JUNE
The pick of events, exhibitions and festivals happening in Gulf Air destination cities this month
LONDON
Wimbledon Tennis Championships
23 June-6 July
Will Spaniard Rafael Nadal finally get the better of reigning champ Roger Federer on southwest London’s famous grass courts? And can Venus Williams win a fifth title here? www.wimbledon.org
ISTANBUL
International Music Festival
6-30 June
Some of the city’s finest historic venues are used to host a programme of classical concerts that this year includes Latvian mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca at the Süreyya Opera House. www.iksv.org
PARIS
Fête de la Musique
21 June
Since its launch in 1982, this has become one of the biggest days in France’s cultural calendar; its recipe of free music in different venues throughout the day is now duplicated all over the world. www.fetedelamusique. culture.fr
ATHENS
Athens Epidaurus Festival 2008
1 June-23 August
Venues old and new – including the two ancient theatres at Epidaurus (below) – host a mix of dance, theatre, concerts, opera and art exhibitions through the summer in the Greek capital. www.greekfestival.gr
DUBAI
Dubai Summer Surprises
23 June-31 August
Shelter from the heat in the emirate’s 40 premier malls, which offer themed events and activities – as well as discounts and promotions – during the 11th edition of DSS. www.mydsf.com
BANGKOK
Thailand Travel Mart Plus
5-8 June
Held in conjunction with the Thailand Tourism Festival, TTM+ matches 400 buyers from traditional markets with local sellers to meet and exchange ideas on tourism trends. www.thailandtravel. martplus.com
DELHI
Mango Mania Festival
Until late June
This annual event at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium celebrates 500 varieties of the fruit, which comes into season from May.
MANILA
POSTURA: Portraiture and Prestige
10 June-30 August
This exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila examines the links between portraiture, attire and prestige in Filipino culture. www.metmuseum.ph
KUALA LUMPUR
Nokia Starlight Cinema
Until late July
One of the largest outdoor cinemas in Asia comes to the Bukit Kiara Country Resort for a mix of homegrown and international movie fare.
BAH 06 08
What’s happening in the Kingdom of Bahrain this month
MOTORSPORT
RACING TO THE FINISH
4-6 June
The final round of the Bahrain Drag Racing Club Championship Season is your last chance to see these speed machines in action. The first day is a Test and Tune session, followed by two days of heats. The hottest competition is between local hero Ali Aryan, in the green pro-mod Camaro of the Popeye Team, and UAE challenger Ali Al-Kaabi, in the red pro-mod Corvette for Al-Seem Performance Group. The roar of the engines is something you’ll never forget. +973 1745 0000
SPORT
Season’s end
5 June
The Bahrain Rugby Football Club’s annual end-of-season ball is a chance to celebrate the achievements of both the football and rugby teams. The black-tie event at the Gulf Hotel is open to members and non-members, who can celebrate hanging their boots up for another year with a party and music from DJ Ralph. +973 1769 5809 www.bahrainrfc.com
CULTURE
Putting on a winning face
15-19 June
The Bahrain National Museum’s exhibition of masks from Paris’s Musée du Quai Branly has inspired Bahraini schoolchildren to create their own. The creator of the best one wins a trip for two to Paris. +973 1729 8777
CINEMA
Centennial screenings
1-7 June
The Italian Embassy celebrates Luchino Visconti’s 100th birthday with a week of Italian film and art. Films include Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) (left) and Morte a Venezia (Death in Venice). +973 1725 2424
MUSIC
RAPPERS’ DELIGHT
6 June
This month sees the return of B-Music… Live! New York band De La Soul (left), who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 90s with their alternative take on hip hop, headline the festival, which promises to be the live music event of the summer. Support comes from legendary British ska band The Beat, as well as Mama’s Gun and Skank Sinatra, featuring vocals from Bahrain’s very own Sheikh Hassan, frontman of Manakin. B-Music… Live! takes place at Rock Bottom, in the Ramee International Hotel, Juffair. Last year’s event featured the Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Arrested Development.
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