4 July 2010: Catalonian Moto GP
The Catalonian Moto GP is one of the most popular rounds of the World Championship. Held at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona, it attracts holidaymakers and race fans alike. Drawing crowds of 100,000, the atmosphere is always electric.
Moto GP is one of the world’s fastest, most thrilling sports. The bikes reach speeds of up to 310kph (194mph) and, unlike Formula One, overtaking is frequent. The riders take the weave the bravest lines and when the bikes close on each other they push it to the limit.
It feels like the crowd is collectively holding its breath as the riders brake as late as possible into the corners. Then there is the roaring engine noise – a constant reminder of the sheer power the riders are fighting to control.
Where: Circuit de Catalunya
When: all day
Cost: see website of the GP for the correct prices
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8-11 July 2010: European Balloon Festival
Brightly coloured, bulbous hot-air balloons from around the world fill the skies over Igualada for the European Balloon Festival. The event draws around 25,000 people, who come to the sleepy Catalonian town to see the balloons inflate then soar overhead.
The activities don’t stop there – market stalls and the opportunity to try some local cuisine complete the programme.
Where: Igualada (about 50km (31 miles) inland from Barcelona)
When: all day
Cost: free to watch
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7-28 July 2010: Summer Nights at CaixaForum
Barcelona’s CaixaForum extends its opening hours on selected evenings for the Summer Nights programme. Three events take place each evening in different parts of the building. Choose between gospel choirs, theatre, electronic DJs, poetry readings and more.
Where: CaixaForum
When: 8 P.M/9 P.M./12 A.M.
Cost: Free-€3
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1-31 July 2010: Grec Barcelona Festival
The Grec Barcelona Festival, commonly known as just the “Grec Festival”, is Barcelona’s summer arts extravaganza and the season’s most important cultural event. City venues, including the Teatre Grec and the Fundació Joan Miró, host theatre, dance and music performances.
Following hot on the heels of the Sant Joan (St John’s Day) Festival, the event injects theatre, dance and music into Barcelona life, with a strong focus on contemporary culture.
In 2010, British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae performs a soulful show at the Grec Theatre, and American jazz artist Dee Dee Bridgewater pays tribute to Billie Holiday with a special concert. The contemporary dance productions range from the international, like harS by Turkish performer Aydin Teker, to the local, like La Venus de Willendorf by Catalan dancer Iago Pericot. Sprinkled in between are theatre productions, circus shows and even a Japanese tea ceremony.
Grec started in 1976, when a group of thespians staged shows at the Greek amphitheatre on Mount Montjuic. Their initiative triggered the birth of a new theatre festival, which was independently run until 1979, when the newly formed democratic city authorities took over. Now the event is as inextricably linked to Barcelona’s summers as the scorching heat.
Where: Barcelona
When: All performances take place in the evening – see website for times
Cost: Some events free, others ticketed
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