Thursday 31 August 2023

Manchester's art, music and culture scene

Once the world’s manufacturing powerhouse, Manchester’s former industrial buildings now bounce with a different kind of energy, having been reclaimed to make the city an exciting destination for creativity, culture and food.

England’s Northern gateway is all about innovation and visitors staying in the city can experience first-hand how much the city reinvented its industrial past into a new trendy and thriving present. Manchester’s arts, music and culture scene is thriving. Earlier this year Manchester Museum reopened following a £15m million renovation, at the end of June Factory International, an ultra-flexible cultural space opens during the Manchester International Festival and in Spring 2024 the city welcomes the cutting edge music-first venue Co-op Live. Whether you’re a football fan, music enthusiast or contemporary art connoisseur – Manchester offers it all.

New culture venues opening in Manchester

Factory International

Opening at the end of June, Factory International will be the new global destination for arts, music and culture in the city. From music and dance to exhibitions and performances the venue will offer something for everyone’s taste. World renowned artists work together with local up-and-coming talent creating art with a twist on the familiar. The building was designed with flexibility in mind to make sure the space can host any kind of gathering, from warehouse-scale events to intimate exhibitions. Factory International will host the biannual Manchester International Festival (MIF). The event presents brand new artistic work from creative minds from all over the world who blur artforms, push boundaries and address important topics of our time.

Co-op Live

The UK's biggest indoor arena and only music-first venue ‘Co-op Live’ will open its doors in April 2024. Over 23,000 people will fit in the innovative space with cutting edge visual and acoustic technology. 32 bars and restaurants spread across the venue will make sure no one leaves hungry. The venue puts people and the planet first by doing more than any other venue in the world – from wheelchair accessibility on each floor to providing support for assistance dogs, locally sourced construction materials and solar panels to name a few.

Soak up culture at some of Manchester’s best museums

Manchester Museum

The museum reopened its doors in February 2023 with a modern extension and revamped galleries after a major redevelopment. The space showcases the best of their historic collections while addressing the urgencies of the present day and highlighting the complexities of our world. The new Exhibition Hall provides an arena for ambitious shows that explore our past, present and future and engage with global and local stories.

Science and Industry Museum

Housed in the oldest surviving passenger railway station, the Science and Industry Museum inspires visitors by showcasing innovative discoveries in science and technology. Explore the last 250 years of innovation and ideas which originated in Manchester and had an impact worldwide.

National Football Museum

The National Football Museum’s mission is to share stories about football and to showcase world-class collections of football objects and archives. Four galleries and exciting seasonal exhibitions can be explored during a visit with something for everybody to enjoy. Visitors can test their football skills in the Play Gallery during six interactive games.

Imperial War Museum North

Learn about the people of Manchester’s past who were forced to live their lives in a world torn apart by conflict at the world’s leading museum of war. The purpose-built exhibition space takes visitors from the First World War to the present day. The highlight of the museum is the award-winning 360-degree cinematic Big Picture Shows which brings the stories to live.

Experience modern art in the city

Castlefield gallery

The contemporary art gallery supports local talent and artist careers in the Greater Manchester City region, North West and beyond. The gallery’s public and participation programmes aim to provoke new ways of thinking, bringing artists, creatives, communities and audiences together to explore art and the issues of our time. They display a diverse range of exhibitions and offsite projects in the city throughout the year.

esea contemporary

Another contemporary art gallery in the city is esea contemporary, which is located in an award-winning building in the trendy Northern Quarter. The non-profit art centre focuses on giving artists and art practices that identify with and are informed by East and Southeast Asian cultural backgrounds a platform to display their work. The gallery has established itself as a dynamic and engaging space for forward thinking art programs and cross-cultural exchanges in the British art scene.

Generation Gallery

The New York style venue Generation Gallery presents original and limited-edition artwork of some of the most sought-after artist since its opening in 2004. Work from artists such as the international street artist Mr Brainwash or the neon artist Courty are on display and for sale. The team at the gallery supports emerging talent in getting their latest artwork on the market.

Dive into the diverse music scene

Band on the Wall

The live music venue Band On The Wall is a cornerstone of Manchester’s music scene. The venue is run by the registered charity Inner City Music Ltd which transformed the venue into a 21st-century centre for music in 2009. Celebrating music from all over the globe, the venue showcases some of the best international talent in-house and in other venues across the UK.

Albert Hall

The Albert Hall is a purpose-built independent live music and events venue. It is housed in a stunningly restored Grade II grand and ornate chapel in the centre of Manchester creating a special atmosphere. The venue offers a full programme of live music and club events such as Bongo’s Bingo, the crazy immersive bingo party.

