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WHATS ON

What’s on in Sweden: July 3 – 9

What's on in Sweden: Millennium trilogy tour and roots festival in Stockholm; BB King in Gothenburg; Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band (UK) in Malmö.

What's on in Sweden: July 3 - 9

STOCKHOLM

Millennium trilogy tours

Millions of people have already read the Millennium-series by Swedish author Stieg Larsson, millions more may have watched the films.

You will know therefore that the characters in the books live and work on Södermalm in inner-city Stockholm and the city museum has thus developed a city-walk, “In the footsteps of the Millennium Trilogy”.

The tour takes you to Mikael Blomkvist’s home, the Millennium Magazine, and Lisbeth Salander’s luxurious apartment among many other locations, ending with the film exhibition at the Stockholm City Museum offering a behind the scenes glimpse of the making of the Millennium films.

Price: 100 kronor

Time: Saturday 11am until September

Location: Bellmansgatan 1, Södermalm,

More information: Stockholm City Museum

Sing-a-long at Skansen

The Swedes like to sing. Think last night of the proms, only less formal and in the open air with Stockholm as a backdrop.

Many of the songs will be in Swedish, but many won’t and you’ll have fun regardless trying to catch a beat.

Get there early, like I said – the Swedes like to sing.

Price: 120 kronor

Time: Tuesday July 7th, 7.30pm (and following four Tuesdays)

Tickets: Museum entry

Location: Skansen, Djurgården

More information: Sing-a-long at Skansen

SPHM Roots Festival in Vinterviken

For the second year running the idyllic setting of Vinterviken’s gardens play host to a roots festival with the catchy name of SPHM.

Artists for the late afternoon reggae fest include Ska’N’Ska, Fröjd, Oskar Franzén and 1 Blood Movement.

Price: 100 kronor (cash)

Time: Saturday July 4th, 4pm – 10.30pm

Location: Vinterviken (Liljeholmen metro)

More information: SPHM Roots Festival

Herräng dance camp

Herräng Dance Camp, which originally started back in the summer of 1982, is now the leading and most comprehensive dance camp in the world focusing on the African-American swing dance tradition.

For the month of July each year the camp turns the normally quiet Roslagen backwater of Herräng (about 90 minutes north of Stockholm) into a multi-culti jiving, thriving, lindy-hopping, tapping dance extravaganza.

There are beginner weekends and week long courses in a range of disciplines.

Price: Herräng dance camp costs

Time: Until Saturday July 25th

Location: Check in at Folkets Hus in Herräng

More information: Herräng dance camp

GOTHENBURG

BB King (US)

Blues legend BB King is joined by Swedish singer Louise Hoffsten at Gothenburg’s Trädgårdsförening.

Price: 570 kronor

Time: Friday July 3rd, 7.30pm

Tickets: BB King Tickets

Location: Trädgårdsförening, Göteborg

More information: Trädgårdsförening

Hakuna Matata – a musical adventure for children

Mama Gumbo takes children of all ages on a musical adventure in Hakuna Matata, part of the City of Gothenburg’s summer programme.

Among other things you will find out how to get an elephant out of a tree.

Price: Free of charge

Time: Tuesday July 7th

Location: Slottskogsteatern, Slottskogen

More information: Gothenburg Summer 2009

Snus Boulevarden

“Give me snuff, whiskey and Swedes, and I will build a railroad to hell.” This citation from railwayman James J.Hill says something about emigrant Swedes parlance for their snus.

The love of the moist tobacco has not diminished, neither here in Sweden nor in the USA, where the emigrants settled. Chicago’s main street was once dubbed ‘Snus Boulevard’ after the all the snus spat on it.

This exhibition takes a look at the history of the habit.

Price: 30 kronor

Time: Until September 30th, 10am – 4pm

Location: Emigranternas Hus, Packhusplatsen 7

More information: The Emigrant House

MALMÖ

Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band (UK)

Music and spoken word from one of England’s most exciting and innovative voices.

Price: Free of charge

Time: Sunday July 5th, 7pm

Location: Pildammsteatern, Pildammsparken

More information: Sommarscen Malmö Folkets Park

Sam Amidon (US)

From the American outback via Brooklyn and Iceland all the way to Malmö’s Rönneholmsparken, Sam Amidon offers his take on traditional Appalachian songs.

Price: Free of charge

Time: Wednesday July 8th, 7pm

Location: Rönneholmesparken

More information: Sommarscen Malmö

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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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