Rotterdam's waterfront gets ready to rock

 

Rotterdam's waterfront is ready to rock with the projected arrival of another architectural icon to its skyline. 

Dutch architecture firm MVRDV won an international competition to design the Shift Embassy, a major new cultural destination planned for the city’s fast-growing Waterkant district, which will be home to a planned district of 3,750 homes.

Commissioned by social enterprise Shift, the project aims to become a center for culture, education, innovation, and environmental awareness, encouraging visitors to engage with some of today’s biggest global challenges through immersive experiences rather than traditional museum exhibits.

Named Rotterdam ROCKS!, MVRDV’s winning design features seven stacked, rock-like structures rising from the banks of the River Maas. 

The building is envisioned as a hybrid between architecture and landscape, with green terraces, public walkways, water features, and panoramic viewpoints creating an accessible destination for both residents and visitors.

At the heart of the new institution will be The Elysium, a 5,000-m² immersive exhibition space designed to explore possible future scenarios through art, storytelling, digital technology, and interactive installations. 

The wider complex will include a 200-room hotel, conference and event facilities, classrooms, restaurants and cafés, community gathering spaces, and an observation deck overlooking Rotterdam’s waterfront, news hub Travel Mole reports.

MVRDV’s design places sustainability at the centre of the architecture.

The porous façade incorporates niches that will support vegetation and urban wildlife while helping retain rainwater. 

Once completed, the Shift Embassy is expected to become one of Rotterdam’s signature visitor attractions. 

MVRDV has not yet published a completion date.

Image: Rotterdam ROCKS! Rendering: MVRDV

Asia's new culinary travel drawcards

There is nothing more satisfying for a gourmet traveller than to discover a foodie hotspot ahead of the crowd. 

Digital travel platform Agoda has just released its list of Asia's hidden gems, where the local cuisine offers a window into a region's culture. 

The list showcases six destinations that are not major urban centres but do provide dishes to tantalise the palate. 

In the remote Isan region of Thailand, Udon Thani is described as "a culinary gem with its focus on traditional Thai flavours". Known for its vibrant street food scene, Udon Thani offers dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad) and larb (spicy minced meat salad), which are staples of the region's cuisine. The city's food culture is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage, providing a unique taste of rural Thailand.

Hué, Vietnam, is celebrated for its imperial cuisine, which reflects the city's historical significance as the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. The culinary scene in Hué is characterized by its delicate flavours and artistic presentation, with dishes like bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes) and bún bò Hué (spicy beef noodle soup) offering a taste of the city's royal past.

In the Philippines, Iloilo stands out with its vibrant mix of local and international flavours. Known for its seafood and traditional dishes like La Paz Batchoy (a noodle soup with pork and liver) and pancit molo (dumpling soup), Iloilo's culinary offerings are a testament to its cultural heritage. 

Dandong, China, offers a culinary experience at the crossroads of Chinese and Korean influences. This border city is known for fresh ingredients and bold flavours. From savoury dumplings to spicy stews, Dandong's food scene is vibrant. 

In Malaysia, Melaka is a cultural crossroads where Nyonya cuisine takes centre stage. This unique culinary tradition combines Chinese ingredients with Malay spices, resulting in dishes that are both flavourful and aromatic. 

Luang Prabang, in Laos offers a culinary journey set against the backdrop of its UNESCO World Heritage status. The city's cuisine is a harmonious blend of French colonial influences and traditional Laotian flavors, creating a dining experience that is both exotic and familiar. Signature dishes like laap, a spicy minced meat salad, and tam mak hoong, a tangy green papaya salad, showcase the city's appeal. 

"Exploring these hidden gems through their food is like taking a delicious journey through history and culture," says Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply at Agoda said. 

More at agoda.com. 

Image: Luang Prabang night market

More than a guide book: Tokyo Story is also a love story

Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet.

Huge, sprawling, intriguing and decidedly different.

Tokyo Story is both a guide book and a homage; full of local wisdom and insider tips.

I wish I had read a copy before a recent visit - here you'll find suggestions on the best hangouts, shops, bars and eateries.

If you want to know about hidden laneways with historic secrets, or tranquil temples to visit, you'll find all the details here. 

Similarly if you want to lowdown on anime and manga collectibles, or want to know the different noodle dishes on offer and where to find the best.  