Piccadilly Records

A must visit for music lovers is Piccadilly Records in the Northern Quarter. Known as one of the world’s best independent records shops visitors can find everything in-between vinyl and CD from a broad variety of music genres such as indie, disco and house to name a handful.

Embark on a city tour with a cultural twist

Manchester Taxi Tour

Mancunian born and bred tour guide, John Consterdine, takes visitors on a tour entirely dedicated to the wealth of culture Manchester has to offer and how it has changed over time. John shows visitors the city from a different angle on a tour in his electric cab. A tour for all music lovers, he offers a dedicated music experience exploring the city where some of the greatest bands of all time were born.

* VisitBritain Australia's Press Team, Amelia: amelia.robertson@visitbritain.org

CELEBRATE AVIATION HISTORY IN LOS ANGELES

Commercial Aviation History exhibit
Photo: Flight Path Museum
On Dec. 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first successful flight of a self-propelled, heavier-than-air aircraft. The flight only lasted 12 seconds and a distance of 120 feet, but it was enough to change the course of history. Los Angeles has a historic and important role in aviation and aerospace, which visitors can explore at various cultural attractions throughout the city.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport serving the Greater Los Angeles area. The world's fifth busiest airport, LAX welcomes tens of millions of travelers every year from across the country and around the globe, in particular our friends from the Pacific Rim. LAX is in the midst of a $15-billion capital improvement program that will touch on all nine passenger terminals and build new facilities, including an Automated People Mover (APM) train, Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility and the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Located in the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is the world's busiest general aviation airport, handling more than 1,200 operations every day with just two parallel runways. Because of its convenience and privacy, VNY is frequently used by celebrities, politicians, and executives. Many local TV news helicopters fly out of Van Nuys Airport, as well as the L.A. Fire Department’s Air Operations Unit. VNY also offers convenient FlyAway Bus service to LAX. Generations of movie fans recognize Van Nuys Airport from an opening scene in Casablanca. The 2009 documentary, One Six Right traces the history of VNY.

FLIGHT PATH MUSEUM & LEARNING CENTER

6661 W. Imperial Hwy., Los Angeles 90045
View Website
The Flight Path Learning Center & Museum is located in the LAX Imperial Terminal, on the south side of the airport. The facility opened in 2003 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of LAX and the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight by the Wright Brothers. Exhibits include Commercial Aviation History, Flight Crew Uniforms, Flying Tigers, Space Exploration, DC-3 Plane and Fire Fighting Vehicle. The Flight Path Simulator Training Program encourages students to pursue further education and careers in aviation. Aviation scholars should set aside time for the William A. Schoneberger Research Library, which houses one of SoCal's premier collections of aviation and aerospace books, technical manuals and related publications.

The Flight Path Learning Center & Museum is open on Friday and Saturday from noon to 4pm. Timed tickets for one-hour self-guided tours are $5 for Adults; and $3 for Child, Senior (60+), Military (Active/Veteran) or LAX Badged. MORE INFO

TOMORROW'S AERONAUTICAL MUSEUM

961 W. Alondra Blvd., Compton 90220
310-618-1155
View Website
Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum (TAM) is a living classroom that brings aviation history to life and empowers the dreams of underprivileged youth to literally take flight. Located in South Los Angeles, TAM features interactive exhibits that explore racial diversity in the evolution of modern flight, as well as a Sky Lab computer center, Tuskegee Airmen Learning Center, and operating and static display aircraft. TAM’s nonprofit flight academy and afterschool programs provide STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) instruction and compelling alternatives to drugs, gangs and violence.
Find out more about TAM's founder, Robin PetgraveMORE INFO

THE PROUD BIRD

Food Bazaar and P-40 Flying Tiger | Photo: The Proud Bird
11022 Aviation Blvd., Los Angeles 90045

310-670-3815
View Website
Boasting panoramic views of LAX’s approach runways, The Proud Bird features a Food Bazaar with the famed Bludso's BBQ and global culinary options including American, Asian and Italian cuisines. The Mile-High Club Bar & Lounge offers aviation-themed cocktails on tap and the ReLAX Happy Hour for travelers - just show your boarding pass and enjoy drink specials all day.

The Proud Bird was originally opened in 1967 by David Tallichet, a World War II bomber pilot who founded Specialty Restaurants Corporation, which operates Castaway in Burbank, Odyssey in Granada Hills, Whiskey Red's in Marina del Rey and more.

