Cool things to do when it's hot
Published 20 August 2001
Festivals edited
Britain
Bishopstock Blues Festival
Bishop's Court Palace, Clyst St Mary, Exeter. 25-27 August. Info: 01392 875 220
The UK's premier blues festival, postponed from May as a result of the foot-and-mouth crisis, is held at an 850-year-old gothic palace set in stunning countryside. Courtney Pine, the soul diva Nina Simone and the blues innovator Taj Mahal are among the star performers.
Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill, London. 26-27 August, 10am-7pm. Info: 020 8964 0544
Europe's largest street festival is back for another weekend of mayhem. If you can stand the crowded streets, the carnival offers an excellent opportunity to hear some big music names for free, watch a colourful circuit of floats and sample a delicious selection of Caribbean goodies.
Bog Snorkelling
Waen Rhydd Bog, Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales. 27 August, 1pm. Info: 01591 610 236
What snorkelling? Bizarrely, just what it says. It was conceived as a fundraising event during a session in a local pub in 1986. A bunch of (surely) insane people will "glide" through a peaty swamp in an attempt to break time records. So, for a £5 entry fee, don your mask and flippers, and dive in!
Europe
International Highland Folk Festival
Zakopane, Poland. 18-26 August. Info: 00 48 18 206 6950
At one of the oldest and biggest folk festivals in Poland, highlanders from around the world present their customs through regional costumes, music and dance. Located at the foot of the spectacular Tatra mountains, the event has competitions, exhibitions, concerts and parades for all.
La Tomatina
Bunyol, Valencia, Spain. 22 August, 11am. Info: 00 34 96 250 0151
Increasingly world-famous, this festival of frenzied tomato hurling is pureed fun. Paying tribute to a 1945 food fight that got a little carried away, locals and foreigners attack each other in good sport.
Bonnat Pig Fair
Bonnat, Limousin, France. 1 September, 8am. Info: 00 33 1 42 96 70 00
Anything porcine goes in this rural French village's annual event. Music, dancing and spit roasting, washed down with a glass of oaky white, accompanies pig exhibits and competitions. You can even purchase your own little porky friend - foot-and-mouth restrictions permitting.
The World
Ramayana Ballet
Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia. Every full moon, May-October, 7.30pm. Info: 00 62 274 589350
The Ramayana, a Hindu epic, is enacted as a ballet in the majestic setting of Prambanan Temple. Built in the ninth century, this complex of 240 exquisitely decorated temples is Java's greatest monument to Hinduism. The performance of a man's journey to rescue his abducted love is an unforgettable Indonesian experience.
Festival of the Hungry Ghosts
Hong Kong. 2 September. Info: 020 7533 7100
Restless departed souls are believed to burst forth from the gates of Hades during the month of the seventh moon, searching to satisfy their desires. On the 14th day, fires speckle the island, concerts are performed and offerings made to appease the spirits. Many are afraid to go out - but if you dare, this spooky festival is worth experiencing.
Fetu Afahye
Cape Coast, Ghana. First week in September. Info: 020 7201 5924/7
Not for the faint-hearted, this vibrant festival involves the ritual sacrifice of a cow as an offering to local deities. The festival name translates as "adorning of new clothes", and everyone, from warrior groups to drummers and dancers, will be dressed in colourful garments.
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