Weddings website, visitscotland.com/scottishwedding, which encourages couples to come to Scotland to celebrate their special date and provides quirky suggestions based on traditional anniversary gifts.

Whether it’s Beethoven’s music that makes your heart flutter, a rodeo that gets your pulse racing or a Grand Prix to make your hair stand on end then Alberta, Canada has it all for you in 2008. We have selected the top ten most popular and unusual events sure to meet everyone’s tastes.

California Tourism has partnered with Vue Cinemas to sponsor preview screenings of blockbuster films in 2008. Films, kicking off with Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Johnny Depp, on the 19th of January, will be shown at Vue Cinemas across the country prior to general release, allowing cinema-goers the opportunity to see some of the biggest releases of 2008 first.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre has just opened at the Hermitage Aoraki Mount Cook, South Island, New Zealand, designed to showcase the pioneering heart of New Zealand's national identity.

Australia Day, 26 January, is the anniversary of when Captain Arthur Phillip, raised the British flag at Sydney Cove to commemorate the arrival of European settlement to Australia in 1788. Today, the event has become the single largest event in the nation – a time for Australians to celebrate.

It’s hard to picture a landscape made up of diverse ethnic groups, cultures and nationalities on the battlefields of Flanders during the First World War. It is little known that in fact, over fifty diverse multi cultures, hailing from far flung places of the world played important and invaluable assistance to their colonial rulers during this time.

With more than 27,000 people turning out for the Bandstand concert season last year, friends and fans of Eastbourne Bandstand are being asked to give their views in 2008 in the venue’s biggest ever survey.

Looking for inspiration for your next holiday? A fortnight bumming around on a beach is just not your thing? You want shopping, great food, architecture, culture, skiing, golf, wine tours, nature, adventure, romance, scenery? Then visit Nylovesyou.co.uk or see below for 10 reasons to extend your trip to New York City and explore what the State of New York has to offer.

If you are looking for inspiration for your next holiday, have a look on the Valencia Region’s website Comunitatvalenciana.com. To whet your appetite, here are the top ten reasons why you should visit Valencia in 2008.

Pembrokeshire, an unspoilt corner of south west Wales, is encouraging visitors to go green on holiday and experience the county’s concepts of ‘slow tourism’ and ‘slow food’ savouring everything it has to offer at a gentler pace. Britain’s smallest city, St Davids is hoping to become the first carbon neutral city in the world and opening this summer will be Bluestone, a 500-acre ‘Welsh village’ within the National Park with sustainable timber lodges plus leisure facilities powered by locally grown biomass crops.

Stay in a smart 17th century cottage at Hartland and follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility heroines as featured in the current BBC1 adaptation, which was filmed largely on the Hartland Abbey estate, North Devon.

Moto, the UK's largest provider of Motorway Service Areas, has teamed up with The National Forest to make Donington Park Service Area a ‘Gateway’ to this forest in the making.

The National Forest is brimful of fantastic places to take a stroll to work off the excesses of Christmas. Spanning 200 square miles of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, the Forest has not only over 400 woodlands to explore, but also wonderful open spaces, beautiful lakes and reservoirs and loads of play areas for youngsters.

Palm Beach County, Florida’s hotspot for 2008, have release their calendar of events and a guide to what’s hot and happening in the first half of 2008. This includes a whole host of festivals and events from concerts to sailing, music and culture, sports and antiques, and all sorts of other exciting affairs.

On top of the myriad award-winning amenities at Sun Valley Resort, the ice-skating rink has been named on Budget Travel’s Top 10 list. The country’s first ski destination also boasts the country’s first year-round outdoor rink, allowing guests to skate under the sun even during the dog days of summer.

The Lake District will play host to the North of England’s biggest Easter Egg Hunt in 2008 to celebrate Jemima Puddle-duck’s centenary year. Children and adults will be able to join the search for Jemima’s eggs across Cumbria from Wednesday 19th March 2008.

Tailor-made theatre plus hotel packages from Theatre Breaks Ltd, are available for online booking by agents as well as individuals and corporate bookers following the re-launch of Theatrebreaks.com. Visitors can create their own itinerary, including West End shows, central hotels, restaurants, tours and attractions.

Christmas sale shoppers in Birmingham will get more than they bargained for when they come face to face with a 33-foot high, 50-tonne ice wall in Centenary Square. Expert instructors from Scotland’s The Ice Factor hope to get locals hooked on a winter break north of the border by giving them an opportunity to try their hand at ice climbing, one of over 50 adventure sports available in Scotland.

