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WHATS ON

What’s on in Sweden: May 1 – 7

What's on in Sweden: American Football & Labour Day parade in Stockholm; Terence Blanchard in Gothenburg; International Noise Conspiracy in Malmö

What's on in Sweden: May 1 - 7

STOCKHOLM

Labour Day parade

Before the dawn of the blogosphere, May 1st was the day when the common people could get their voice heard.

These days there are all manner of, presumably more efficient, channels. The tradition marches on however and has taken on something of a carnival atmosphere.

If the day is warm then Slussen would be a good choice to watch the hammer and sickles wave past.

Price: A rendition of The Internationale

Time: Friday May 1st from 1pm

Location: Humlegården, Norrabantorget, Slussen, Medborgaplatsen depending on your party colour.

João Bosco (Br)

One of Brazil’s foremost live artists, João Bosco, is known for his fusion of Arab culture, Afro-American music and Brazilian-style bossanova, drawing influences from American jazz.

He arrives in Stockholm with his four-piece band and is playing at the one of the city’s oldest and more genuine jazz establishments – Mosebacke Etablissement.

Price: 260 kronor

Time: Sunday May 3rd, 7.30pm

Tickets: Mosebacke tickets

Location: Mosebacke Etablissement, Mosebacke torg 3

More information: João Bosco

Gridiron – Djurgårdens IF vs Carlstad Crusaders

The Swedish American Football season gets off with a…well it starts this weekend in Stockholm and at selected other locations around the country.

Djurgårdens IF get the season started when they take their bow in the Super Series against the Carlstad Crusaders at Östermalms IP.

Time: May 1st, 7pm

Location: Östermalms IP, Fiskartorpsvägen 2

More information: Super Series Football

Bounce – “Caution!”

Street dance troupe Bounce was formed in late 1997 by some of the best street dancers in Sweden who got together to explore the different dance styles of popping, locking, boogaloo and new school.

Their success in the 12 years hence has been meteoric. “Caution!” has been recommended here before but with the show running into its last month it worth another mention.

Don’t miss this world class act – you don’t have to wear your cap backwards to appreciate their skill.

Price: 350 kronor (250 kronor concessions)

Time: Until Saturday May 30th, 8pm & 4pm (Saturdays)

Tickets: Bounce Tickets

Location: Orion Teatern, Katarina Bangata 77

More information: Orion Teatern

GOTHENBURG

Man Irani Hastam – The many faces of Iran

Swedish photographer Carl Åkesson spent two months travelling through Iran and discovered the country’s many faces.

He captured photographs of all ages, classes and social groups and this exhibition shows “the diversity of the Iranian people which you might not see in the news”.

Price: Free entry

Time: Until May 2nd, 6pm – 10pm

Location: House of Win-Win, Tredje Långatan 13B.

More information: Galleri Win-Win

Spring dash – Women only

The amateur (ish) running season gets started in 17 cities across Sweden this weekend with the jovial “Vår Ruset” (Spring dash).

Over five kilometres, the event is for women only and is less a competition and more a “jogging, running, trotting party for all ages”, and an inspiration to begin shedding that winter lethargy.

The first dash is in Malmö on May 4th moving up to Halmstad on May 5th and Gothenburg on May 6th.

Price: 180 kronor

Time: Wednesday May 6th, 7pm

Location: Start and finish at Björngårdsvillan, Slottsskogen. The course runs through the magical Slottsskogen

More information: Gothenburg Spring Dash

Terence Blanchard (US)

New Orleans jazz legend Terence Blanchard plays in Gothenburg on Friday at legendary venue Nefertiti.

Blanchard was a long time playing partner with Wynton Marsalis and has worked with Spike Lee on films such as “Malcolm X”, “Summer of Sam” and “Jungle Fever”.

He has gained two Grammy nominations for his album “Flow” from 2005, produced by Herbie Hancock.

Price: 220 kronor

Time: Friday May 1st, 7.30pm

Tickets: Terence Blanchard Tickets

Location: Nefertiti, Hvitfeldtsplatsen 6

More information: Liseberg

Expectations – English speaking theatre

GEST, the Gothenburg English Speaking Theatre, and their new production Expectations continues at Teater Trixter in Gothenburg this week.

“Expectations is the story of two couples, one English and one Swedish, both preparing for the birth of their child but things don’t turn out the way they had imagined.” The play is written by Kristina Brändén Whitaker and directed by Gary Whitaker.

GEST is a contemporary theatre company that employs professional actors from England and Sweden.

Price: 130 kronor

Time: May 4th, 5th, 6th, 2pm & 7pm; May 8th, 7pm

Tickets: GEST Tickets

Location: Teater Trixter, Andréegatan 13

More information: GEST

MALMÖ

International Noise Conspiracy

The International Noise Conspiracy are an established Swedish punk rock band from Umeå known as much for their politics – described as a cross between Che Guevara and Elvis Presley – as they are for their music – described as punk rock, garage rock, Rock n’ Roll.

They were the first band to play at Debaser Malmö so it should be quite an evening of jollity and celebration at the now established Malmö club.

Price: 110 kronor

Time: Thursday May 7th, 7pm

Tickets: International Noise Conspiracy Tickets

Location: Debaser, Norra Parkgatan 2

More information: Debaser

Noah Lyon – “Look at All Your Stuff”

The artwork of Noah Lyon is energetic, visceral and direct.

A Picasso spirit lives in Lyon’s work which addresses subjects from popular culture, news, contemporary images, international politics and Armageddon prophecies.

His drawings offer a unique realism through an honest and poetic melee of personal reasoning and experience, combined with an absurdist celebration of American socio-political dysfunction.

