WHAT'S ON WORLDWIDE

AUSTRALIA

Melbourne, 6-16 March, Moomba Festival. One of Australia's brashest and most spectacular summer festivals, this mixture of cultural and sporting events draws crowds of over one and a half million people. Culminates with the famous Wittingslow Carnival at the end of the festival. Contact 00613 9699 4022 for more details.

NEW ZEALAND

Waitaki, 13-16 March, River Salmon Fishing Contest. Popular sport and leisure contest for fisherman and sports enthusiasts. With over $100,000 in prizes awarded to the winners, this is one of the most important salmon fishing contests on the globe.

IRELAND

Killarney, 14-17 March, Guinness Roaring 20s Festival. Killarney warms up for St Patrick's day with three days of food, drink, and festivities at restaurants and pubs all over the city. St Patrick's day brings the most exciting night of celebration. For further information contact Alexandra Baradi on 0353 644 1170.

INDIA

10 March. The birthday of Sri Ramkrishna, an important Indian religious figure, is marked by a number of festivals throughout the country.

SWEDEN

Lugnet, Falun, Dalarna, 12 March, Swedish Ski Games. The world's premiere long-distance skiers meet in this challenging and rigorous World Cup competition.

BARBADOS

9-29 March, Holder's Opera Season. Internationally acclaimed celebration of opera, music, and theatre presented by a variety of performers and organisations. The festivities will culminate in a performance by Luciano Pavarotti on 29 March.

SOUTH AFRICA

Port Elizabeth, 14-18 March, Cricket. Castle Lager Series 2nd Test: South Africa versus Australia. With England currently languishing in the second division of world cricket, this series between two of the world's strongest cricketing nations is worth following.

LONDON

13 March-6 April, Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition. People looking for new homes, or interested in house design, might drop in on this enormous display. Earl's Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, London SW5 0171 385 1200.

NETHERLANDS

Maastricht, 8-16 March, The Europe Fine Arts Fair. World renowned art and antique fair with work by famous European painters and sales of contemporary art, silver, jewellery and oriental carpets. Held at the MECC Centre, Maastricht.