After 2000 years, the archaeological site of the Surgeon’s Domus opens to the public under an enormous crystal glass covering ’A little Pompei’ in the city centre, which has already become famous in the world owing to its unique archaeological finds. Here archaeologists have found one of the richest surgical and pharmaceutical equipment of the ancient times. This extraordinary site was opened to the public on 7 December 07.

Following the success of their latest restaurant venture in Melbourne, Neil Perry, Trish Richards and David Doyle have announced that they will open Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney in mid 2008.

Glasgow's artists are celebrated internationally, winning the most prestigious awards and selling to the most famous collectors. Thanks to the city's galleries, you don't have to be a wealthy philanthropist to enjoy them first-hand.

Leading comedian Shazia Mirza will be appearing at the Londa Hotel in Limassol Cyprus as part of the Funny Women tour, for a one-off performance. Sponsored by GB Airways, this is a series of events featuring top British female comedy talent from leading promoters of female comedy, Funny Women, all taking place exclusively at the Londa Hotel.

To celebrate the 60th birthday of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in 2008, a special exhibition will be shown at Windsor Castle, the royal home where The Prince spent much of his childhood.

A stunning new sculpture in The National Forest received a royal seal of approval recently. HRH The Earl of Wessex was one of the first visitors to pass through the new iconic entrance way that has been installed at popular Rosliston Forestry Centre in South Derbyshire.

Why not dress up and take part in the Venice Carnival 2008 by letting go and joining in with the fun. From the 25th January to the 5th February, The Italian Connection in association with Palazzo Zanardi are offering you an array of evening entertainment.

Take a break from Christmas shopping with Beach Retreats during December and you will get a free Totally Cornish lunch at the Jamie Oliver inspired restaurant Fifteen Cornwall for up to two people.

The concept of chocolate gastronomy could only have been thought up by the clever chefs in Belgium. Indeed the idea of combining chocolate into mainstream savoury dishes has been happening for years but now the city of Brugge is heavily promoting the concept in a specific campaign entitled Choc’ in Bruges from 20 Jan 2008 -13 March 2008.

Visitors to the Coalport China Museum in the Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 February 2008 can celebrate the Year of the Rat which stands for cleverness, energy and good humour in the Chinese Zodiac.

A unique Anglo-Saxon experience to be held on Saturday, 16 February and 14 March 2008 should appeal to film goers who enjoyed the recent blockbuster movie Beowulf.

2008 marks the 150th anniversary of Puccini’s birth and there are numerous celebrations taking place throughout Italy. The opening of the Nuovo Gran Teatro at Torre del Lago will surely be the highlight, with its 3,200 seat open-air arena overlooking lake Massaciuccoli.

Villa Maria Estate Winery in Auckland is set to host a Joe Cocker concert on 28 January 2008. This is an exciting development for the winery, as it will now become the largest outdoor winery setting in Auckland city available for big concerts.

Award winning London based architect Zaha Hadid says she “imitated nature” when designing the five separate terminal structures which make up the new funicular link from the centre of Innsbruck to connect with the cable car at the Hungerburg station on the adjacent mountains.

A new short breaks guide to Windsor and the Royal Borough, Berkshire (England) features a heritage walking trail leading from Windsor Castle, across the Thames to Eton College helping visitors to discover over a thousand years of history.

The biggest seafront airshow in the world will return to Eastbourne seafront next year from 14-17 August with four days of action packed flying to entertain visitors.

Eastbourne Extreme sports festival will make an exciting return to the town on 19-20 July 2008 for an adrenalin-fuelled weekend of exhilarating action with one of last year’s main attractions, the Thundercat power boat racing team hoping to make a return.

Europe’s first and only funicular and cable way system from city shops to mountain tops opens on 1st December in Innsbruck, taking visitors from the city centre to the peak of the Hafelkar mountain in only 20 minutes.

The International Women’s Open tennis championship will return to Devonshire Park from 14-21 June 2008 guaranteeing more tense tennis battles for the record crowd of spectators.

More than 25,000 visitors are expected to descend on Eastbourne seafront as Magnificent Motors, one of the South Coast’s biggest free motoring festivals, returns from 3-4 May 2008.

Following the massive success of this year’s National Forest Wood Fair at Beacon Hill Country Park, the date has been set for the 2008 event. The fourth National Forest Wood Fair will be held on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August.