Festival vibes in Normandy

WHERE else can you head out on holiday and Listen to live jazz in medieval streets? Rock out on a racecourse after touring the Pays d’Auge, land of cider and cheese? This summer, festival vibes are coming to #Normandy, and you can enjoy international artists and regional cuisine with all those famous Norman landmarks just a short drive away. Big names, picture-postcard scenery, surprisingly inexpensive tickets… all just a short hop away from the UK! Here are our five favourite festivals: 

1) Jazz sous les Pommiers, 5-12 May – Coutances A celebration of all things jazz, eight-day family-friendly festival Jazz sous les Pommiers [Jazz under the Apple Trees] takes place every year in the pretty medieval town of Coutances, and attracts 30,000 visitors of all ages, with performances from international stars and passionate amateur musicians spanning seven stages, venues throughout the town and even local cafés and streets. 

2.) Beauregard, 6-9 July – Hérouville Saint-Clair (near Caen) Set in the beautiful grounds of the Château de Beauregard, the popular Beauregard Festival’s star-studded line-up, chilled-out vibe and proximity to both Ouistreham port and Caen-Carpiquet airport means that it appeals to both families and friends heading over from the UK.  

3) Rock in Évreux, 29 June- 1 July – Évreux Don’t let the name Rock in Evreux fool you: rock is sure to shake Evreux, but a sonic sound clash of electro beats, hip-hop breaks and driving rhythms will also fill the summer air on its racecourse. Easy to get to by train from London via Paris, this festival comes in first place for anyone who doesn’t want to take the car! 

4) Hello Birds, 6-8 July – Étretat This free event is held in legendary Étretat, world-renowned for its iconic cliffs overlooking the Channel, and includes live shows and DJ sets on the beach. 

5) Cabourg Mon Amour, 29 June-1 July – Cabourg This hip, intimate festival caters to the indie crowd and takes place on a beautiful sandy beach in the swish seaside resort of Cabourg.

www.normandymusicfestivals.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Sound waves on the beach

FORT Lauderdale continues to prove itself as one of South Florida’s top music destinations with the release of the 2018 Friday Night Sound Waves artist lineup. Filling the gap between the area’s largest music festivals, Tortuga Music Festival in April and Riptide Music Festival in December, the 8-month long series brings together a community of locals and visitors from around the globe, every Friday night. Now in its 3rd year, the free concert series, which takes place steps from the sand and under swaying palm leaves, returns to their home on March 16, 2018 at 6:00 pm, at the self-proclaimed “Fort Lauderdale Beach Hub,” at Las Olas Boulevard and A1A.

Widely recognized not only for the quality of artists performing, but also the wide variety of music genres, the series attracts an equally diverse audience at the family-friendly, weekend starting event. Filling beach chairs and blankets, and lining the beach’s landmark wave wall, the area comes alive with music, smiles and dancing as the day goes from sunshine to moonlight.

Friday Night Sound Waves takes place every Friday night, March 16 through November 2 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. The family-friendly event, sponsored in major part by the beach business community, is free to the public and open to all ages.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Jazz it up in Copenhagen

IN 2018, Copenhagen’s iconic Jazz Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary. Taking place from July 6–15, Copenhagen Jazz Festival brings together more than 120 venues and around 1,400 concerts, making it one of the largest jazz festivals in the world. The festival presents the best of the contemporary international jazz scene, including the most vibrant Danish acts, and aims to stretch the boundaries of jazz by encouraging new artistic initiatives.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Festival frolics on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight Festival 8-11 June
This iconic festival is known as one of the best music festivals in the UK – and is not to be missed. Winner of the Best Family Friendly Festival in the 2016 Family Traveller Awards, it is ideal for music lovers of all ages, and with headliners this year including Arcade Fire, Rod Stewart, David Guetta and Run DMC, it is not to be missed. Plan ahead and book ferry travel soon to take advantage of Wightlink’s Early Bird Ferry Fares until 31 January 2017.

Ventnor Fringe 8 – 13 August
Originally created by a team of local students in 2010, Ventnor Fringe follows the core principles of the famous Edinburgh Fringe that inspired it, in which any artist can take part. From musicians to comedians, poets to dancers and pop-up cinemas to woodland sing-alongs, the Ventnor Fringe is an exciting place for a culture vulture. Ventnor Fringe has grown into one of the Island’s most exciting new eclectic festivals, attracting performers from all over the world.