But you'll also find useful facts on public holidays - there are 16 of them annually - and discover that Christmas Day is a working day like any other in the Japanese capital.

So lots more than the usual hotel recommendations and food markets.

Melbourne-based authors Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh say they have been obsessed with Japan since their first visit in the late 1990s.They have written 10 books on the country.

If you want to know about Tokyo's distinctive neighbourhoods - each with their own feel - you've come to the right place. 

Each chapter has nuggets of fascinating info across Tokyo’s rich history, culture and nightlife. 

Think fashion tips, ultra-cool listening bars, crazy moments of pop culture or where you might be able to buy a robot. 

There are also handy tips on navigating both Tokyo and Japanese etiquette. 

A delightful book for paging through if you have Japan on your travel radar. 

TOKYO STORY: A GUIDE. By Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh. Published by HARDIE GRANT EXPLORE. RRP $39.99/NZ$45.

Cold, dark and thrilling: Tasmania celebrates Off Season

Look let's be honest. Tasmania's winter is long, dark and cold.

Australians are hard-wired to chase the sun during the cooler months, but during the Off Season, Tourism Tasmania aims to lure visitors into the bleak darkness.

Tourism Tasmania's new Off Season campaign is now live and will ask visitors to become winter people celebrating cool, starry nights, warm log fires. whisky straight from the barrel and truffles fresh from the earth.

Throw in fluffy wildlife. And even fluffier doonas. And festivals like Dark Mofo (June 11-22) that stir the soul.

Tasmania is about as far away from global chaos as you can get. 

Throw in arts, culture, Tasmanian food and drink and swimming in the nude (above). What more could you want? 

"Tasmania is well positioned as a safe, trusted and highly regarded destination, which is important in uncertain times," says Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Kingston Clark.

Many events at Dark Mofo have sold out, and artistic director Chris Twite says: ‘We’re staggered by the support we've seen for this year's Dark Mofo so far.

"Seeing people so eager to lock in tickets and embrace the cold here in Tasmania is tremendous. Tickets are still available to some amazing shows, but you better be quick.’

Offers and events are now bookable for the Off Season period: May1-August 31. 

Visit https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/off-season/ or see darkmofo.net.au

The best time to drop into Orange

The Orange region of New South Wales boasts a busy events calendar and an impressive food and wine culture. 

As autumn kicks into gear, the change of season signals the celebration of all thing's food as the apple and vineyard harvests are underway. 

Orange FOOD Week at the end of the month is one of the busiest and most sought-after times to visit. 

Here's what is coming up this month with the Orange Chamber Music Festival running from March 12-15, a night in Nashville on March 14 and the Orange Running Festival on March 15. 

FOOD Week (now more than a week) will run from March 20-29 with the 10-day celebration marking 35 years with a full program of events celebrating the region’s chefs and producers. 

Think shared dining experiences, markets and immersive foodie events. 

Highlights include the Night Market on March 20 and the Sunday Producers Market & Brunch on March 29. 

See event program

Central West Comedy with Nina Oyama is on March 27, with the Handa Opera at Millthorpe from April 2-5 and Canowindra International Balloon Challenge running from April 11-19. 

Festival shines a light on Indigenous culture

Parrtjima, the annual award-winning Aboriginal-led light festival, returns to Alice Springs from April 10-19 for its 11th instalment, showcasing the world’s oldest living culture through large-scale light installations and a program of workshops, demonstrations, music and storytelling.

The festival will offer an expanded program this year under the theme Language, featuring new light installations, more workshops and interactive experiences and new masterclasses. 

The Indigenous-driven festival will also offer a new outdoor space called Dome, designed as a dedicated space for attendees to “pause, watch, and reflect on culture through film and animation”. 

There will also be a series of optional ticketed events beyond the main festival site, including watercolour masterclasses with artists from Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre, and a Merne Mwerre bushfood experience. 

The evet will showcase the work of more than 36 First Nations artists, as well as over 50 performers and guests across live music, dance, workshops and talks.

“This year invites us to come together at Parrtjima, where language and culture continue to illuminate age‑old traditions in new and powerful ways," says said Tourism and Events NT advisory board chairperson Paul Ah Chee.

"This program echoes the enduring legacy of Country and the stories that connect us across generations.

