Discover Benelux |  Culture |  Out & About

The Amstel river and the city canals drifting  towards  the  Amsterdam  city  centre will be lit up with the incredible works of light artists from home and abroad. The long winter nights from late November to January become a lot more enjoyable with magical lights in all colours, shapes and sizes  filling  the  capital  and  its  canal houses. The Illuminade is a historic walking  tour  through  the  glowing  city,  taking you through and past the beautiful winter illuminated art works and invites you to interact  and  participate  in  the  light.    This guided  walking  tour  of  Amsterdam  is available from 11 December.  www.amsterdamlightfestival.com Arab Camera Festival Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 12-14 December A unique chance to learn more about cinema in the Arab world is coming to Rotterdam. The Arab Camera Festival explores the art of film-making in another part of the world and gives a surprising insight into social and political developments in the countries they dive into. Over the years, the festival  has  become  a  stage  for  debuting filmmakers  and  those  who  want  to  address more controversial themes in a visual

medium. Definitely worth a watch! www.arabcamera.nl Salon du Vin et de la Gastronomie Namur, Belgium, 12-14 December There is no doubt this is the season to indulge and there is no better place for such gastronomic luxury than the Salon of Wine and Gastronomy. This is when the major names of the food and beverage industry come  together  to  showcase  all  their mouth-watering  specialties,  from  the sweetest honey to scrumptious sausages. Along the way you will be able to sneak a taste  of  cheese,  fresh  truffles,  tapenade and olive oil – what is not to like?  www.namurexpo.be Excellent Wonen & Leven Fair Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 12-15 December From  all  over  Europe,  high-end  brands will participate in this year’s excellent and exquisite  lifestyle  fair  in  Rotterdam.  For five days Ahoy will be hosting all kinds of desirable objects, ranging from sparkling watches  and  jewellery  to  fast  cars  and yachts. The setting will be nothing short of  spectacular  and  dazzling  fashion

shows,  stunning  performances  and  a thrilling  final  auction  are  expected  to make this event impossible to miss. See page 28 for more information. www.excellentbeurs.nl

International Record Fair Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, 21 December All lovers of pop and rock should take the time  to  visit  the  lobby  of  the  Rockhal  in central Luxembourg this month. Almost a million records from the last 50 years will be  put  on  sale,  ranging  from  CDs  and rare  45  rpm  singles  to  music  DVDs  and VHS cassettes. Over 40 exhibitors from all over the world are bringing their stock to the  fair,  including  posters,  t-shirts  and other fan articles that are often impossible to  find  anywhere  else.  Always  wanted  a book about your favourite artist from back in the day, which was long sold out by the time  you  got  to  the  record  store?  The chances are this might be your lucky day. www.rockhal.lu Art in Redlight Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 27-30 December For a decade now the historic Beurs van Berlage fills with art treasures and treasure hunters on the final days of the year. An independent art fair of spectacular proportions featuring dance, design, art, light installation  and  music.  Up-and-coming  as well  as  established  artists  will  take  the stage,  creating  an  atmosphere  that  can only be experienced. See page 88 for more information. www.artinredlight.com

Issue 12 |  December 2014 |  93