Jack up the 80s 11 – 13 August
With the artists Jason Donovan, Alexander O’Neal, Bruce Foxton From The Jam and The Real Thing already confirmed, this 80s revisit in Ryde is sure to be a hit. Tickets will be on sale from 23 January, so make sure to grab these tickets while they’re hot – after all, they are Especially For You.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Tourism Ireland film highlights Ireland’s biggest traditional music festival

PLANNING ahead for next year? Have a look at this . . . four days, 17 unique venues, one great traditional music festival … Tourism Ireland has unveiled a new film called “Temple Bar TradFest 2017”. 

Every January, Ireland’s largest traditional music festival takes place in Dublin’s Temple Bar, with four great days of music and dance. 

The film is being promoted through Tourism Ireland’s social platforms, including Facebook (3.8 million fans worldwide), Twitter (379,000 followers) and YouTube.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Acoustic Isle Festival

FOR those seeking a laid-back, relaxed festival vibe, Acoustic Isle Festival is the perfect reason to visit the Isle of Wight this winter from February 24 - March 6.

Spread in venues across the Island, Acoustic Isle also enables visitors to explore and relax, as they watch live music in cosy village pubs serving the best in delicious local food and drink, and often offering accommodation as well.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Seaside Sounds in Croatia

AFTER nearly two decades of running the most successful #festival in Southeast Europe, EXIT in Serbia, the EXIT team is coming to #Croatia.

Sea Star, a new festival in Umag held from 26-27 May at the Stella Maris resort. First announced acts include of the most popular global bands - The Prodigy, with the local favourites Dubioza kolektiv and Croatian hosts Urban&4. This new shining festival of the Adriatic Sea will present artists from the global and regional music scene on six different stages. 

Along with the two official festival days, festival-goers can also expect a huge warmup party on Thursday May 25 and an after party for the fittest on Sunday May 27.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: Morton1905 76740876@N07/15117535674 via photopin

River Cottage Music Festival

RIVER COTTAGE is holding its first ever family friendly music festival on 17 - 18 September at #RiverCottage HQ, in Axminster to include a camping village where you can stay in relative luxury in a bell tent sleeping from 2 up to 6 people.

A festival of music, food & drink and lots to do from a wild cocktail masterclass, foraging tours and delicious food galore to choose from.

With projects for children to get involved with from building your own bug house and digging up worms to circus skills and face painting the list of fun is endless!

To find out more and book tickets go to:
www.rivercottage.net/dining-and-events/river-cottage-festival-2016

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK


Picture Credit: 126113936@N02/15803080468 RiverCottage10 via photopin.com

To the festival, with a railcard

FROM rock concerts and classical opera to food, drink, arts and literature, Britain has an eclectic festival scene with something to suit every taste. And despite popular belief, festivals aren’t just for the younger generation, with the average age of a festival goer now coming in at 39 years and eight months.

National Railcards* (which provide a third off train travel) has some festival inspiration to help you pick the best of this year’s events.

Parklife Festival, 11th – 12th June

Parklife Festival is an independent music festival in Manchester, attracting audiences of more than 70,000. An eclectic mix of house, club, electronic, and techno music.

Travel: Off-Peak Return from Edinburgh to Manchester with a Disabled Persons Railcard which provides a third off for you and a friend when they travel with you – £98.90 for two adults.

Usual cost: £149.80 

Total saving: £50.90

Glastonbury, 22nd – 26th June

Glastonbury, Somerset, is one of the UK’s biggest and most well-known festivals, attracting 175,000 people each year.

Travel: Off-Peak Return from Oxford to Castle Cary for two people with a Two Together Railcard – £69.30

Usual cost: £105
Total saving: £35.70

Henley Festival, 6th – 10th July

Henley is the perfect destination for older festival goers – a boutique cultural experience celebrating the best of international and UK music, art, food, and comedy at a quintessentially British location.