Today the Proud Bird continues Tallichet's vision of a destination restaurant/event venue that celebrates the history of aviation: guests are greeted by a suspended P-40 Flying Tiger replica at the entrance; exhibits are devoted to the Tuskegee Airmen, Aztec Eagles, and Women Aviators; WWII aircraft are on view in the Outdoor Airplane Park. Free docent tours are available. MORE INFO

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER

Space Shuttle "Endeavour" | Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles 90037

323-724-3623
View Website
Located at historic Exposition Park in Downtown L.A., the California Science Center features air and space exhibits that follow aviation history from its origins to the exploration of “the final frontier.” Displays at the museum include a replica of the 1902 Wright Glider, an A-12 Blackbird spy plane, and a trio of NASA space capsules. Your journey through the history of flight culminates with the Space Shuttle Endeavour, on public display in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. MORE INFO

COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER

12400 Columbia Way, Downey 90242
562-231-1200
View Website
An official partner organization of NASA, the Columbia Memorial Space Center (CMSC) opened in October 2009. The 20,000 square-foot museum is located on the site of the former Boeing plant (previously North American Rockwell / North American Aviation) where all of the Apollo Command and Service Modules were built and the Space Shuttle was conceived.

The two-story building features a Robotics Lab, High Definition Computer Lab, and a wide range of interactive exhibits that educate visitors about Space Shuttle operations, living and working on the International Space Station, exploration of our solar system, aerospace engineering, and the range of fields of study and jobs related to human and robotic space exploration. MORE INFO

MUSEUM OF FLYING

The "Spirit of Santa Monica" | Photo: Museum of Flying
3100 Airport Ave., Santa Monica 90405

310-398-2500
View Website
Located on the south side of Santa Monica Airport, the Museum of Flying features 22,000 square feet of exhibits that trace the history of flight as well as Southern California’s aviation and aerospace industries. Visitors usually begin their experience in the Early Aviation Hangar Bay, where the star attraction is a Wright Flyer replica that was featured in the Ben Stiller movie, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. Most of the museum’s aircraft are located in the Aircraft Display Gallery, which features a rotating exhibit of aircraft on the floor as well as suspended above. For the young pilots in the family, hands-on experiences include open cockpits in a Convair 240 nose section, a static cockpit trainer for a Lockheed T-33 aircraft, and pilot/co-pilot seats in a FedEx Boeing 727.

The Museum of Flying is open Thursday-Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is $10 for Adults, $8 for Seniors/Students, and $6 for Children ages 3-12. Children 2 or younger are free. MORE INFO

AIR FORCE ONE - REAGAN LIBRARY

Air Force One Pavilion
Photo: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
40 Presidential Dr., Simi Valley 93065

805-577-4066
View Website
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum offers spectacular views from its hilltop location in Simi Valley. The Reagan Library is one of L.A.’s most unique cultural attractions, featuring exhibits, a replica of the Oval Office, a section of the Berlin Wall, and much more.

Inside the Air Force One Pavilion, you can step aboard the same aircraft that flew President Reagan over 660,000 miles – 26 foreign countries and 46 U.S.states. The “Flying White House,” tail number 27000, served seven U.S Presidents from 1973 to 2001, including Presidents Nixon, Carter, Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush. From Air Force One, President Reagan hand-wrote many of his speeches, signed important legislation, and even officially started a NASCAR race via phone. The pavilion also features a 120-foot mural that represents all 22 aircraft that have ever flown a U.S. president, and an actual Marine One helicopter that flew President Johnson. MORE INFO

* Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, 633 West 5th Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA

A new restaurant shines a Spotlight on Sustainable Ingredients

ITOCHU SDGs STUDIO RESTAURANT Hoshi no Kitchen has opened near Gaienmae Station in Aoyama. 

Enjoy the world of SDG’s through “food,” brought to you by ITOCHU, one of Japan’s unique business entities known as "global general trading companies" or "sogo shosha." 

From organic farming and "locavore cuisine" to food loss elimination, fair trade goods, animal welfare, and dishes with only using plant-based ingredients, dishes here are made with sustainable initiatives in mind.

Grow, make, eat, return.

Knowing the world that spreads before the meal and
beyond the feast , and enriching the deliciousness.

Welcome to Hoshi no Kitchen, a restaurant where you can learn about the precious things of this planet .

* Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mountain music in Colorado

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
The US state of Colorado is promoting its ‘musical renaissance’ with the mountains offering some distinct live music venues

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, Denver 

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, the only naturally-occurring, acoustically-perfect amphitheatre in the world, is located 10 miles from Denver, and has hosted bands from The Beatles to U2. Visitors can also hike, bike, watch movies or attend a yoga class in the open mountain air at this natural wonder. www.redrocksonline.com 

Gerald R Ford Amphitheater aka The Amp, Vail 

Each summer, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail plays host to a range of cultural and entertainment performances on an expansive grassy hillside with a view of the Rocky Mountains. www.grfavail.com 

The Fred Shellman Memorial Stage, Telluride 

Dedicated to the memory of the founder of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, The Fred Shellman Memorial Stage is the venue for Telluride’s best festivals. With jagged 14,000 foot peaks of southwest Colorado towering over Telluride Town Park, the stage provides 360 degree mountain views. It stages the annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride Jazz Celebration and Telluride Bluegrass Festival, with camping popular within the park during festivals and summertime shows. www.tellurideblues.com, www.telluridejazz.org, www.bluegrass.com/telluride and www.telluride-co.gov 

Dillon Amphitheatre, Dillon 

Dillon Amphitheatre
Dillon Amphitheatre can view sailboats on the alpine lake that serves as the backdrop for this mountain-town stage on the banks of Lake Dillon. Performances embrace genres from alternative and bluegrass to country and rock www.dillonamphitheater.com 

The western State of Colorado offers a diverse landscape of arid desert, river canyons and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains National Park The Mesa Verde National Park features Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Located a mile above sea level, Colorado’s capital Denver has a vibrant downtown area. 

 Shauna Hill at shauna@blackdiamond.co.uk

“Ha Noi Autumn Festival - Come to love 2023” to be open

Ha Noi Autumn Festival
‘Ha Noi Autumn Festival - Come to love 2023’ will be held at the end of September with interesting activities in the most beautiful time of the year in the Ha Noi capital.

The festival will take place from 29th September to 1st October 2023 at the flower garden area of Ba Kieu Temple, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Le Thach Street (Hoan Kiem District) and some other districts in the city.

It is an opportunity to promote the beauty, cultural and tourism values, showing the scenic spots, relics of Ha Noi Capital - an attractive destination. The unique values of craft villages and cultural heritage sites of Ha Noi are also introduced.

150 booths are divided into areas according to design, arranged along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Le Thach Street and Bat Giac house, including: Area for introducing tourist products, typical tourist destinations; spaces of "Autumn colors", "Garden of Light" with products of craft villages and handicrafts, and "Autumn Gifts".

Ha Noi will also organize parades and performances of some districts such as lion and dragon dance of Thanh Oai District, Mid-Autumn lantern procession of Son TayTown, kite performance of Dong Anh District, flower of Me Linh District, dance performance, Te Tieu dry puppetry of My Duc District, introducing the art of processing and enjoying West Lake lotus tea...

Showing wedding customs in the past and present at the stage and Dinh Tien Hoang Street; folk dance and sport activities; Ao Dai fashion show; children's parade, children's paintings and children's picture exhibitions.

Parading tourist cyclos, bicycles, double-decker buses on Thanh Nien Street, Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hoang Dieu Street.

Organizing photo exhibition of Ha Noi's autumn colors at the Arts and Culture Center (22 Hang Buom Street) and the area of King Ly Thai To Monument, and related activities.

* Tourism Information Technology Center
Tags: Ha Noi Autumn, Come to love,

600 days before the opening of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka!

The 8 August 2023 marked 600 days util the opening of World Expo 2025.

Pictured here is the Grand Roof (Ring) - a symbol of the Expo site!

The official character for the Expo, Myaku-Myaku, is also walking around here somewhere…can you spot it?

Myaku-Myaku is looking forward to welcoming everyone to Expo 2025! 

Wellness workshops at Akuna Retreats

Akuna Retreats’ wellness packages are 1.5 or 2.5 hours long and include a range of tailored practices including yoga, live music, dance and meditation, all set in the comfort of your own accommodation anywhere in NSW.

Akuna Retreats offers wellness packages around movement, breath, connection and sound. A mobile business, Akuna offers 1.5- and 2.5-hour wellness packages, as well we tailored packages upon enquiry, delivered in the comfort of your home, accommodation or workplace.

Packages include a range of practices including yoga, live music, dance and meditation.

While Akuna Retreats generally services the Blue Mountains area, you can get in touch about booking a package outside of the region.

Akuna Retreats

Various locations Katoomba NSW 2780 Australia
0427 995 959
akunaretreats@gmail.com
https://www.akunaretreats.com/

* Destination NSW

Floriade Specials: Themed High Tea, Cocktails & More

High Tea 
The spectacular floral display of Canberra’s annual Floriade is nearly upon us, and an event not to be missed. Upon the incredible sight of one million blooms decorating Canberra’s Commonwealth Park on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the festival is also a fantastic celebration of arts, culture, food, wine and more.

To celebrate, see our special Floriade-themed offers at Deco Hotel, Avenue Hotel and Pavilion on Northbourne.

Book direct and save 10%

High Tea at the Atrium Bar & Restaurant

Sunday, September 17th
Step into the leafy scenery of the Atrium Bar & Restaurant for a truly elegant and fitting celebration of Spring. Enjoy a gorgeous tower of sweet and savoury finger food, 2 hours of free-flowing prosecco, and a delicious selection of T2 teas.
Book now at Atrium

Botanical Desserts at Restaurant Two14

flavours of spring with two dessert
Available now until Sunday, October 15th
Indulge in the flavours of spring with two desserts expertly crafted as an ode to Floriade by Two14's Head Chef, Federico Pitasi.

*Hazelnut Millefoglie
Hazelnut chantilly, amarena gelato, strawberry fairy floss

* Pastiera Napoletana
A short crust base filled with ricotta and citrus, served with coulis and lemon sorbet
Book now at Two14

Cocktail Bouquet at Marble & Grain

Alice In Wonderland inspired cocktails
Available now until Sunday, October 15th
Cheers to the arrival of spring with five Alice In Wonderland inspired cocktails, a nod to the the theme of this year's Floriade. Featuring a refreshing citrusy palate and donned with edible flowers, we're bringing the spirit of spring to you at Marble & Grain!
Book now at Marble & Grain

* Capitol Hotel Group  

Major ancient Egypt exhibition coming to Australia in 2023

Outer Coffin of Panesy, about 943–746 BCE
International partnership brings some of the world’s finest Egyptian antiquities to three Australian venues

Remarkable objects from a world-inspiring culture form part of a new exhibition, Discovering Ancient Egypt, from the National Museum of Antiquities (RMO), in Leiden, the Netherlands, which is touring Australia as part of a major collaboration between the National Museum of Australia, the Western Australian Museum and the Queensland Museum Network.

The highly anticipated Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition features more than 200 objects exploring the ancient culture’s vast social and traditional history spanning 3,000 years. Through exquisite jewellery, sculpture, pottery and an array of stunning funerary material, this exhibition showcases the ancient Egyptians’ unique outlook on life and death, religious practices, daily life and the journey to the afterlife.

A unique aspect of this exhibition is its focus on the history of discovery, inviting visitors to consider the ongoing role of museums in documenting and presenting ancient cultures. Key moments such as the finding of the Rosetta Stone during Napoleon’s military campaign to Egypt and the rediscovery of the tomb of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun will be explored alongside the RMO’s prolific archaeological discoveries over decades.

The exhibition includes multimedia presentations featuring the faces and voices of local Egyptian archaeologists and cultural custodians at dig sites, ensuring visitors understand discovery as an ongoing practice.

A notable moment for visitors will be the life-sized replica facade of the Temple of Taffeh, which will be illuminated by a striking, large-scale graphic presentation. This ancient Nubian temple was shipped to the RMO from the Nile as a gift from Egypt to the Netherlands.

For this exhibition, recent CT scans have been conducted on mummified human and animal remains, with the results of the analysis being made public in Australia for the first time via a captivating digital interactive. The mummified human remains coming to Australia are preserved within their original linen bandages.

Discovering Ancient Egypt opened at the WA Museum Boola Bardip on 10 June and will travel to the National Museum in Canberra (15 December 2023 – 8 September 2024), before concluding its Australian tour at the Queensland Museum Network (25 October 2024 – 5 May 2025).

National Museum of Australia Director, Dr Mathew Trinca, said the partnership between the four museums was a credit to the arts and culture industry across Australia and further cemented Australia on the global cultural touring exhibition map.

‘I particularly want to thank the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities and the Australian partner institutions. Meaningful collaboration like this enables cultural institutions to pool and leverage their resources to bring world-class exhibitions to Australia,’ Dr Trinca said.

‘We are delighted by the opportunity to offer Australian audiences a chance to engage with ancient Egyptian history in new ways while considering how the ongoing work of archaeologists and museum professionals continues to illuminate new information and knowledge about this intriguing ancient culture.’

Western Australian Museum CEO, Alec Coles OBE, said the Western Australian Museum was delighted to be the first venue for this exquisite exhibition in Australia and echoed Dr Trinca’s pride in the significant relationship between the four partner museums.

‘I know audiences will be mesmerised by the stories of life and death as understood by ancient Egyptians and by the highly stylised funerary art, amulets, shabti and a huge collection of objects from everyday life featured in this exhibition,’ Mr Coles said.

‘It is an honour to be able to present material from such a rich period of human history and from such a world-renowned collection as that of the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.’

Queensland Museum Network CEO, Dr Jim Thompson, said Queensland Museum is thrilled to be hosting the final exhibition of this historic tour in 2024.

‘This exhibition serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of an ancient civilisation and the important contribution museums play in continuing engagement and dialogue around cultures and human history,’ Dr Thompson said.

‘We are honoured to share these remarkable cultural treasures of ancient Egypt from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities with Queensland.’

Director of the National Museum of Antiquities, Dr Wim Weijland, said this exhibition presents many masterpieces from the RMO’s world-famous collection.

‘We are delighted to be partnering with three outstanding museums. It has been inspiring to see the dedication, passion and enthusiasm that our Australian colleagues have brought to transforming this exhibition into something truly unique and exemplary,’ Dr Weijland said.