Price: Free entry

Time: Until May 25th. Tue – Fri 12pm – 5pm. Sat 12pm – 4pm

Location: Galleri Thomas Wallner, Adelgatan 5

More Information: Galleri Thomas Wallner

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TOURISM

Eight corona-safe events not to miss in Germany in October 2020

Despite the coronavirus and restrictions which followed, there are still several socially distanced events taking place around the country. Here are our top picks.

Eight corona-safe events not to miss in Germany in October 2020
One of the displays at the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in 2019. Photo: DPA

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly disrupted Germany’s events calendar this year, with staple celebrations such as Oktoberfest being cancelled due to safety concerns.

But despite restrictions, organisers have adapted to the circumstances and put together corona-safe events that can be enjoyed by all (albeit at a safe distance).

Here are some of the most exciting events to look out for in October:

German Unity Day Exhibition: September 5th – October 4th

The commemorative exhibition is running over thirty days to allow social distancing to be maintained. Photo: DPA

The Tag der Deutschen Einheit (German Unity Day) is one of the nine nationwide public holidays in Germany and takes place on October 3rd every year. 

It commemorates the formal completion of the reunification process between the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) after decades of division. 

It is normally celebrated with open air concerts and attractions in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, but due to coronavirus things will look slightly different this year. 

READ ALSO: 10 things you never knew about German Reunification

A special anniversary celebration on October 3rd at Potsdam’s Metropolis will be attended by only 240 guests, six times fewer than originally planned. 

The event, which includes performances from musicians and interviews, will be broadcast for people to watch on television. 

There’s also no need to miss out on celebrating entirely – a special open air exhibition is running in Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg, until October 4th. 

The exhibition has been extended to last thirty days to ensure that a safe distance can be maintained amongst visitors. 

Berlin Leuchtet Illuminations: September 25th – October 4th

The light show at the Brandenburg Gate this year celebrates 30 years of German unity. Photo: DPA

It’s not too late to catch the tail end of Berlin’s spectacular illumination festival. As the darker evenings draw in, many of the city’s landmarks are being lit up with colourful projections, videos and laser shows.

The illuminated buildings are scattered all over the city, with some highlights including Gendarmenmarkt, the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column in Tiergarten. 

It is asked that visitors maintain 1.5 metres distance and the wearing of face masks is recommended. 

Halloween Horror Festival at Movie Park Germany: October 1st – November 8th

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

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Be warned: this event is most definitely not for the faint hearted! Head to Bottrop on North-Rhine Westphalia to test your wits in the horror mazes at Germany’s most popular Halloween Festival.

Various spooky attractions including gut-churning rides, live entertainment and haunted houses await those brave enough to visit, although most are only suited for those above the age of 16.

The park is open every Thursday to Sunday in October, as well as on November 1st and November 6th – 8th. 

Advance booking is essential due to strict capacity limits, and no costumes are allowed – the only masks permitted this year are the mouth-nose coverings that prevent the spread of the virus!

European Month of Photography: October 1st – October 31st

The European Month of Photography has something to offer for everyone. Photo: DPA

This October sees Germany’s largest photography festival return to Berlin. The event has taken place every other year since 2004, and offers a wide range of exhibitions for photography enthusiasts to enjoy. 

For the whole month of October, 100 galleries, photography schools, museums and other cultural institutions will offer the public a chance to see incredible work from 500 artists across Europe.

Exhibitions can be found all across the capital and also in the nearby city of Potsdam.

Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival: August 28th – December 6th 

The festival boasts impressive pumpkin displays and fun-filled activities. Photo: DPA

A trip to Ludwigsburg is an essential for all those in awe of autumn, and makes for a fun day out for the whole family.

This year’s theme is music, with various impressive pumpkin displays paying tribute to famous artists ranging from Elvis to the Rolling Stones.

The programme also boasts an array of other activities: try your hand at pumpkin carving, sample pumpkin flavoured specialties or visit the pumpkin Santa Claus tent to get in the festive mood!

German Mozart Festival Augsburg: October 9th – October 31st

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

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Classical music fans won’t want to miss this celebration of the two of the greatest composers of all time, Beethoven and Mozart.

The German town of Augsburg, birthplace of Leopold Mozart (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s father), is hosting various concerts to celebrate the life and work of these two classical titans. 

Events range from lower-key chamber music recitals to large-scale renditions of their most impressive symphonies, and includes performances from renowned soloists and orchestras. 

READ ALSO: The show must go on: How German orchestras are continuing concerts amid the pandemic

Games Week Berlin: October 28th – October 30th 

The gaming conference may be online this year, but there is still lots on offer. Photo: DPA

This year’s Games Week won’t be held in Berlin’s Kulturbrauerei as normal, but game lovers need not fear – an extensive online programme is available for everyone to enjoy. 

The festival’s three strands – “Play Experience”, “Pro Experience” and “Art Experience” – offer something for everyone, from gaming enthusiasts to industry creatives. 

Live ‘let’s plays’, multiplayer tournaments, interviews with gaming influencers and game development conferences are just some of the events available to those who purchase an online ticket.  

Wine tasting along the Deutsche Weinstraße – Various dates in October

Despite cancellations, there are still plenty of chances to try some German wine. Photo: DPA

September and October marks grape harvesting season in Germany, meaning it is the perfect time to taste some of the best wines the country has to offer. 

Sadly, many of the wine festivals that usually take place along the German Wine Route have been cancelled this year, but there are still ample opportunities that are too good to miss.

Take a weekend trip to the Bacchus Wine Festival in the town of Bad Dürkheim in Rhineland-Palatinate, where you’ll find live music, delicious food and plenty of wine.

Similar delights await visitors in the nearby Weisenheim am Sand, albeit at reduced capacity. The company BottleStops also offers group and private tours to visitors who want to get a taste of local wineries, a majority which are currently open.

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