Travel: Off-Peak Return from Birmingham to Henley-on-Thames with a Senior Railcard – £37.30

Usual cost: £56.50
Total saving: £19.20

Latitude, 14th – 17th July

A festival for the whole family, Latitude offers a plethora of live music, kids' workshops, theatre, art and comedy. This year will see specific zones for children to take part in activities including music, media, technology, wildlife survival skills and even an assault course suspended in the trees.

Travel: Off-Peak Return from Nottingham to Diss for a family of four with a Family & Friends Railcard (two adults and two children) – £115.30

Usual cost: £203.40
Total saving: £88.10

V Festival, 20th – 21st August

With headline acts including Justin Bieber, Rihanna and SIA, V Festival is set to be this summer’s hottest live music festival.

Travel: Off-Peak Return from London to Chelmsford with a 16-25 Railcard – £14.60

Usual cost: £22.10
Total saving: £7.50

*Railcards include the 16-25 Railcard, Two Together Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard, Senior Railcard and Disabled Persons Railcard.  

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Bands by the sea

PLANS are in hand to stage Thorpefest, an outdoor music festival at the Thorpeness Country Club, near Aldeburgh on Suffolk’s Heritage Coast on July 2.

Featuring almost a dozen bands from 12noon until 10pm, the charity concert replaces the Music by the Sea event, which has been held outside the White Lion Hotel on Aldeburgh’s sea front since 2012.

Peter Osborne at organisers TA Hotel Collection said: ‘With music by the Sea attracting more than 10,000 people, it has become necessary to move and revamp the event. The privately-owned Thorpeness Country Club is the perfect secure venue with both indoor and outdoor space including a large lawn overlooking the sea.

‘For the first time, it would be a pre-sold ticketed event welcoming 3,000 people to enjoy some great music performed by national acts, emerging local artists, tribute bands, and favourites from previous years.’

Bands include the Austin Beats, whose repertoire features music made famous by The Rolling Stones, the Kinks, and other artists from the 50s and 60s.

Champagne, beer tents, and a BBQ would be provided by the Thorpeness Dolphin Inn and the White Lion Hotel.

Tickets are priced at £12 per person, or £10 for Thorpeness Country Club members, £8 for under 12s and free for under 5s.

For full details, go to www.thorpenesscountryclub.co.uk, www.whitelion.co.uk, or www.brudenellhotel.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Jazz on Tobago

MUSIC LOVERS are invited to the island of #Tobago this month for its eighth annual Tobago #Jazz Experience (April 16-24), which features some of the world’s top jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and fusion superstars, plus local and regional acts. 

It’s held at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort on the 750-acre Tobago Plantation estate, which has a 2.5 mile beach, fine and casual dining options, an 18-hole championship golf course, three swimming pools, a tennis court, spa, and the only five-star scuba dive centre on the island.

British Airways is offering a package over the jazz festival period … seven nights starting from £969 per person based on two adults sharing a standard room on a bed & breakfast basis with a free upgrade to a Deluxe Oceanfront Room and two complimentary rounds of golf per person.

http://tobagojazzexperience.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: tobagojazzexperience.com

Saxony's sound of music

FROM boys' choirs to jazz on paddle steamers via Wagner's Ring cycle and the genius of Bach, Dresden and Leipzig have some of the best ensembles, orchestras, and artists worldwide. The two cities in #Germany's Saxony region are alive with the sound of music. 

Dresden Music Festival (May 5-June 5), is an annual favourite. Michael Nyman, English composer of minimalist music and known for his film scores, will start the festival.

Also in May (15 to 22), the International Dixieland Festival will jazz things up with blues, boogie, and swing.

The Kreuzchor Boys' Choir, one of the world's oldest, marks its 800th anniversary with concerts throughout the year. In this anniversary year, there are ten days of concerts starting on April 15.

With the premiere of Richard Wagner's Twilight of the Gods on April 30, Leipzig Opera is going to have the first complete Ring cycle in its repertoire after more than 40 years. From May 5 to May 8, it will then be staged in its entirety on four consecutive days.

