IMAGES: COPYRIGHT OF THE TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND; GARETH TIBBS; ALAMY


DATES FOR THE DIARY


Five of the Isles of Scilly islands are inhabited Left: Locals throw water over each other during Songkran at


the Wat Pratu Pong temple, Lampang Right: the Fête du Citron features


huge figures made almost entirely out of citrus fruits


Songkran Festival, Thailand APRIL Thailand’s festival marking Buddhist New Year is a moment to cleanse and rejuvenate for the year ahead — locals clean their houses, offer scented waters to religious shrines and children wash the hands of their elders. On the streets, Songkran’s traditions take on a more playful tone, in the form of an almighty water fight. Coastal areas like Phuket and Krabi turn into epic battlegrounds as locals use high-powered super soakers and water bombs to target passersby, including tourists. Aside from the waterworks, there’s also music, traditional parades and temple ceremonies. tourismthailand.org


Trænafestivalen, Norway JULY Get ready for around-the-clock revelry at Trænafestivalen, a boundary-pushing music festival that makes the most of the 23 hours of daylight of Norway’s summertime. Set on the isolated Træna islands, accessible only by ferry from mainland Norway, this festival promises a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to party in the Arctic Circle. A cutting-edge roster of world-class DJs and musicians perform in unforgettable locations, from dense forests to the cathedral- like cave of Kirkehelleren. While this year’s line-up is still under wraps, past acts have included Charli xcx, Manu Chao and Damien Rice. trena.net


Ocean Scilly Festival, Isles of Scilly, UK AUGUST The crystal-clear waters and white- washed beaches of Cornwall’s Scilly Isles are the closest thing to paradise in the British Isles — no wonder its Ocean Festival, now in its third year, is already making waves. With events held across all five islands of the archipelago, some 30 miles off the Cornish coast, the festival celebrates the islands’ rich maritime heritage. Expect rock pool safaris, gig (rowing boats) racing, shipwreck tours, sunset swims, seal-spotting and kayaking. Above water, the islands offer beautiful coastal walks and a bounty of wildflowers. tresco.co.uk/enjoying/ events/ocean-scilly-festival


Hermanus Whale Festival, South Africa SEPTEMBER After months in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean, hundreds of majestic southern right whales make their way to the warmer shores around Hermanus, a coastal spot 75 miles west of Cape Town, renowned as one of South Africa’s best whale- watching locations. Its three-day, late September festival combines opportunities for whale sightings with an eco-minded programme of talks and exhibits that tell the story of local marine life and conservation efforts. Live music, seafood trucks and local arts and crafts fairs add to the festival’s credentials. hermanuswhalefestival.co.za


NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER – COASTAL COLLECTION 27


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