“We welcome everyone to come stand on the red earth, feel its heartbeat beneath your feet, and look up as Arrernte Country comes alive across the majestic MacDonnell Ranges.” 

The popular markets return during the opening weekend, and much-loved festival favourites Grounded and the iconic Ranges Light Show will run over 10 nights, reimagined by Artists in Motion.

The music programming includes Electric Fields, 3%, BARKAA, Drifting Clouds and Emma Donovan.

* Parrtjima is delivered by Tourism and Events NT in partnership with We Are Gather.

Check out parrtjima.com.au, where visitors can also explore itineraries, travel packages and planning tools. 

Images: Supplied

Taiwan lights up for the end of Lunar New Year

If Taiwan has been on your travel "to do" list then next week might be a good opportunity.

The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival will be held in Chiayi County from March 3 to 15. 

Diverse offerings include the chance to stand beneath a 21-metre tower of glowing light while drones paint the night sky, fireworks burst overhead, and the sounds of Irish tap dancers fill the air. 

Taiwan Lantern Festival is one of Asia's most beloved annual celebrations - marking the end of the Lunar New Year . 

Each year it rotates to a different city and this year's theme is "Glow with Taiwan, Light Up Chiayi". 

The festival has 12 official "must-see" attractions. The centrepiece is "Glow of Alishan", a towering 21-metre main lantern synchronized to a full sound and light show. 

International artists include France's Cavalcade of White Horses and high-energy Irish tap dancers, along with the Taiwanese Paper Windmill Theatre, and the Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group.

Chiayi is accessible by high-speed rail with the Chiayi HSR Station connected to Taipei in under 90 minutes. 

See more at 2026taiwanlanternfestival.org/En 

How Ljubljana marks the change of seasons in style

Regular readers will know that the delightful Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is a favourite with Gourmet on the Road. 

It is a city that is a pleasure to visit no matter the time of year, but the arrival of spring means Ljubljana Tourism, together with its partners, will present the fourth edition of LUV Fest from February 8 to March 12. 

The event combines art, culture, gastronomy and social experiences in the compact, easy-to-walk city. 

The diverse program features exhibitions, concerts, workshops and outdoor experiences with the central artistic highlight the light installation Brstenje (Budding) in the open-air art gallery, complemented by special guided tours and a wide range of events for all generations.

Brstenje, by artist Nika Erjavec, symbolises the awakening of the city and nature, and will be set up on Čufarjeva Street. 

Other well-established installations will also return, including Brbotanje by Matej Bizovičar and Cvetilke, featuring motifs created by primary school pupils, which will again illuminate Zvezda Park.

This year will also focus on the courtyard of artists’ studios at Gornji trg 24, where artists will open the doors of their studios to visitors and present their works in an outdoor setting.

LUV Fest will extend across Ljubljana’s thoroughfares, cultural institutions and hotel venues, with a growing number of hoteliers and restaurateurs joining the festival with special seasonal offers. 

The program will include concerts, theatre performances, dance events, themed guided tours, workshops and exhibitions.

Particular attention will be devoted to the Art Vital exhibition, exploring the love story of the artistic duo Ulay and Marina Abramović at Cukrarna, as well as a production of Wagner’s opera Tristan and Isolde at the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Ljubljana. 

The festival will conclude on March 12, on St. Gregory’s Day (Gregorjevo), when the traditional Ljubljana custom of floating gregorčki along the Gradaščica stream will symbolically welcome the arrival of spring.

See https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/sights-and-activities/highlights/luv-fest/

Image: LUV-FEST, Marko Delbello Ocepek

Explore a selection of gourmet packages in Burgundy

Beaune is a delightful small market town in Burgundy, the de facto wine capital of the region and a delightful spot to taste some local wines and enjoy local dishes like jambon persille, boeuf Bourguignon and ouefs en muerette.

My favourite address is the atmospheric Hotel Le Cep, which has just launched a new range of experiences in and around the charming historic town.

Perhaps enjoy one or two nights for two with a free upgrade, a romantic welcome in your room and breakfast for two. Maybe combine with an experience in the hotel's Spa & Holistic Centre with access to the H2O area (sauna, steam room, sensory shower) and a 45-minute massage for two.

And then add something you don't normally find in Burgundy - a meal for two at the LunchBox, which serves vegetarian Indian cuisine.

Over the Valentine's Day holiday period (from February 12-16) this package is available from
€676 for two people in a 1er Cru room.

