WHAT'S ON WORLDWIDE

31 JULY-8 AUGUST

UK

Running for its ninth year Liverpool's Brouhaha International Street Theatre Festival brings together theatre, dance and music from around the world. The best day to go is probably 7 August. Despite its somewhat macabre name, this Mexican "Day of the Dead Festival" is a time for joyful reunion, celebrating the lives of our dead ancestors.

1-7 AUGUST

Jamaica

Jammin's the word with the Annual Reggae SumFest at Montego Bay. Featuring top local and international reggae artists, this week of Rastafarian bliss kicks off with a beach party and culminates in the grand finale, featuring Dru Hill. If the music is not enough to lure you, the stalls selling arts, crafts, souvenirs, food and drink should do the job - the jerk pork, meat patties and Jamaican Rum are recommended.

4-18 AUGUST

Hungary

Two different festivals and a prime viewing place for the eclipse make Budapest a top option. The Sziget Festival, the largest in central Europe, offers music, cinema, cabaret, theatre, and exhibitions. Top bands, including Suede and the Brand New Heavies, are set to adorn the seven stages of this island jamboree.

5 AUGUST

Italy

According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to Pope Liberius in a vision predicting snow in Rome and instructed a church to be built where it fell. Sure enough, the following day (5 August 352AD) snow was found on the Esquiline Hill. Following orders, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was built on the snowy spot. To celebrate the miracle a modern day "snowfall" of white petals is strewn from the church's balcony during morning mass and evening vespas.

5-15 AUGUST

Canada

If you fancy shedding some small change then the Halifax International Busker Festival is the place to be. Half a million people are said to crowd the small coastal city every year to be entertained by buskers from all over the world. Stand-up comedians, jugglers, musicians, dancers, singers, actors, magicians, mime and escape artists all transform the wharves and walkways into stages.

6-14 AUGUST

Sweden

Dancing is the theme of this year's Stockholm Water Festival. The festival is spread over the city's14 islands. Van Morrison, Blur, The Cardigans and Supergrass are among those performing on the festival's three main stages. Also featuring street theatre, antiques market, a Viking village and a film festival.

8 AUGUST

Australia

Ever wondered what to do with those used-up beer tinnies? Well, the Darwin Beer Can Regatta is one sure way to get into the recycling game while putting your boat building skills to the test. Held every year on Mindil Beach, this drunken bonanza attracts visitors who drink their way through countless cans of the amber fluid before braving the waves in "boats" built from the empites.