Lights, camera, action

You’ll be struck by the festive atmosphere of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), an exuberant and colourful carnival of love (2 November 2023). Elaborate altars (ofrendas) are adorned with marigolds, candles, and photos of the departed, and the air is thick with incense and the sound of lively music and laughter fill the air as Mexicans honour their ancestors. By night, the city comes alive with parades and processions as people don elaborate costumes and paint their faces like skulls in a celebration of the cycle of life.

A thrilling experience for film enthusiasts, the Cannes Film Festival (16-27 May 2023) is a glamorous celebration of cinema held on the picturesque French Riviera, the iconic playground of screen starlets, European Royals and James Bond. The festival’s film screenings, a steady rollout of red carpets parading the brightest names in film and the flashing bulbs of paparazzo are just a supporting act to Cannes’ dazzling sun drenched sunny beaches, glamorous hotels, and vibrant nightlife.

Flight, flowers and flair

The largest hot air balloon festival in the world, Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta sees the skies of New Mexico fill with upwards of 600 hot air balloons in every shape and colour. In addition to the enchanting sight of a skyful of hot air balloons, the October celebration’s evening balloon "glows,” balloon stunts, live music performances and a feast of traditional New Mexican cuisine make this festival of flight a unique and unforgettable experience.

Renowned for its fabulous floral displays, the Chelsea Flower Show is the world’s most famous flower show, attracting exhibitors and visitors from around the globe including members of the royal family. Taking place each May in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the event’s display gardens which showcase the latest trends in garden design and plant selection, have seen Chelsea carpeted in colourful blooms since 1862.

Beat the drums, sound the bugle, as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is on from 4-26 August 2023 at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. From the Lone Piper, atop the castle walls, to the pomp and ceremony of the massed pipe and drums, the highland dancers, daredevil performances and display teams from around the world, it is a one of a kind event that wows not just the crowd at the castle, but a massive global audience.