Or maybe opt for a Wine Tourism & Cultural Package starting from €773. 

This includes a night in a 1er Cru room, breakfast for two, ad Immersive “Great Terroirs” wine tasting for two people, tickets for two people to the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne, and a Bouchard Aîné & Fils Tour for two people.

There are also packages including dinner in the on-site Loiseau des Vignes restaurant.

See https://hotel-cep-beaune.experience-unique.com/ for full details. 

A way to explore Chianti at a slower pace

 

Fancy a few days strolling through one of the most picturesque vineyard regions in the world? 

Chianti in Tuscany is just delightful - and well worth a few days of leisurely exploration. 

UTracks has just launched a new Chianti Highlights Walk, a five-day itinerary designed for people who "enjoy unhurried days and evenings that stretch longer than planned". 

The walk can be enjoyed as a group experience and combines scenic walking with cultural and culinary experiences.

 
You don't need to be super fit: walks clock in at around 10 to 16 kilometres per day. 

The walk covers beautiful villages and vineyards between Siena and Florence. The promo material says it showcases olive groves and low wooded hills, following quiet roads and clear trails through delightful Chianti towns like Radda and Greve, where medieval streets and small piazzas are buzzing with locals. 

The experience is promoted as being "ideal for couples or a group of friends". 

Accommodation is pre-organised, luggage is transferred ahead and a navigation app helps the days unfold without fuss.

For details see www.utracks.com/Italy/Self-Guided-Walking/Chianti-Highlights-Walk

AlUla stakes a claim as an arts and cultural centre

 

Saudi Arabia has never been a major travel drawcard for Australians but the go-ahead AlUla precinct is aiming to make a global impact.

With a wide range of events and drawcards, AlUla, is an ancient Arabian oasis city 350 kilometres north-west of the city of Medina and 1,100 km from Riyadh. 

The area is also known for its striking landscape of rocks, canyons, and wadis, which contrast with the city's palm-filled oases. 

The Royal Commission for al-Ula (RCU) envisages making it a global destination for culture and tourism. 

The AlUla Arts Festival returns for its fifth edition later this month, transforming the ancient city into a stage for contemporary art, design and culture. 

Running from January 16 to February 14, the festival features new art commissions as part of the fourth edition of Desert X AlUla. 

It also includes a major art exhibition, a collaboration between the contemporary art museum in AlUla - as part of its pre-opening programme - and Paris's Centre Pompidou. There will also be a Design Space AlUla exhibition spotlighting Saudi and international talents. 

Visitors will also enjoy live music and immersive performances.

AlUla is seeking to solidifying its position as a year-round global hub for creativity with festival part of AlUla Moments 2025-2026 Calendar. 

“AlUla Arts Festival is the contemporary expression of ancient traditions of creativity and cultural exchange in AlUla," said Hamad Alhomiedan, director of arts and creative industries for RCU. 

"With this year’s diverse program, AlUla becomes a canvas for creative dialogue and a catalyst for conversations in the Kingdom and beyond. We are proud to showcase ambitious works by some of Saudi Arabia’s most celebrated artists alongside internationally renowned pioneers, all inspired by the unique culture and landscapes of AlUla."

Desert X AlUla 2026 (January 16-February 28) will presenting 10 new site-specific artworks inspired by the poetry of Kahlil Gibran. 

Other upcoming festivals include Arduna (February 1-April 15) with many of the highlights in the 

AlJadidah Arts District.

 

For more info see https://www.experiencealula.com/en 

Celebrating Tasmania and its seasonal bounty

 

Tasmania is renowned for hosting several outstanding festivals.

Events like Taste of Summer, Festivale and Dark Mofo are all major drawcards.

Less commercial and more connected, ECHO is the East Coast Harvest Odyssey festival, a smaller. more focussed "festival of the senses" that will run from March 13-15 in 2026.

The brainchild of singer and gin-brand owner Ange Boxall, ECHO has grown from small beginnings in 2019 into an event that Boxall describes as being "all about connection".

 


The event launch was held today in Hobart and full details are now available at echofestival.com.au.

ECHO is a festival of storytelling with close connections to First Nations culture, but also indigenous food experiences, hands-on adventures and music.

