YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON
JULY
2006
2006 is a year-long celebration of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the Thai throne. Find out about the host of extra special annual events taking place at www.tourismthailand. org and join 
the nation in honouring the world’s longest-reigning monarch.
1-2
Take your pooch for an exciting walk to the Thailand Dog Show 2006 at Bangkok’s Impact, Muang Thong Thani. This fun-filled event is packed with products, services and activities for both two- and four-legged friends, with all proceeds going to the Hua Hin dog shelter, Woof! Woof!. Free for kids, dogs and those born in the year of the dog. www.impact.co.th/dogshow
5-11
Light up your day with a visit to the Grand Candle Festival and International Candle Carving Competition in Bangkok and the city of Ubon Ratchathani.
Forget the typical settings at romantic dinners. Instead, think of huge, ornate wax creations which highlight the talent and, often, religious faith, of local craftsmen. These glowing candles are a sight to behold.
Until July 10
Visit Ámantee to view “Shadowing Light”, a truly fascinating collection of black-and-white and colour images of Asia by French/British photojournalist, Cédric Arnold. From the art of Thai tattoos to rice farmers in Isaan, Arnold captures simple yet striking moments of everyday life in his shutter’s eye. www.amantee.com/CedricArnold.htm
10th
Join Buddhists throughout Thailand to celebrate Ashana Bucha Day, a religious national holiday commemorating Buddha’s first sermon.
On the night of the full moon, candlelight processions are held at the temples, making a remarkable sight as hundreds perambulate with candles around the glittering wats.
22
The Minato Yume fireworks display marks the start of the summer holidays in Hiroshima.
Thousands flock to Hiroshima Port in Ujina dressed in bright summer yukata kimono to ogle at an impressive display of over 8,000 fireworks exploding over the Seto Inland Sea at 8pm.
Get there early to stake out a good spot and spend some time checking out the festival stalls. Hop on #1 streetcar from Hiroshima Station, or #3 or #5 from Hon-dor and go to streetcar stop Ujina-kaigan-dori.
1-31
Treat your taste buds with a trip to the Singapore Food Festival and discover why “Uniquely Singaporean” cuisine, such as Singapore Chilli Crab, is considered among the best in the world.
A month-long, city-wide epicurean extravaganza, the event is also the perfect occasion to visit the newly renovated Newton Circus hawker centre. www.singaporefoodfestival.com
AUGUST
Discover The Arthouse at the Warehouse, Siem Reap’s newest exhibition space found in the town’s Old Market.
July sees the painting and sculpture of former World Monuments Fund’s Artist in Residence Sasha Constable on display, while graduates of Phnom Penh’s School of Fine Arts will exhibit contemporary art in August. Tel +852 (0)63 965204, www.thearthousesiemreap.com
6
Last summer, the world’s attention was focused on Hiroshima as it commemorated the 60th anniversary of the A-bombing.
This August, the city will once again welcome global visitors, not only for the annual peace commemorations (6 August), but also as host to the Japan team’s group qualifying round of the 2006 FIBA World Basketball Championships (19-24 August, ) and the Hiroshima International Animation Festival (24-28 August, www.urban.ne.jp/home/hiroanim).
9
Join Hong Kong in honouring their local law enforcement agencies during Kwan Tai Festival, which takes place at the Man Mo temple on the 15th day of the fifth moon. Kwan tai is the God of War and the patron god of the Hong Kong police – and, rather ironically, gangsters.
Discover The Arthouse at the Warehouse, Siem Reap’s newest exhibition space found in the town’s Old Market.
July sees the painting and sculpture of former World Monuments Fund’s Artist in Residence Sasha Constable on display, while graduates of Phnom Penh’s School of Fine Arts will exhibit contemporary art in August. Tel +852 (0)63 965204, www.thearthousesiemreap.com
12
Do join the Thai nation in wishing Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand “Happy Birthday”.
The occasion sees public buildings throughout the Kingdom decorated in honour of Her Majesty’s birthday with garlands of coloured lights lighting up government offices and streets in the area around the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
25-27
Listen to the sounds of top artists from around the globe as they perform in the lush surrounds of Fort Canning Park at the three-day WOMAD music festival in Singapore.
There’s something to suit all tastes – from smooth jazz sounds to Japanese funk – as well as a Global Village filled with dozens of traders selling international crafts and foods. www.womadsingapore.com
Shop till you drop on bargains galore at the summer-long Hong Kong Shopping Festival, which is set to finish at the end of this month.
With the opening of Chanel, Marc Jacob’s Louis Vuitton and Harvey Nichols’ flagship stores in the city, there is no better time for designer addicts to hit the streets than the present moment. www.discoverhongkong.com
if you are a big fan of Halloween, you will love the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts (Yue Lan in chinese). this spooky annual event in August sees chinese communities throughout Asia honouring the dead and even putting on operas and sumptuous feasts for their pleasure. it is believed that in this month, the gates of hell are opened to free “hungry ghosts” or the restless dead, who wander to seek food on earth.
