Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In the diary

Text John Sannaee

Whether it’s modern Africa, white truffles or cuttingedge digital art, there’s plenty to discover this month

Until 13 December

Brussels
Africa. Fast Forward

The Atomium is a resilient symbol of Brussels, offering a unique architectural spectacle and an impressive panorama over Brussels, as well as permanent features of the 1958 Universal Exhibition. Now it is also showing Africa. Fast Forward, a fascinating temporary exhibition on Africa today and in the future. www.atomium.be/africa

2-7

Krakow
Joseph Conrad International Literature Festival

This month, Krakow launches its first International Literature Festival. The organisers aim to represent and promote the richness and diversity of literature in different languages and from different cultures, with a broad programme of events. www.conradfestival.pl

3-8

Oslo
Oslo World Music Festival

Over 300 artists from across the globe come together for six days of concerts. The line-up straddles many genres and cultures, and includes Algerian Raï superstar Khaled, Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil and Tuvan throat-singers Huun-Huur-Tu. www.rikskonsertene.no

6-15

Copenhagen
CPH:DOX International Documentary Film Festival

The largest documentary film festival in Scandanavia, CPH:DOX has an extensive programme of seminars and promotes interaction between different types of media, alongside screenings of over 150 films from around the world. www.cphdox.dk

8

Athens
Athens Classic Marathon

The race route re-creates the original run to Athens by a messenger, following victory by the Athenians over the Persians in a battle at Marathon, 42km away, in 490BC, and finishes in the shadow of the Acropolis. www.athensclassicmarathon.gr

9

Berlin
Festival of Freedom

Held on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Festival of Freedom is the culmination of a year of events. The festival will reach a climax with the knocking down of 2km of dominoes, symbolising the fall of the wall. www.mauerfall09.de

14

London
Lord Mayor’s Show

This year’s Lord Mayor’s Show sees the 682nd London mayor, Nick Anstee, swear allegiance to the Queen. Alongside the traditional procession, there will be a youth carnival, street opera and fireworks. www.lordmayorshow.org

14-29

San Miniato (near Florence)
San Miniato Truffle Festival

This picturesque Tuscan hill town is home to the elusive white truffle, one of the most expensive foods in the world. This month, San Miniato has everything from music to theatre in celebration of the local edible gold. www.cittadisanminiato.it

16-22

Vienna
Vienna Art Week

Highlighting the treasures of the city’s collections alongside the latest in Austrian art, this festival has something for anyone with even a casual interest in art. There are studio visits, walking tours, openings and even panel discussions. www.viennaartweek.at

20-29

Brussels
Cimatics Festival

This month, the spectacular Cimatics audiovisual festival will take over Brussels for the seventh time. There’s a huge range of events showcasing the cutting edge in electronic and digital art and media in venues across the city. www.cimatics.com

Book your tickets

Forthcoming events

19 January Frankfurt Harlem Gospel Singers, Alte Oper (www.alteoper.de)
31 January Stockholm Depeche Mode, Globe Arena (www.globearenas.se)
5 February Madrid Arctic Monkeys, Satellite Arena (www.telefonicaarenamadrid.com)
5-6 February Prague Lord of the Dance, O2 Arena (www.o2arena.cz)

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