There is also plenty of wine, with several local producers involved - Spring Vale, Gala Estate, Mayfield Estate and Craigie Knowe among them - as well as Boxall's Spirited Gin brand.

From bush foods and medicine to morning yoga and drinks masterclasses, ECHO showcases live music, art, culture, storytelling and knowledge-sharing. It is a celebration both of harvest and the laid-back East Coast lifestyle.

"Our theme, Layers: Woven in Time, celebrates the people, stories and landscapes that give the East Coast its unique rhythm," says Boxall (below, at the launch).

 

"This year’s early program release features coastal storytelling with surf legend Dustin Hollick, woodworking using rare Hydrowood timbers, a cultural creative space with palawa creative Melissa West, blacksmithing in a historic forge and more.

"The music line-up brings together a powerful mix of emerging voices and established artists from Tasmania and beyond. Across intimate stages and open coastal spaces, musicians will share original sounds rooted in place, story and community. Expect soaring vocals, rhythmic collaborations and atmospheric performances that echo the landscape itself."

The much-loved Native Bounty Feast will also return as the key element of the opening evening.

ECHO, held in Swansea. is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.

See https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/90c6baf5-d569-408a-bc77-91650ed7ff7b

Culinary adventures and entertainment on the Bangkok waterfront

When it comes to location in Bangkok it is hard to go past Anantara Riverside Bangkok, a delightful riverside oasis in one of the world's busiest cities.

The hotel has just announced the grand opening of Sala Lakorn, a new restaurant on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Sala Lakorn is promising "world-class Thai cuisine with a captivating theatrical performance".

Guests are invited to an immersive evening of contemporary Thai culture and spectacle, available daily from 6pm to 10pm. 

The heart of the experience is "The Eternal Siam" (below), a show that is the vision of Manop Meejamrat (Kru Nai), a highly respected artist and recipient of the prestigious Silpathorn Award for Performing Arts.

The media release says: "The production masterfully blends stunning contemporary Thai performances with world-class visual effects and a powerful musical score. It takes audiences on a journey through the timeless beauty and spirit of Thailand, from the country's ancient origins to its vibrant present."

I'm more interested in the food; a buffet offering which showcases a mix of Thai culinary heritage and international favourites. 

A barbecue seafood section is a centrepiece, offering a selection of river prawns, blue swimmer crabs, slipper lobster, fine de claire oysters, and other delicacies. 

Signature Thai dishes include gang keaw wan gai (Thai green curry with chicken) and pla pad pak preaw wan (sweet & sour seabass) along with Thai street food favourites such as crab omelette with coconut siracha, sweet chilli sauce, bean sprouts and Thai herbs and live-action Som Tum stations.

International flavours include a China Town Station, where guests can enjoy scrumptious dim sum and favourites such as Hainanese chicken rice, and barbecue pork pork on rotation, while Indian favourites include chicken tikka, dal tarka and aloo shimla mirch. 

Sala Lakorn is aiming to become Bangkok's premier destination "for those seeking an evening of cultural immersion, exquisite dining, and world-class entertainment". 

For reservations and info contact +66 2431 9486 or email riversidedining@anantara.com.

Shining a light on First Nations culture

Autumn is when Australia's Northern Territory comes alive with festivals, including Parrtjima - A Festival in Light - which celebrates light, colour, and artistry while celebrating the rich cultures, diversity, and inclusivity of people of Central Australia.

Parrtjima - A Festival in Light has unveiled the full program for its milestone 10th edition, which runs from April 4-13 in Alice Springs. 

The only Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima will feature more than 20 First Nations artists across six installations, alongside more than 100 performers and special guests spanning music, comedy, art, workshops, and talks. 

The free, all-ages festival will debut four new installations by both emerging and established artists. 

Along with art, Parrtjima will feature nightly live performances, including Troy Cassar-Daley’s only free performance announced for the remainder of 2025, and a historic ticketed orchestral performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. 

Additionally, Parrtjima will host its inaugural comedy night with stand-up performances by Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra, plus interactive workshops and talks led by notable figures such as Bundjalung chef Mark Olive, language holder and ecologist Veronica Perrule Dobson, filmmaker Rachel Perkins, and ABC Radio National’s Rudi Bremer.

For details see https://parrtjimaaustralia.com.au/

A Kanazawa image gallery

Kanazawa is a medium-sized city in Japan that has not yet succumbed to the massive invasion of western tourists that has plagued cities like Kyoto. 