Pectoral, New Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE
Some of the highlights in the exhibition include the first sheet of a long papyrus scroll that the priest Padikhonsu took to his tomb to ensure his passage into the afterlife; a necklace with a centrepiece depicting the head of a ram, a symbol for Amun ‘the king of gods’; and the outer coffin of the priest Panesy, which is adorned on each side with depictions of the sons of Horus.

The Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition is supported by the Australian Government International Exhibitions Insurance (AGIEI) Program. This program provides funding for the purchase of insurance for significant cultural exhibitions. Without AGIEI, the high cost of insuring significant cultural items would prohibit this major exhibition from touring Australia.

Tickets for the National Museum of Australia exhibition Discovering Ancient Egypt will go on sale later this year.
Exhibition dates
  • Western Australian Museum, Perth, 10 June to 8 October 2023
  • National Museum of Australia, Canberra, 15 December 2023 to 8 September 2024
  • Queensland Museum, 25 October 2024 to 5 May 2025


National Museum Australia

Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra

FUN COMES HOME - CARNIVAL LUMINOSA RETURNS TO QUEENSLAND

Queensland’s sunny shores are set to be blessed once again with a ray of FUN-shine as the state’s own Carnival cruise ship, Carnival Luminosa, returns in less than 50 days.

The 50-day countdown officially kicked off on Saturday, after Luminosa departed Brisbane in April for the U.S summer cruise season. And to celebrate, Queenslanders now have the opportunity to truly make the ship their own.

Carnival is calling on Queenslanders to help design a brand new flag for Carnival Luminosa – one that will fly onboard the ship for the entire Aussie season and embody the true meaning of FUN to the state.

To get involved, Queensland locals can submit a photo of how they ‘Choose FUN’ for a chance to be included on the flag. Submissions will be combined into a visual mosaic that makes up the design of the new flag, inspired by Queensland, for Queensland.

On the campaign, Carnival Cruise Line VP, Kara Glamore said “At Carnival, we’ve always flown the flag of fun, but now we’re excited to do this more literally. Since our first departure from Brisbane in October 2022, Queenslanders have welcomed Carnival Luminosa with open arms. Making our Queensland guests an integral part of the ship felt only natural and we can’t wait to see all of the ways they choose FUN with the new flag.”

The new Queensland ‘Flag of Fun’ will be unveiled upon Carnival Luminosa’s return to Brisbane on 15th October 2023 with an official flag-raising ceremony, marking the start of the summer cruise season.

To join in on the fun and celebrate their home state, Queenslanders can submit their photo entries at choosefun.co/FlagOfFun until Sunday 10 September 2023 at 11:59pm*.

Carnival Luminosa will start her official return journey to Brisbane on 14 September 2023, embarking on a 31 Day voyage from Seattle across Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

With 30 cruises departing from Brisbane from October 2023 to April 2024, Carnival Luminosa is expected to inject approximately $30 million into the local economy.

For more information on Carnival Cruise Line and bookings call 13 31 94, see your travel agent or visit https://www.carnival.com.au/.
Facebook: @CarnivalOz
Instagram: @Carnivalcruiselineau
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/CarnivalOz

AUSTRALIAN FERRIES FOR PARRAMATTA RIVER

Seven new Australian-made ferries will take to Parramatta River after the NSW Government awarded the construction tender to Richardson Devine Marine Shipbuilders in Hobart. 

The new Parramatta Class ferries have been designed by Incat Crowthers, naval engineers based in the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Construction of the new ferries will begin in July.

LEARN MORE

* Destination NSW

Wednesday 30 August 2023

Scotland's Favourite Festive Christmas Experiences

Christmas at the Botanics 

Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh

November – December 2023
Christmas at the Botanics has become an essential part of Scotland's seasonal calendar, offering an extraordinary experience for both friends and family. This delightful journey presents a chance to encounter the enchanting presence of Father Christmas, accompanied by captivating attractions. Prepare to be amazed by the spectacle of enormous seed heads soaring gracefully above, a radiant field of oversized crocus flowers illuminating the night, vibrant pampas grasses and dazzling light tunnels. These stunning displays, showcasing a botanical theme bursting with a myriad of colours, are just a taste of the thrilling new experiences awaiting visitors this year.

MAGICFEST, Edinburgh

December 2023
The Edinburgh International Magic Festival is an annual event that offers an astonishing lineup of shows, events, and workshops designed to bring awe-inspiring wonder and joyful entertainment to the festive season.

Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery

November 2023 – January 2024
There will be a magnificent transformation of Edinburgh Castle this holiday season, as Castle of Light returns for its highly anticipated fourth year. Visitors can immerse themselves in the captivating theme of "Magic and Mystery" as a mesmerizing tapestry of new projections elegantly dances across the castle walls. Following the trail of immersive illuminations and enchanting installations through the castle grounds, surrounded by a breathtaking display of shimmering lights and vibrant exhibits.

The Irn-Bru Carnival

22 December – 14 January 2024
Glasgow hosts the biggest indoor amusement park in Europe. Whether one is seeking a joyous day with the family or an exciting night out with friends, there's a wide array of entertainment options for everyone to relish. Packed with thrilling rides that get one’s heart racing and opportunities to showcase your skills in games like "Hook a Duck", this venue promises non-stop fun in Glasgow.

Silent Disco

Glasgow Festive Silent Disco

December 2023
The festive silent disco will let visitors unleash their dance moves and sing with unrestrained joy while embarking on a spirited and festive-themed journey through Glasgow. Whether one is singing cherished Christmas classics or energetic festive pop anthems, they will undoubtedly discover themselves dancing, strutting, and singing throughout the city on this exhilarating adventure.

* Visit Britain

DISCOVER ANOTHER 5 MORE OF ELVIS PRESLEY'S LOS ANGELES

Elvis on stage during his '68 Comeback Special
Photo: Elvis, Facebook

1) NBC STUDIOS

200 W Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank 91502
747-477-1462
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After a seven-year absence from the stage, Elvis returned to live performance with the acclaimed '68 Comeback Special, which was taped at NBC Studios in Burbank in June 1968. First aired by NBC on Dec. 3, 1968, the special featured a sit-down section, stand-up numbers, and two musicals. The stripped down, informal sit-down session - with Elvis and his band performing while surrounded by fans - was a precursor to MTV Unplugged. The success of the special led to a four-week stint at the Las Vegas International Hotel and paved the way for numerous tours.

Following NBC's move to Universal City, the 35-acre production facility is now known as The Burbank Studios - a state-of-the-art, full service film, TV broadcast, and new media studio.
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2) BEVERLY WILSHIRE, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills 90212
310-275-5200
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Built in 1928, the historic Beverly Wilshire is known to millions of movie fans as the hotel where Julia Roberts stayed in Pretty Woman. Located just steps from world-famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the Beverly Wilshire has welcomed dignitaries such as President Barack Obama, the Dalai Lama and the Emperor of Japan. Dashiell Hammett reportedly wrote The Thin Man at the luxury hotel, and Warren Beatty lived in the penthouse for years.

In the late 1950s, Elvis stayed at the hotel while filming at Paramount Studios. During his separation from his wife Yoko Ono, John Lennon is said to have stayed at the Beverly Wilshire because he knew Elvis had lived there.
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3) DE NEVE SQUARE PARK

De Neve Square Park | Photo: Daniel Djang
314 Beverly Glen Blvd., Los Angeles 90077

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Located on Beverly Glen Boulevard just north of Sunset Boulevard, De Neve Square Park is dedicated to Felipe de Neve, founder of the pueblo of Los Angeles and a Spanish governor of Las Californias. During the 1950s and '60s, Elvis organized regular touch football times while he was in L.A. making films. The unstaffed “pocket” park is open daily from dawn to dusk and features sycamore trees and English-style 1920s street lamps.
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4) SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP

The Golden Lotus Temple at the Self Realization
Fellowship Lake Shrine | Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Tucked away in the Pacific Palisades a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean, the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine is a lush, ten-acre site with gardens, a spring-fed lake, and a variety of flora and fauna. Founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950, the Lake Shrine welcomes thousands of visitors each year to enjoy its scenic beauty and serenity. The Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial is a "wall-less temple" that features a thousand-year-old stone sarcophagus from China, which holds a portion of Gandhi's ashes in a brass and silver coffer. Elvis made frequent visits to the Lake Shrine and became close with Sri Daya Mata, the worldwide leader of the Self-Realization Fellowship for over 55 years.
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5) KIA FORUM

3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood 90305
310-330-7300
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Located in Inglewood a few miles east of LAX, The Forum was considered one of the premier event and sports venues in the country, home to the “Showtime”-era Lakers, the Kings led by Wayne Gretzky, and countless concerts.

Affectionately known by Angelenos as the “Fabulous” Forum, the arena hosted Elvis Presley on his second tour in 1970 - the two shows set a record for ticket sales. Elvis returned for two more sold-out shows on his tenth tour in 1974. Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant and Jimmy Page attended the evening performance of Presley’s second show.

Now called the Kia Forum, the venue is "Fabulous" once again following a multi-million dollar renovation with state-of-the-art technology and amenities, and continues to present world-class performers from a variety of genres.
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* Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board 633 West 5th Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA info@discoverlosangeles.com

Autumn Game Meat Dinner - HOSHINOYA Fuji

October 20 to November 20, 2023

In the fall, HOSHINOYA Fuji’s Cloud Terrace hosts a special dinner where guests can enjoy seasonal cuisine paired with Yamanashi wine. 

