Events

I just received news that the dates for this year’s Bali Arts Festival have been finalized. The festival will run from June 14 through to July 12. The festival celebrates 30 years this year, with eight countries sending troupes of performers, along with 22 provinces of Indonesia. You can find more information, and the full schedule, at the Bali Paradise web site.

I dropped by the National Gallery here in Bangkok today. I hadn’t been there in a while, but was pleased to see that the annual weekend art market is still going. The market takes place every Saturday and Sunday from February until June. Each month has a different theme, so the artists and works vary from month to month. If you’re in Bangkok during this time, drop by the museum while you’re in the Grand Palace area. It’s at the opposite end of Sanam Luang from the Palace.

Note as per the comment (thanks Ed!), the festival has been postponed to June. I can’t find any information on the new dates, so you’ll just have to keep checking the web.

The Pattaya Music Festival has proven to be very popular among locals as well as foreign travelers each year. This international flair is also reflected in the music events, bands and shows that can be seen on the festival. There is always a diverse mixture of local Thai and foreign music acts.

The music itself does not follow any specific style. You will find all facets of modern music, from hip-hop, pop, rock to electronic music. There is even jazz and easy-listening sessions at the Pattaya Music Festival. Throughout the event numerous bands will be playing as well as DJs spinning the newest tunes from all over the world.

This year the Pattaya International Music Festival 2008 will be held for three days, from 21 until 23 March. The event will not just be about live concerts and music but include many music-related activities and performances. Music books, music magazines, and CD’s are also on sale.

See my Pattaya travel guide for more information about Pattaya.

Now on at the Numthong Gallery / Alliance Francaise:

TAWAN WATTHUYA: Siamese Freaks! A modern courtyard of miracles

Numthong Gallery is pleased to announce the 4th solo exhibition of acclaimed young painter Tawan Watthuya.

Comprising drawings and paintings, his last series will display icons of contemporary Thailand transformed into monstrous Siamese twins.

A fully illustrated catalog will accompany this exhibition.

Runs until 1 December 2007

It was once one of the main sights in Bangkok, but in recent years the Giant Swing at Wat Suthat had fallen on hard times. An extensive restoration was under-taken a few years ago, and is now nearly comlete. This week, it was announced that the King would preside over the re-dedication of the swing on 13 September.

No word on whether or not they would be reviving the swing ceremony, but that seems unlikely. The festival was banned in the 1930s due to the high number of deaths incurred.