This year's Leipzig Bach Festival runs from June 10 to June 19.

www.sachsen-tourismus.de/en
www.cultural-heart-of-germany.com



Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62556299@N00/3545149238">Violin scroll with music</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">(license)

UK’s visitor attractions drive £3.8 billion domestic spend

BRITAIN’S visitor attractions generate annual domestic spend worth £3.8 billion according to research by VisitEngland. It means attractions such as theme parks are one of the main reasons for Brits choosing to holiday at home. 

The second highest revenue-generating domestic activity is the live sport event, (they ploughs £3.2 billion a year into the UK economy), while spend on live music events and festivals comes a close third at £3.1 billion annually.

‘This research is welcome news, confirming the huge contribution that the variety of leisure activities in this country make to the economy,” said VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford. 

Long walks and hikes generate £1.8 billion spend annually and cycling and mountain biking contributes £520 million.
Other domestic revenue generators include visiting historic buildings (£2.2 billion), city sightseeing (£2 billion), visiting art galleries and museums (£1.9 billion), attending the theatre (£1.8 billion), and visiting zoos and aquariums (£1.4 billion). 

The domestic tourism industry has seen a record-breaking January to June period this year, with the number of trips taken in England up 14% year on year and spending up 13%.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Croatia launches tourism push

CROATIA’S tourist board has launched a multi-channel marketing campaign to boost visitor numbers. Its ‘Full of Life’ campaign focuses on the varied activities and experiences on offer throughout #Croatia, from historical centres, fine wines and music festivals.

Speaking at the launch in London, Ratomir Ivicic, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board said: ‘Our latest campaign builds on strong growth in 2015 and is rooted in the emotional connections made when tourists visit. So many people enjoy different aspects of Croatia and have different memories linked to assets such as culture, nature, and gastronomy. This is really what sets it apart from other Mediterranean destinations.’

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: "Supetar Harbor" by Andrewmp - Own work. Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons 

Coming up in Cornwall …

St Ives September Festival – September 12-26: The biggest arts event in the South-West sees a plethora of talent performing around the town. More than 300 events in two weeks of music, exhibitions, walks, talks, workshops, films, comedy, theatre, plays, stories, and poetry. www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk

Newquay Fish Festival – September 11-13: In its 13th year, the festival fuses Newquay's holiday scene and its fishing community and attracts more than 40,000 visitors. www.newquayfishfestival.co.uk

Looe Music Festival – September 18-20: Playing host to bands including Jools Holland & His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and The Proclaimers, the stage overlooks a beach lined by steep cliffs and the harbour. Expect an eclectic mix of high energy ‘keep you on the move’ music delivered back-to-back from either end of the beach and around the harbour, plus acts on every street corner, and in every bar and restaurant. www.looemusic.co.uk

Great Cornish Food Festival, Lemon Quay, Truro. – September 25-27: Local celebrated seafood chef and staunch festival supporter, Nathan Outlaw, headlines a packed timetable of master classes, cooking challenges, and tastings. More than 60 exhibitors and 30 food experts will be taking part in what is said to be the largest event anywhere dedicated 100% to Cornish food and drink. www.greatcornishfood.co.uk/festival

Falmouth Oyster Festival – October 8-11: The festival celebrates the start of the oyster dredging season, quality of Cornish Seafood and, in particular, dredging by sail and hand punt. The four-day festival is packed with cookery demonstrations by leading local chefs, with oysters, seafood, wine, and ale to sample, plus children's shell painting, entertainment in the form of sea shanties, a town parade, live music, an oyster shucking competition, and Falmouth’s Working Boat race. 

www.falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50144889@N08/7178135126">St Ives. Panorama_5. Nikon D3100. DSF_0448</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/7149027@N07/5952010569">Jools 1</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/24509941@N00/6827851640">JOH_5771</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)

Earth, Wind & Fire blow in

YEH, they’re still with us! Earth, Wind & Fire will be one of the headline bands at this year’s #Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival in #Aruba on September 25 and 26. 

The band, multi-Grammy Award winners and the sound behind 90 million worldwide album sales, will perform on the first night of the festival at Renaissance Festival Plaza in the island’s capital, Oranjestad.

www.caribbeanseajazz.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: "CES 2012 - Sony - Earth, Wind, and Fire live performance (6764369147)" by The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA - CES 2012 - Sony - Earth, Wind, and Fire live performance. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons