What’s Happening this July

What events did you get to in June? As far as last month’s recommendations went, I cheated as I had been to the La Pedrera light show in May. Had I been back in Barcelona in June I would have gone again though! Apart from that, I spent my life at conferences it seems.
With June almost over, here is selection of things to do in July.

BARCELONA, Spain
The spectacular Origins light show is still on.
I visited in May, and although I was unlucky enough to have rain as my companion, it was a great experience. I highly recommend it even if you’ve done a daytime tour here before.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark
If you like horses, you will enjoy this summer’s exhibition at the Christianborg Palace. All the Kings’ Horses looks at the strong historical relationship between the Danish Royal Family and their horses. The Royal Stables that will house the exhibition are still active stables, but the horses will all be out at summer pastures during the exhibition.
To 7 August 2015

GALWAY, Ireland
If you needed an excuse to visit the stunning western coast of Ireland, this has to be it: the Galway International Festival brings art, comedy, drama, dance, music to one beautiful city.
13-26 July 2015

LONDON, England
Sunset Safari – throughout summer, London Zoo will be giving you the rare opportunity to visit after normal opening hours . In addition to visiting the animals and hearing tales from conservationists, scientists and keepers, there will be a World Food Market.
London Zoo. Every Friday from 5 June to 17 July, 18:00 – 22:00. Adult price £16-£32, concessions available.

MANCHESTER, England
A vast array of music and theatre comes to this northern city as part of the Manchester International Festival. In addition, the BBC are making Festival Square their home at MIF15 with an exciting programme of events and shows across TV, Radio and online.
2-19 July 2015

MARSEILLE, France
Futurs – Matisse, Miró, Calder… – through the great artistic movements of the 20th century, this collection of around 100 paintings, sculptures, photographs and installations, retraces the links and influences between reality and fiction that bring together art, science, literature and cinema.
La Vieille Charité, Marseille, until 27 Sept

MONTREUX, Switzerland
The 49th edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival returns to the shores of Lake Geneva, with a program of over 300 concerts and workshops at 8 free venues.
3-18 July 2015

OXFORD, England
Alice’s Day returns to Oxford for its annual celebration of Alice In Wonderland. It brings a day of tea-parties, croquet, storytelling, workshops and more to a variety of venues across Oxford.
4 July 2015, most events FREE

PROVENCE, France
July is the perfect month to view the lavender in Provence. Lavender will be everywhere – in the fields, yes, but also on the markets, in the food and at the distilleries. And you can combine it with Marseille (see above).

ROCKLAND, Maine, USA
Come and eat your fill at the Maine Lobster Festival. In addition to eating , there will also be arts and crafts, cookery competitions, fun runs and more.
30 July – 2 August 2015

SALZBURG, Austria
The Salzburg Festival is probably my top pick of the festivals for July – if only for the setting. However, beautiful location and great venues apart, this festival features world class concerts, opera and drama. In addition the performances, guided tours of the Großes Festspielhaus, Haus für Mozart and Felsenreitschule venues are available.
18 July – 30 August 2015

SINGAPORE
Now here’s a festival that’s right up my street: the Singapore Food Festival takes place in July. Singaporean Hawker Food: 50 Years into the Future, at the Shangri-La Hotel sounds particularly fascinating.

UTRECHT, Netherlands
The 102nd edition of the Tour de France will make its Grand Départ from Utrecht on 4 July 2015.