John Bensalhia sees in Summer 2018 as the season gets underway with some great events and festivals
Hey June... don't let us down...
No chance of being let down this month! With the sun out and the flowers and trees in full bloom, outdoor events are guaranteed to draw crowds in Italy. This month sees some interesting and enjoyable events for everyone. Food and drink can be sampled, and if you're a fan of fish dishes, there's a treat in store for you. Music also plays an important part in this month's batch of events, and there are also some recreations of classic eras from the past.
So wave hello to Summer with seven lucky events!
Parma City Of Gastronomy Festival
2nd - 3rd June 2018
If you're looking for one of the all-time great Italian regions for quality cuisine, then Parma's a good candidate.
To celebrate that wonderful foods and wines that it offers, the Parma City of Gastronomy Festival will be tickling taste-buds during the first weekend of June. It's an event that commands the presence of top chefs, who will be on hand to provide cooking demonstrations and shows and take part in meetings and discussions where attendees can learn more about the food that they eat.
As well as local food, the City of Gastronomy Festival embraces food and drink from around the world, and there will be a number of events that celebrate local and international cuisine. As well as the demonstrations and talks, there will be tastings, pop-up restaurants and a special lab for kids in which budding youngsters can take their first steps to be the cooking stars of tomorrow.
Like this article? Don't miss "Parma Pleasures: Prosciutto and Parmigiano."
7th- 10thJune 2018, Puglia
The Medimex 2018 International Festival & Music Conference provides four busy days of music-related events, including performances, conferences, workshops, exhibitions and meetings with the artists.
As well as the cream of Apulian musicians, the event invites artists such as special guests, Kraftwerk, who have travelled all the way down the Autobahn to give a Model demonstration of why they remain the kings of electro-rock.
Many of the main music genres are covered, including pop, rock, indie, jazz and more. The business side of music will be included in this event, with workshops and events giving visitors insights into areas such as streaming, labels and the modern data trend of Blockchain.
Meanwhile, younger ones interested in music should be tempted by a special school called the Puglia Sounds Musicarium. Here, a number of experts and professors will host a series of classes and tutorials related to music. There's also a special Songwriting Camp that sees established Italian writers and producers work in tandem with up and coming Apulian musicians.
8th - 10th June 2018, Antey-Saint-André
If you're a fan of both cars and good times rock 'n' roll, then you won't want to miss the unique event that combines these two elements: Volks' n' Roll.
Based in Antey-Saint-André, this fun party melds an impressive roster of classic Volkswagen cars and vans with some great rock’n’roll music concerts. On the car side, there is a contest to find the best of the winning cars, exhibitions and also a version of Volks 'n' Roll for kids. Youngsters can also enjoy pony rides, an adventure park, and other fun things to do over this weekend event.
There will also be live performances from rock’n’roll bands and DJs, as well as a ukulele and harmonica workshop, climbing lessons and plenty of food and drink for all.
A good time is guaranteed for everyone – so get in the driving seat for this great event happening in the second weekend of June!
9th & 16th June 2018, Certaldo Alto, Tuscany
Dining out these days means tables of your own, swanky menus and modern interior designs and pictures on walls to stare at as you wolf down your chosen foods.
But if you wish to dine out medieval-style, then A Cena da Messer Giovanni might be up your street. Set in the Tuscan region of Certaldo Alto, via Boccaccio becomes one long dining table for the days of 9thand 16thJune. Recreating that medieval tradition of a long banquet table, the period flavour is further boosted by the medieval-style dishes and medieval-costumed waiters.
To add to the unique medieval flavour, period entertainment from that time is laid on, including acrobats, jugglers and music. The event is capped off with an impressive fireworks display. Booking in advance is required, so hopefully you've managed to save a place already. But if not, think about reserving a seat for next year's banquet!
16thJune 2018, Malcesine
Malcesine is the plaice to be if you're looking to make the region's Festival of Fish your sole destination for that weekend.
The Festival of Fish conjures up a wealth of superb local dishes made with the local lake fish. You can sample delicacies such as trout, whitefish and spaghetti made in a twist with sardines! There will be many more fish dishes and local foods to enjoy at the festival.
It's an enjoyable occasion for the whole family, complete with entertainment and music. If you're always ordering fish on the menu at a restaurant or cafe, then this is a must-attend event for you.
20th June - 26th July 2018
The 10th edition of this superb event boasts a suitably impressive line-up.
Running from late June to late July, the Rome rock music festival invites a number of classic artists to perform. This year's list is one of the strongest line-ups to date. Look on the Mr Brightside with The Killers! Hitch-hike if you wish to see Roger Waters! And don't forget that every cloud has a Hi Ho Silver Lining, when you see the performance from Jeff Beck!
Other performers include Megadeath and The Chemical Brothers, plus lots more. It's a diverse, interesting line-up of classic rock, which will be just the ticket for fans of this music genre.
June 2018 (Dates TBC), Ferrara
Relive the era of the Renaissance at Ferrara's La Giostra del Borgo event!
With its 15thedition waiting in the wings, La Giostra del Borgo takes you back to the days of the 15th century in many ways. Enjoy the Renaissance-style food, entertainment and market stalls, where you can sample classic food and drink from the Ferrara region.
Food, drink, shows and entertainment will also be put on for the Hostaria della Giostra at the Municipal Racetrack Garden. You can also take part in plenty of Renaissance-style activities at the Renaissance Camp, where Borgo San Luca soldiers will take part in duels and archery. Alternatively, if you're looking for a more peaceful Renaissance pastime, then chess tournaments are also taking place.
A delightful slice of Renaissance life, this event is suitable for all ages, and makes for a nice time out for youngsters, who can enjoy magic and games at Feudo del Piccolo Guerriero.
