Jetsettersblog

EXCITING ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS

The 60th anniversary of the Coronation at Westminster Abbey

June – September 2013

The Coronation took place at Westminster Abbey on June 2nd 1953, nearly eighteen months after Queen Elizabeth II succeeded her father, King George VI. Westminster Abbey is to mark the 60th anniversary of the Coronation in 2013 with a series of special events this summer, including a service of celebration attended by HM The Queen (June 4), a new exhibition, CORONATION! There will also be a Coronation anniversary concert (June 13) performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey. The program will include some of the finest examples of coronation music throughout the ages including masterpieces by Handel, Parry and Walton. For more information, please click here.

Fashion Rules at Kensington Palace

Opens July 4, 2013

This summer, Historic Royal Palaces will present a glamorous exhibition with a new take on the story of the monarchy in the late twentieth century. Featuring rare and exquisite dresses from HM Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Diana Princess of Wales, this colourful and exuberant exhibition will provide a feast for the eyes and a nostalgic glance back at recent decades. Elegant dress displays will explore how these royal figures were representative of the spirit of each decade, reflecting and inspiring everyday fashions. For more information, please click here.

Summer Opening of the Houses of Parliament

July 31 – August 31 and September 17 – October 5, 2013

Tickets for one of London’s most popular summer activities, Summer Opening of the Houses of Parliament, are now available to book online or by phone. The 75 minute ‘Blue Badge’ guided tours enable visitors to discover the fascinating blend of history, politics, art and architecture within one of the most instantly recognizable buildings in the world. Other highlights include the Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, Central Lobby, Members’ Lobby, the ‘No’ Lobby, St Stephen’s Hall and 900 year old Westminster Hall. For more information, please click here.

The London Anniversary Games at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

July 26 – 28, 2013

The London Anniversary Games will span three days of athletics, on the anniversary of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony. There will be athletics action on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, featuring the return of many Olympic champions, with a third day of action on the Sunday dedicated to showcasing the Paralympic champions of 2012. As the last major international athletics event before the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, many of the world’s best athletes will use the London Anniversary Games as their final pre-championship preparation.

THEATER, MUSIC, NIGHTLIFE

Timber! at Southbank Centre

July 10 – 31, 2013

Timber! is a circus show featuring a family from the remote forests of Québec, who juggle axes and perform daring aerial acrobatics and stunts with lumberjack saws, alongside clog-dancing, tight-rope walking, cooking, vegetable chopping and story-telling. Timber! is set to traditional music, with fiddles, banjos, a jaw harp and rowdy singing as the live accompaniment to this daredevil, heart-warming show. For more information, please click here.

Dirty Dancing at Piccadilly Theatre

From July 13, 2013

Record-breaking hit show, Dirty Dancing will return to London’s West End this summer. This follows a hugely successful multi-record breaking nationwide tour across the UK and Ireland, which has been seen by over one million people since it launched in 2011. Dirty Dancing opened at the Aldwych Theatre in 2006 with a record- breaking advance of £15 million – making it the fastest ever selling show in West End theatre history. For more information, please click here.

Electric Daisy Carnival London at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

July 20, 2013

Electric Daisy Carnival, the world-famous electronic music event, heads to London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday 20th July 2013 for its first international event outside the USA. Promising to be one of the biggest UK shows of the summer, Electric Daisy Carnival London features some of electronic music’s biggest and most globally recognized talent across one main stage and three arenas. The fresh acts joining the line-up for this extravaganza are Burns, Chris Lake, Dirty South, Flux Pavilion and many more. For more information, please click here.

East at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

July 27 – 28, 2013

The north of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will be filled with the sights, sounds and flavours of east London at a celebratory weekend to mark the first anniversary of the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Games. Working in partnership with the Barbican and east London arts venture Create London, the Park will be hosting East – a weekend of music, food, art and theatre inspired by east London. The weekend-long celebration will include live international music, the Real Food Festival, and The House of Fairy Tales will present a Mini-Travelling Art Circus featuring theatre, magic, music and games. For more information, please click here.

FOOD, HOTELS AND OPENINGS

Reopening of DoubleTree by Hilton London – Hyde Park

July 2013

The hotel’s refurbishment has created a spacious 24-hour fitness center, as well as 12 new guest rooms on the first floor, taking the total number of guest rooms to 228. In September 2013, the hotel will launch a standalone restaurant with an emphasis on ‘farm to fork’ dishes using fresh seasonal ingredients. The restaurant will be an all-day dining restaurant with a bakery for eat-in or take-away dining. Diners will enjoy daily, freshly prepared dishes in a casual atmosphere, with seating available on an outside terrace overlooking Hyde Park. For more information, please click here.

