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Calendar - events
ASIA
Hong Kong
Summer Spectacular
Now in its fourth year, the two-month citywide extravaganza is packed with shopping promotions, sales and events, such as the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival (July 2, 4-8), which includes a BeerFest and international races in Victoria Harbour, off Tsim Sha Tsui; the Lan Kwai Fong Beer & Music Fest 2012 (July 14-15); and Summer Pop - Live in Hong Kong (August 11). Date June 22 to August 31; Website www.discoverhongkong.com
Japan
Fuji Rock Festival '12
The Fuji Rock Festival, Japan's biggest outdoor music festival, attracts top indie rock bands from across Britain, the US and Japan. Headliners for 2012 include The Stone Roses, Radiohead, Beady Eye (Liam Gallagher's latest band), Elvis Costello and more. The picturesque location, high up in the mountains, covers a large area with multiple stage venues. Camping sites are available. Date July 27-29; Location Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata prefecture, Japan; Website www.fujirockfestival.com
Singapore
Food Festival 2012
The Singapore Food Festival, organised by the Singapore Tourism Board, celebrates the diversity of local cuisine. Throughout the month of July, food lovers can enjoy dishes from Malaysia, India and China. Highlights this year include Seafood Tales of Temasek with more than 60 seafood stalls in Marina Bay, workshops by top chefs, competitions and more. Website http://holidayfestivalsasia.com/singapore-food-festival-2012/
Global
Britain
2012 summer Olympics
The summer Olympics Games kick-off with a spectacular opening ceremony on July 27, directed by Danny Boyle and featuring the Olympic Ceremony Athletes' Parade. Sporting events take place throughout Greater London with some football and sailing venues further afield. For those without tickets, catch a glimpse of the Olympic torch as it nears its destination, travelling through various districts of London from July 21. Date July 27 to August 12; Location Central and Greater London; Website www.london2012.com
Diamond Jubilee
London's other big event is the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 60 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Events are continuing through summer and include a display at Buckingham Palace of diamond jewellery worn by queens over the past 200 years. Highlights include the Coronation necklace and earrings, and diamonds created for Queen Victoria. Date June 30 to October 7 (closed July 9-30); Location Buckingham Palace.
2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe
This is the world's largest arts festival, spanning 25 days and showcasing about 2,500 international acts in hundreds of venues around the Scottish capital. Highlights at this year's event include comedians Jimmy Carr, Jimeoin and Alan Davies, puppeteer Jason Byrne and more. Date August 3-27; Location Edinburgh, Scotland; Website www.edfringe.com
The Netherlands
Floriade 2012
Taking place once every 10 years, the World Horticultural Expo at Venlo in the Netherlands draws visitors from around the world with 65.9 hectares turned into a flower park. There are more than 100 exhibits in the form of gardens or pavilions and daily international cultural programmes of music, dance, theatre and visual arts. Themed zones have their own play and hospitality areas where guests can enjoy an array of international food. Picnic areas are surrounded by flowers and trees. Sit on the theatre hill to enjoy shows and performances. Date Until October 7; Time 9am to 6pm; Website www.floriade.com
USA
Boston Pops Firework Spectacular
More commonly known as Boston Pops, the event is the United States' premier Independence Day celebration, with about 500,000 people in attendance annually. Highlights include live concert performances by the Boston Pops Orchestra with special guest appearances and a fireworks display. Date July 3-4; Time 8.30pm with the fireworks at 10.30pm (July 4 only); Location Boston, Massachusetts; Website www.july4th.org
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