Set against an awe-inspiring backdrop of yellow leaves, diners will have a chance to try vintage wines from a Katsunuma brewery which pairs perfectly with the umami of game meat. 

Wine enthusiasts will particularly appreciate this pairing as they discover the native grape varieties Koshu and Muscat Bailey A. 

They will also learn about the history behind the Yamanashi Prefecture, the birthplace of wine production in Japan going back to the early Meiji period.

Official website for HOSHINOYA Fuji

* Hoshino Resorts Official Website, visit here  global@hoshinoresorts.com

Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival, Twickenham

Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival
22 to 24 September 2023 

The 5th Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival, In association with Flowers from the Farm and sponsored by Savills Teddington, will be held in Horace Walpole’s ‘Gothic castle’.
 
Thirty UK-based floral designers and growers will present floral displays throughout Walpole’s Georgian home. Hortus Poeticus will also ‘transform’ the stairwell with English flowers that will fill the space with ‘remarkable scent and beauty’. 

Strawberry Hill’s gardening team will be on hand to give advice and visitors will be able to wander the five-acres of gardens, which comprise beds, borders, walks, groves, lawns and woodland. 

Strawberry Hill House & Garden 

Strawberry Hill House & Garden, which was created by Horace Walpole (1717-1797 is known as Britain’s finest example of domestic Georgian Gothic revival architecture.

 It has been open to visitors for over 250 years. 

The third son of Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first Prime Minister, Horace Walpole was a pivotal figure in 18th-century society, literature, art and architecture. 

From 1739-41, he embarked on a Grand Tour and European influences can be seen in the design of Strawberry Hill House and the works that formed its vast collection of treasures. 

Strawberry Hill’s 18th-century garden is one of the earliest in the English naturalistic style. Horace Walpole, a keen gardener wrote the influential essay The History of the Modern Taste in Gardening, published in 1780. 

The grounds at Strawberry Hill House have been restored to much of their original appearance by using Eighteenth Century maps and paintings and Walpole’s own writing. 

Today it is Grade II* listed and of national importance, as a reminder of a fascinating period in garden history. 

Flowers from the Farm 

Flowers from the Farm is a not-for-profit membership association of over 950 independent, artisan growers of local, seasonal British cut flowers. 

Its members farm over 1000 acres in total on cutting gardens, allotments, walled gardens and farmland from Inverness to the Isles of Scilly. 

 Tracy Jones at tracy@brera-london.com 
 Liz Anderson at pr@flowersfromthefarm.co.uk

Singer Jack Gray: "I feel the culture and the heritage on every street corner of Ho Chi Minh City"

The singer learns how to make Vietnamese pancakes
Being on a fascinating journey through the cultural heritage sites, vibrant energy and unique charm of Ho Chi Minh City has left a memorable mark in the heart of the famous Australian singer.

Jack Gray is a famous Australian singer, songwriter and music producer, currently living and working in Los Angeles. On a recent collaborative project with RMIT University Vietnam, he embarked on a journey through the city, capturing its essence alongside Nguyen Khanh Chi, an enthusiastic student from RMIT University.

With Khanh Chi's guidance, Jack had the opportunity to sip the delicious flavor of Vietnamese coffee in the traditional way - using a racket to filter. He also immersed himself in the sacred atmosphere in Ba Pagoda in District 5, the city's cultural heritage.

Taking his exploration further, Jack embraced the vibrant ambiance of Ben Thanh market by navigating through its bustling aisles. Not one to miss out on culinary adventures, Jack delighted in tasting the scrumptious bánh xèo, savoring every bite of the crispy pancake filled with flavorful ingredients. To complete his experience, Chi and Jack strolled along Nguyen Hue walking street, enjoying the lively energy of the city.

Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant energy and unique charm have left a memorable mark on Jack. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with RMIT Vietnam students, remarking that the experience provided him with a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and a newfound appreciation for the city.

Enjoy pancakes with a variety of vegetable rolls
Jack Gray and Khanh Chi visited to Ben Thanh Market, the ancient market of Ho Chi Minh City

“It is such an amazing city. You can really see the culture and the heritage on every street corner. It is a beautiful way of life, and the people are so awesome,” Jack said.

Jack Gray and Khanh Chi, together with the Buddy group (student support group) of RMIT University Vietnam made a video clip to promote tourism for Ho Chi Minh City.

This project is more than just a visual exploration of the city, it celebrates the power of music, culture and friendship.

Readers can review video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FphpJy7d1-8

*Tourism Information Technology Center
Tags: #Jack Gray, #RMIT, #Ho Chi Minh City,