Ludlow Food and Drink Festival at InterContinental London Park Lane

July 9 – 12, 2013

Hosted in the hotel’s Cookbook Cafe, the festival will welcome top independent food and drink producers from Ludlow. Executive Chef Paul Bates will create a daily-changing lunch and dinner menu that celebrates key suppliers. The Cookbook Cafe Market Table will be brimming with Ludlow produce, local charcuterie and cheeses, and along with daily changing desserts. In the evenings, family-style dishes will be accompanied by demonstrations, tastings, and talks from local producers. During lunch Cookbook Cafe’s interactive cooking station will be transformed into a Ludlow deli, serving bespoke sandwiches and rustic soups.

Palace Resorts is expanding its bridal offering to Indian weddings at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun. Palace consulted with culinary experts to ensure Moon Palace chefs are fully trained to prepare genuine Indian food. Each couple will be privy to an expert wedding coordinator who will guide them step by step throughout the entire planning process. In addition, every traditional Indian wedding at Palace Resorts will also include a specialized henna artist, a mandap (wedding stage) decorator and a music director who will create the perfect soundtrack for the festivities.

“Palace Resorts takes pride in our ability to make dreams a reality. Indian weddings are visually unlike anything the destination has seen before, and we believe our valued guests will be awed by our latest offering,” said Gibran Chapur, executive vice president of Palace Resorts. “Expanding our offerings and capabilities is a testament to our ability to make sure every detail of your wedding exceeds every bride’s desires and individual needs.”

The larger the group, the more benefits the bride and groom eligible for. Couples who book 75 room nights for their groups may take advantage of such perks as unlimited private functions such as a cocktail hour and two-hour dinner, seven complimentary room nights, and a room upgrade for the bride and groom.

Couples that spend the first few days as a married couple with Palace Resorts can also add on the complimentary honeymoon package, which includes breakfast in bed, a bottle of sparkling wine and a honeymoon cake. Couples are also treated to a private dinner for two, special turndown service, access to the exclusive honeymoon concierge desk and 6 p.m. checkout

Finland, renowned as a land full of interesting peculiarities, is staging an array of festivals and events across 2013 that really reflect the country’s distinctive cultural spirit.

As in most must-visit destinations, numerous annual music, food and film festivals are scheduled to celebrate Finnish talent around the country this year, but it’s the more uncommon events that make a trip to Finland a truly memorable experience.

Here’s a round-up of some of the most unusual forthcoming events taking place around the country:

Moomin Winter Magic 16 – 24 February

Moomin World is closed during the cold winter months with the exception of February half-term when the theme park opens its doors for a special winter-themed week of fairy-tale fun. Winter Magic sees the Moomin family waking from their winter slumber and hosting a full programme of events for the whole family, from Tooticky’s Story at the Pancake factory to Moomin Family Winter Games at the Moominhouse. There’s also a skating rink and sledding hill that will provide hours of Finnish winter fun.

Moomin World is in Naantali, 180km from Helsinki and connected by a regular bus service. For more information visit: www.muumimaailma.fi/en

Finland Ice Marathon 20 – 23 February

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Finland’s ice skating marathon, held every year on the frozen Lake Kallavesi in Kuopio, eastern Finland. Thousands of skaters of all ages and abilities will take over the ice across three days of events, which include recreational and competitive races, moonlit skating, and a Mini-Marathon for children. Away from the ice, other wintery events are organised around the lake during the festival, so those that don’t want to get their skates on can still enjoy the breathtaking scenery and join in the celebrations of the Finnish sport.

Finnair and SAS fly to Kuopio from Helsinki. Some hotels in Kuopio offer special rates for ice skaters over the dates of the festival. For more information and to register, visit www.pohjois-savonliikunta.fi/finland-ice-marathon

Helsinki Burlesque Festival 1 – 2 March

Despite February being Finland’s coldest month, when temperatures rarely go above freezing, international burlesque artists flock to the capital to strip off and perform to a packed crowd at Helsinki’s Gloria Cultural Arena. Burlescopolis is the theme for the sixth annual Helsinki Burlesque Festival, which will present a wide variety of traditional and contemporary burlesque performances in two evening shows. Aspiring burlesque dancers can attend workshops held around the city during the festival, while drawing classes and other related exhibitions are on offer for those who prefer to stay wrapped up.

