European festivals
Jet off from Manchester or Liverpool airports this spring in search of cultural delights...
Europe comes alive in spring, so there's no better time to jet
off from Manchester or Liverpool in search of cultural delights,
whether it's blooms, beers or beats that float your boat...
Belfast - Remembering a legend
A huge cultural programme marks the centenary of the Titanic's
ill-fated maiden voyage in April 1912. The ship was built in
Belfast and a landmark new visitor centre, Titanic Belfast, opens
on 31 March, bringing a new cultural gem to the city's regenerated
eastern district. The Titanic Light Show kicks off the festivities
on 7 April, while the Land of Giants Festival completes the spring
programme on 30 June.
Making a weekend of it? Be sure to visit the Ulster Museum:
entry is free and there are three sections devoted to art, nature
and history. It's easy to get there - simply fly from Manchester
airport with Flybe.
Info:nitb.com/ni2012
Get there: Manchester airport.
Copenhagen - On the ale trail
Raising a glass to spring is a great way to celebrate the
equinox, and the Copenhagen Beer Festival cracks open a cold one
from 10-12 May this year. This festival, for the savvy beer
connoisseur, showcases the best of national and international
breweries. Arm yourself with tasting tokens to sample the brews,
and look out for beers from the city's Nørrebro Bryghus, which also
hosts tasting dinners and classes. Need a rest from all that ale? A
stylish base is the Admiral Hotel. With its striking waterfront
location and maritime history, it's just a short stroll from
Nyhavn, the café district. Fly to Copenhagen with easyJet from
Manchester.
Info:visitdenmark.dk
Get there: Manchester airport.
Amsterdam - Blooming beauties
Nothing says changing seasons like spring-budding blooms, and
some seven million, including tulips, hyacinths and daffodils, will
be blossoming from 22 March to 20 May at Keukenhof park, a
35-minute direct bus ride from Amsterdam's Schiphol airport. The
key date is 21 April when the annual Flower Parade brings together
more than 20 floats, decorated lavishly with fragrant flowers.
It's easy to combine a visit to Keukenhof with a weekend in
Amsterdam. Check into the über-cool Dylan Hotel (close to the
trendy shops of the Nine Streets district) for boutique-chic rooms,
and head to the Hermitage Amsterdam to see some fine-art
masterpieces. Simply fly with KLM from Manchester or Liverpool John
Lennon airports.
Info:keukenhof.nl
Get there: Manchester or Liverpool John
Lennon airports.
Lisbon - Musical marvels
Music fans will be thrilled to know that spring brings the Rock
in Rio festival back to Lisbon's Bela Vista Park on 25-26 May and
31 May-2 June. The Glastonbury-style festival is spread across a
range of stages, incorporating everything from rock to world music
and an electronic tent with top international DJs.
Musically, Lisbon is more associated with fado, Portuguese torch
songs. To spot the next fado star, the bars of the city's
atmospheric, cobbled-street Bairro Alto host regular gigs. Stay at
the Lapa Palace hotel for understated charm, and don't miss the
custard tarts at the Pastéis de Belém. Fly from Manchester with TAP
Portugal or Liverpool John Lennon airport with easyJet.
Info:rockinriolisboa.sapo.pt
Get there: Manchester or Liverpool John
Lennon airports.
New mTickets!
You can now get Manchester Airport Advance tickets as an
mTicket. Download our free mobile app by texting TPEAPP to 86688*,
then buy your ticket and we'll send it to your phone.
Info:tpexpress.co.uk