Empower London Foundation plans a vibrant new festival of arts, music and culture which will take place in London to raise money for a host of the city’s charities: The London Festival. The showcase promises to be an extravaganza of live music performances, city-wide cultural events, engaging new technology and feel-good entertainment. A fully immersive and technologically advanced event the likes of which the capital has never seen before, visitors will be invited to step back into the past in six spectacular fully-sized 'festival lands' which trace the city’s evolution its Roman beginnings, through the often gruesome medieval period and on to the later Georgian and Victorian periods. Are you planning on heading over?

Castles can be spooky at the best of times but surely never more so than at Halloween. Now that the time for ancient spirits to have their annual mooch around is nearly upon us, for those of you who really want to maximize your chances of a ghostly encounter, the castle hotel experts at manorcastles.com, have chosen their top five UK haunted castles that you can stay in this Halloween. Where will you go?

BritWeek, the annual celebration recognizing creativity and innovation between the United Kingdom and the United States, is taking its events online this year in response to the worldwide lockdown. Titled BritWeek In House, tune in and engage in a series of online events from Saturday April 25, 2020 through Friday, May 1, 2020. Each night at 7 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, the program will feature unique entertainment. Dance, music, theatre and conversations with some of the world’s most iconic personalities and innovators will be available to view online. The opening night will come from the Royal Court Theater in London showcasing David Ireland’s new play “Cyprus Avenue.” Stephen Rea’s superb performance balances both humor and horror, described by The Guardian as “The Most Shocking Play on the London Stage.” This play is not to be missed and it is just the start of BritWeek 2020. BritWeek dedicates the week of dynamic performances to the healthcare workers, first responders and service providers risking their lives during the worldwide pandemic. BritWeek is committed to raising funds for those severely affected by COVID-19 and viewers can donate to Los Angeles organizations Project Angel Food, All In Challenge and UCLA Health directly from the BritWeek website.

Rooted in tradition but defined by innovation, Ireland’s cuisine is often underestimated by many a food-loving traveler. In fact, most people may not know that long before its famous 19th century famine, Ireland was heavily relied-upon for its culinary exports – namely, its meats, seafood and dairy.Since then, the Emerald Isle has really come into its own as an up-and-coming epicurean destination, and visitors can find everything from foraged greens and freshly caught ceviche to savory seafood chowder and delicious handmade cheeses. Of course, the farmers and artisans crafting these tasty treasures are scattered to the wind across the country, and not all the experiences below are readily available, so having a guide who can hook you up with the right tailor-made experience really comes in handy. I have never been to Ireland and am eyeing a trip with Wilderness Ireland in 2019 but meanwhile; here are a few great reasons why you should start packing – and working up an appetite – for your next trip to Ireland!

If you are flying through Europe this month then the Forum in the Munich Airport Center (MAC) at Munich Airport is a must. For the 19th consecutive year, the large covered space between the airport terminals has been transformed into a winter wonderland!

More than 40 stands, situated among 450 real Christmas trees, offer seasonal treats and local handicrafts. At the center is the market's highlight, the 600-square meter ice rink, open to skaters and all visitors ready to take a shot at Eisstockschiessen, Bavaria's broom-free version of curling. Skating is free of charge; rental skates are available for a small fee. Sounds like the perfect spot for a long overlay!
 
Daily except Mondays, from 6 pm on, a wide range of live musical acts, including jazz, swing, gospel, rock and pop bands, create a festive atmosphere. For the skaters, a DJ takes the stage every Thursday at 6pm with a perfect playlist for a winter evening on the ice. On Wednesdays starting at 4pm, family-oriented fairytale performances and magic shows are great for younger guests. 
 
The Christmas and Winter Market is open daily from 11am – 9pm through December 30. Munich Airport is one of the most efficient and attractive hubs in the world. Ranked Europe’s first five-star airport by Skytrax, best airport in Europe for the tenth time within 12 years, and number three worldwide in the World Airport Awards with the best terminal in the world (T2).

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