For more information, visit www.helsinkiburlesque.com

Finnair flies direct to Helsinki from Heathrow (return fares start from £191) and Manchester (return fares start from £22). Fares include all taxes and fees. www.finnair.com

The Hertz Corporation has partnered with Live Nation and AAA to offer car rental discounts during concert season. The company is providing a $35 discount off of weekly rentals and $50 in Live Nation “Concert Cash,” a one-time use only voucher access code that can be used toward select concert tickets or merchandise. To take advantage of the offer, the rental must be booked on Hertz.com using an AAA club discount code (CDP) and promotional code 178474; be a minimum five-day rental; occur by April 30; and be booked with a valid email address to receive Live Nation Concert Cash code and redemption information.

Artful Travelers has added more theme cruises in partnership with PBS, including a November voyage with the showrunner of “Antiques Roadshow” on the American Queen steamboat.

The “Antiques Roadshow Southern Hospitality Tour” will operate Nov. 13-23 round-trip from New Orleans with Executive Producer Marsha Bemko, appraiser Ken Farmer and other personalities. The trip starts with a three-night hotel stay in New Orleans and a Mississippi River cruise to ports such as Oak Alley, Natchez and Vicksburg.

There will also be a Civil War voyage operating Sept. 10-22 from Jackson, Miss., to Chattanooga, Tenn. The voyage will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and highlight the films “Death and the Civil War” and “The Abolitionists” with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ric Burns, Executive Producer Mark Samels and other historians. This program begins with a full day tour of the battlefield site of Vicksburg.

The “American Presidents” trip scheduled for Oct. 8-19 begins with a three-day adventure in Chicago, including a reception in JFK’s usual hotel suite, followed by a vintage train journey to St. Louis and a steamboat voyage to St. Paul, Minn. The trip will premiere “JFK” and feature other works from the archives of PBS’ flagship history series “American Experience,” with Executive Producer Mark Samels, and presidential historian Robert Dallek.

Per-passenger fares begin at $4,995, based on double occupancy, including hotel stays before or after the voyage, special events and events with lecturers and historians. To participate in the Artful Travelers events, passengers must be booked through Artful Travelers.

Virginia is launching its summer season with a host of new restaurants, breweries and attractions.

On the wine and food front, the Winery at Bull Run in Fairfax is a vineyard offering wines in a Civil War-themed atmosphere. It opened last summer. Located near Manassas Battlefield Park, the winery offers summer tours and tastings.

Three Brothers Brewing Co. in Harrison is one of Virginia’s newest breweries – it opened in March – and offers a tasting room featuring pairings that include Scottish Ale served with chocolate gingerbread whoopee pies. Scheduled to open this month in Fairfax, Matchbox features casual American fare, a wine list, an eclectic beer selection and brick oven pizza.

Sunken City Brewing Company in Smith Mountain Lake will open on May 15, offering hand-crafted lagers and ales on tap, as well as craft beers including Dam Lager and Red Clay IPA. The Flying Mouse Brewery in Troutville is scheduled to open in mid-summer.

The micro-brewery will offer scenic views and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling events and live music. It will also boast a tasting bar, tours and on-site sales.

In September 2012, the Mosaic District became Fairfax’s newest area for entertainment, dining and shopping.

Attractions include an art-house cinema lounge, the Angelika Film Center, shops and dining spots. The District will continue to grow with new businesses scheduled to open throughout the summer.

Blue Ridge Dog in Harrisonburg opened on March 6, offering families traveling with pets a pet boutique, offering a canine bakery, specialty pet items and foods with an eco-friendly twist.

Go Ape Treetop Junior in Williamsburg debuted on March 23, providing kids with the chance to try out two zip lines, canopy exploring and obstacle courses 20 feet up in the trees. Go Ape Treetop Junior is derived from Go Ape adult courses. Williamsburg’s Freedom Park will be the first location to encompass the new course created exclusively for kids.

Bodies Revealed at The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News showcases real human bodies through a three-dimensional tour made possible through the process of polymer preservation.

Universal Orlando Resort announced the lineup of performers for the 2013 Summer Concert Series on Saturday nights form June 1 to July 6.

On June 1, NE-YO will perform, followed by Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush on June 8; Gavin DeGraw on June 15; Earth Wine & Fire on June 22; Adam Lambert on June 29; and Kip Moore on July 6.