Reachable in around 2 1/2 hours from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train, Kanazawa is well worth 2-3 days of any visitor’s time. 

It is a city of contrasts, where Edo-era buildings co-exist alongside modern architecture. 

Think historic castles and beautiful gardens, gold-leaf production, bustling markets, fresh seafood and easy access to most attractions. 

There are myriad museums and galleries - and the city is very popular with Japanese tourists over the summer national holiday period. 

A full review follows but here are some images that showcase the city. All pics taken on my iPhone and posted unfiltered.

You can check out https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/

Slovenia's capital hits the right notes over summer

The delightful Slovenian capital of Ljubljana comes alive with music and dance over summer.

The Ljubljana Festival is the main summer festival in Slovenia and is one of the oldest festivals in Ljubljana. And it runs for over two months.

Lucky for the locals, they get to experience all the fun for two jam-packed months of warm weather, blooming flowers, arts and entertainment.

The traditional opening concert on June 20 features the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra & Big Band and the RTV Slovenia Youth Choir.

 


Every summer the Ljubljana Festival makes an important contribution to the cultural life of Ljubljana - and entertains visitors - with a program covering a wide variety of genres, including ballet, opera and theatrical productions, musicals, chamber and symphony concerts, the International Art Colony, master classes, and children’s and youth workshops.

Highlights include the Ljubljana Festival events on the River Ljubljanica - the river that runs through the centre of the capital.

Among those participating will be the London Symphony Orchestra, the Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra, the ADDA Simfònica Alicante, the Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the Filarmonica della Scala, and soloists including tenors Jonathan Tetelman and Juan Diego Flórez.

Pianists Mikhail Pletnev and Grammy winner César Camargo Mariano, saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito d’Rivera, violinist Vilde Frang, prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, and conductors such as Sir Antonio Pappano, Riccardo Chailly, Zubin Mehta, Charles Dutoit, András Keller, Aleksei Kornienko also feature.

Entertainment will be provided by 4,000 artists from more than 40 countries.

The 72nd edition of the Ljubljana Festival will run from June 20 to September 3, when it will end with a gala concert by pianist Martha Argerich.

See https://www.visitljubljana.com/ and https://ljubljanafestival.si/

Seoul Searching: Uncovering the mysteries of Korean culture

While many tourists are familiar with the history and culture of countries like Japan, China and Indonesia, South Korea remains something of a mystery. North Korea even more so.

For those who would like to delve a little more into Korean history - let's call it Seoul Searching -  the 2024 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival, in collaboration with the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, will be held in Seoul's historic royal palaces.

Their names are tongue-twisters: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung, but they and the Jongmyo Shrine will host events from from April 27 to May 5.

This will be the 10th edition of the festival, which drew over 675,000 visitors last year.

The opening ceremony, themed Love for the People will re-imagine King Sejong the Great's historic proclamation of the Hunminjeongeum script in 1446.

So not an event for everyone, but certainly of interest to history buffs.

Gyeongbokgung Palace will host immersive programs offering insights into the Joseon Dynasty's royal court.

From May 1-5, the Time Travel, King Sejong program will offer a glimpse into palace life during King Sejong the Great's reign, while the Royal Music Concert - Harmony of 100 Court Musicians' Song in Peaceful Times (snappy title that), promises a showcase of traditional Korean musical instruments on May 4-5. Sweet Seoul music. 

The Palace Musical - Sejong, 1446 will return from April 28-30, while Gyeongbokgung's Heungryemun Square will host the K-Heritage Market, offering traditional crafts and cultural products in a lively atmosphere for a more mainstream audience.

There will be several other activiies dotted around the Korean capital. Advance reservations for paid programs can be made via Ticketlink, with free events also requiring reservations.

For detailed information, visit the websites Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center (https://royal.cha.go.kr/ENG/main/index.do), Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (https://www.chf.or.kr/chf/eng), or K-Royal Culture Festival (https://www.chf.or.kr/fest/en).

It would probably have been easier to have one website, but maybe that is a cultural things. Or maybe not.

New Perth festival celebrates indigenous culture

A new festival in Perth (Boorloo) will celebrate Western Australia's Aboriginal culture.

EverNow will run from October 4-9, promising five nights of sound, light and fire.

