If you are a fan, then you’ve probably heard of festivals, especially international festivals. But, what exactly is festival news? And how do you keep on top of the various happenings, and related festival information? The answers to these questions are… well, a bit complicated if you have no experience, but the more you know, the better informed you can be. In this brief article, we’ll take a look at some basic aspects of festival news and how to find out what’s going on with the festival circuit around the world.
Most festivals announce their lineup months, or even weeks, in advance, and festival attendees eagerly wait for the date and venue. When the date is finally released, festival goers flock to hotels and airports to see who will be performing at the fest. And, naturally, all things considered, it’s the shows themselves that pull the entire event together. In other words, festival news is all about the festivals themselves. Perhaps the single most important factor in choosing your festival of choice is who will be representing there, so keep an eye out for the latest and most promising line up announcements.
A Thai festival which celebrates the wealth and prosperity of the late King Rama, the revered phra Phrapong, takes place from mid-August to early September. The theme for this festival is “The treasure of Rama.” The full schedule for the festival includes performances by: The Noh Theatre Company, Thailand Real Time Band, Bangkok Girls Enthusiasts Association, Royal Thaifficers Association, Royal Thai Police Association, and Royal Thai Gardeners Association. This festival marks Rama’s reign as the absolute monarch of the kingdom and will also celebrate his nine golden crown years. The most significant symbol of this festival, the Baan Khao Mon (The Stone Crown) is actually a replica of the legendary mask of Rama.
From mid-augury to early-seventh of Sept, a Bangkok Gay Pride Festival takes place in the Spirit ofpring – a location which has been identified as the perfect setting for acceptance and celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered population in all its beautiful, proud glory. Performances include: The Queer Brothers, Girlyboyz, and DJs/MCs. This festival also marks the first year of Thailand’s first non-starchy proportional government, with a newly formed National Consultative Council to draft Thailand’s Basic Principles of State Policy on International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights. Bangkok Gay Pride is one of the most important events and tourist attractions on the entire west coast.
From mid-seventh to early-ninth of the seventh of July, King Bhumiam Breaththaya celebrates the annual Making Festival. This festival draws large numbers of tourists, as not only does it mark the beginning of Thai Folk Art Festival, it also features an incredible display of fire. For over three hours, fire artists from across Thailand gather outside Phuket’s Wat Arun (Lamkrat) to share creative energy and stories, before setting alight their numerous firebreathing logs. The festival is made even more spectacular with a light show featuring fire dancers and musicians from around Thailand, as well as choreographers from neighboring towns and villages.
Another spectacular event taking place in Thailand this month is the Thailand-ASEAN spinster fiesta. With a full-line-up of entertainment, workshops, shows, and events, the Asian Spinster Fiesta is certainly worth the trip. Organized by the Royal Ballet School of Thailand, the festival celebrates the unique Thai dance, theater, and visual arts. Guests are invited to come wear Thai costumes to the dance performances and demonstrations. On the day after the festival concludes, participants celebrate in the traditional Thai fire pits.