Access to all Summer Concert Series performances is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. For guests wanting to visit solely for the concerts, Universal Orlando will offer tickets providing one-time access to Universal Studios Florida after 7 p.m.

Visit Telluride has announced several summer festival anniversaries and introduced a new, fitness-themed event. Additionally, the historic Sheridan Opera House, which serves as a major venue for many of Telluride’s festivals, is celebrating its centennial this year. The Opera House is the screening venue for Mountainfilm and the Telluride Film Festival and hosts an after-hours line-up during the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. To celebrate its 100th birthday, the Opera House will host a Speakeasy Gala on July 6.

The 35th Annual Mountainfilm (May 24-27) focuses on adventure, as well as social issues via the Moving Mountains Symposium. This year’s symposium will take on the issues of climate change and solutions.

Following Mountainfilm, Telluride will celebrate the 30th Annual Balloon Festival (June 1-2). The festival, which is free of charge, offers hot air balloon rides above Telluride and the San Juan Mountains.

The 40th Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival takes place June 21-24. Among this year’s, performers are Mumford & Sons, Emmylou Harris, Dispatch, The String Cheese Incident, Feist and Yonder Mountain String Band.

The Telluride Chamber Music Festival is celebrating 40 years this year. It will offer live chamber music and events Aug. 8-18.

This summer, the Telluride Film Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary from Aug. 29 through Sept. 2. The festival, which does not announce its program in advance, has hosted the North American or global premiers of four of the past five winners of Best Picture at the Oscars. The Telluride Film Festival, along with the Town of Telluride have announced that a new venue, the Werner Herzog Theatre, will host this year’s festival. The theater will be located in Telluride’s Town Park Pavilion and will accommodate 650 people.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival. The Black Crowes, Jim James and Melissa Etheridge will headline this year’s festival (Sept. 13-15).

New this year will be the Telluride WOW (Work Out Weekend) festival, which takes place Sept. 19-22 and features presenters, instructors and athletes who will lead fitness classes and interactive sessions on the latest health, fitness, wellness, nutrition and medical trends.

One of the historic landmarks of Tokyo’s Ginza district, the Kabukiza Theaterhas re-opened after a major refurbishment. Established in 1889, the theatre is directly connected to Higashi-ginza Station.

The Kabukiza has a colorful history – it has been heavily damaged and rebuilt four times since its initial opening. It has been ravaged by a fire, an earthquake, the bombs of war and was once taken down so a skyscraper could be built on the land it occupied. The theater’s performances feature actors who wear elaborate colorful costumes and bright face masks to express the nature and meanings of their characters. The actors are also masters of vocal expression – so much so that many of the themes of a Kabuki play can be picked up without understanding any of the spoken words.

Norwegian Cruise Line, which just christened 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway in New York City on May 8, unveiled plans to stage the Broadway musical “Legally Blonde” on Norwegian Getaway, Breakaway’s twin ship set to debut in January 2014. Norwegian Breakaway already features a performance of the Broadway musical “Rock of Ages.”

Kevin Sheehan, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, made the announcement on board a two-night inaugural sailing on Norwegian Breakaway. Other entertainment onboard Norwegian Getaway, which will homeport in Miami, includes a new dance show “Burn the Floor” and a new comedy program in partnership with Levity Entertainment, one of the largest producers of comedy ate in the world. Until now Second City has provided the comedy and improvisational theater onboard Norwegian ships.

Norwegian also said it would continue to offer such acts as Howl at the Moon, featuring dueling piano players. In addition, it had already announced that a new dinner magic show called Illusionarium and new musical productions featuring Grammy-award winning artists, the Grammy Experience, would also debut on the new ship.

“With ‘Legally Blonde’ performing in the Getaway Theater, along with ‘Burn the Floor,’ world-class comedy by the Levity Entertainment Group, magic in the previously announced Illusionarium, the Grammy Experience, and all the other entertainment offers, we continue tour commitment on Norwegian Getaway to offer guests the best entertainment experience possible,” said Sheehan.

Currently being built by Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, Norwegian Getaway will carry 4,000 passengers double occupancy and displace 146,600 gross registered tons. It will include many of the features introduced on Norwegian Breakaway, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place entertainment and dining areas. The ship will begin sailing seven-day cruises from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean beginning on Feb. 1, 2014, with sports of call including Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; and Nassau, Bahamas.