The event will celebrate during the Noongar season of Kambarang - when an abundance of flowers and colours change the land.

The series of free evening events will be held at locations across Perth - including the Supreme Court Gardens, Government House Gardens and Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba).

Kings Park will host the reimagining of Boorna Waaginy: The Trees Speak, transforming the park with a display of light, sound and projections - telling the stories of Noongar culture and the beauty and biodiversity of the region.

Nearby, the doors to Government House Gardens will also be opened to the public as it is transformed into Fire Gardens, described as "a dreamscape of leaping flames and shadows".

Inspired by conversations with Noongar elders, the fiery wonderland will be set alight by international flame experts Compagnie Carabosse.

The city's Supreme Court Gardens, overlooking the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan) will play host to Song Circle, a live performance and celebration of Noongar song and dance.

The three events will all be free to attend, with some requiring a ticket to gain entry, and will be held at different times across the five-night festival.

Song Circle: Supreme Court Gardens, October 4-8
Fire Gardens: Government House Gardens, October 5-8
Boorna Waanginy, The Trees Speak: Kings Park, October 6-9

Developed by Perth Festival, and supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA, EverNow will run for an initial two years, with the intention for the new homegrown event to become an annual staple on the state's major events calendar.

Find out more at evernow.com.au.

For two nights only: Singapore to hit Sydney

Folk in the Sydney CBD can enjoy a little slice of Singapore in September.

Head to Circular Quay on September 7-8 to sample a slice of Singapore nightlife without leaving town.

The event will be called The Singaportal and is a joint venture between travel and experiences portal Klook and the Singapore Tourism Board.

The PR blurb says Sydneysiders will have the chance to immerse themselves "in the vibrant, pulsating, and colourful world of Singaporean nightlife".

Among the highlights will be:

# Giant SuperTree Grove, Merlion re-creation and Haji Lane walk-through.

# Raffles Long Bar experience: A recreation of Raffles Long Bar, where guests can sip on the famous Singapore Slings in partnership with Raffles and Long Bar Singapore.

# Satay Street: An opportunity to experience the signature food of Singapore in a Hawker street food ambience.

# A DJ set by some of Australia and Singapore's leading DJs.

# Brass Lion Distillery and Tiger Beer will be the alcohol partners.

There will be only 2000 tickets available and The Singaportal will feature two sessions per night to cater to different audiences.

The first session, from 6-8:30pm will provide a family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere, while the second session, from 9pm- midnight will be more adult focused.

At each session, a lucky guest’s PortalBand will light up and the wearer will win return tickets to Singapore courtesy of airline Scoot with a free stay at Raffle’s Hotel and all their Singapore activities sponsored by Klook.

Henry Hooper, general manager at Klook ANZ, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with the Singapore Tourism Board to bring the vibrant Singapore nightlife to Sydney.

"The Singaportal will offer Sydneysiders a truly immersive experience, enabling them to savour the diverse and thrilling aspects of Singaporean culture. We are excited to showcase some of the best aspects of the Singaporean culture in this unique event and provide an unforgettable night for our guests."

For more information and ticket sales visit here.

Accor and Opera Australia link arias of expertise

Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator, is broadening its partnerships to link up with Opera Australia.

Accor, which also has stadium sponsorships and links with Hobart's Dark Mofo festival, will become the preferred accommodation partner for Opera Australia throughout its 2023 season.

So unleash all the musical headlines you can think of: high notes, conductors, key moments, right notes, choir authorities, being tuned in. And many more.

“We are delighted to partner with Opera Australia - one of Australia’s most celebrated cultural institutions," says Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry.

"We believe that arts are an integral part of our culture, so we’re thrilled to support Opera Australia’s mission to perform some of the greatest music ever written, to as many people as possible.

“Through this partnership, we will provide our guests with unique experiences that showcase the best of Australia’s arts, culture and hospitality."

The partnership will result in a range of special experiences for members of Accor's ALL loyalty group, including backstage tours, VIP tickets, and an even a walk-on role for one of Opera Australia’s upcoming productions.

Opera Australia presents more than 600 performances every year to a combined audience of over half a million people. Some of the highlights of the 2023 season include Madama Butterfly on Sydney Harbour, Miss Saigon, and Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Brisbane.

Accor has 19 international brands across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, including Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten, Novotel, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget.

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