On Sunday 3 September 2006 the Regent Street Festival – A Walk Through Spain, Regent Street will be closed to traffic for the day and turned into a Spanish extravaganza. Twelve of the regions from Spain will be participating in this great event and showcasing the very best this country has to offer.
The Regent Street Festival will kick off with a Spanish celebrity opening and live performance from a well known band at 12 noon on the main stage situated at the junction of New Burlington Street and Regent Street. And from then on there will be continuous entertainment from Virgin Radio and many performances from the Spanish Regions until 8pm.
To support the amazing day Regent Street and the Spanish Tourist Office are together working with media partners, Virgin Radio, Daily Telegraph and the Evening Standard which will include competitions and promotions.
Visit London, Visit Britain and the New West End Company are also supporters of this amazing cultural event.
In store activity will include demonstrations, special offers, promotions, fashion shows and wine tasting and the best of Spanish foods. Spanish dancing and music will add to the shopping experience in Regent Street.
There will be two Spanish Music and Dance Evenings in Heddon Street, Regent Street’s Food Quarter, on Thursday 17 August, Thursday 24 August and Thursday 31 August to pre-promote the Regent Street Festival.
CONFIRMED ACTIVITY FROM THE REGIONS TO DATE
Andalucía
promises a traditional Flamenco Dance Show with a chance for visitors to learn from the experts. For the professionals there will be a nine hole putting green to reflect the eight provinces within Andalucía, the ninth representing Andalucía. And a taste of traditional Andalucía fair will make everyone’s mouth water.
Balearic Islands
A magnificent equestrian performance will bring to life the Fiesta de Sant Joan in Menorca, where eight of the beautiful, highly-trained Menorcan horses will be ridden by their owners in traditional island folk costume accompanied by a seventy piece brass band. To add to this there will be music and dance.
Canary Islands
An amazing carnival atmosphere from the islands will bring more entertainment to the Festival. Three camels will be an added attraction to the area with the sand sculptures, dancers and craftsmen. Refreshing fruit juices from the region will give you another experience of Spain.
Castilla y Leon
Demonstrations of theatre, music, dance and local crafts will give the visitor an insight into this charming area. Castilla y Leon prides itself on activity/adventure holidays and this will be reflected in its activity planned for the day.
Catalonia
And from the East of Spain, Catalonia will stage the famous Castellers – a human tower. Don’t miss the spectacular show at 1pm close to the main stage.
Green Spain
represents four regions, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country all of whom will be showing the crafts from each, with demonstrations and examples of their wonderful workmanship.
La Rioja
This famous region will be entertaining everyone with a traditional craft exhibition which will include barrel and wine skin makers. Regional dancers and musicians from Rioja will put everyone in the Festival mood. In-store wine tasting will give shoppers the opportunity to sample a true taste of La Rioja.
Madrid
Madrid will team up with one of the retailers in Regent Street and provide a relaxing area with a lawn, trees, flowers, and deckchairs – perfect for a sunny day - and for the energetic - a climbing wall. They will also invite you to go on a ‘Tapa’s Tour’ in Heddon Street, Regent Street’s Food Quarter. Fashion and dance will be part of their exhibit with an art wall to showcase the cultural aspect of Spain’s capital city.
Murcia
Cultural and regional dancing will make this area from the South Eastern coastal region of Spain entertaining, and there are even more exciting activities to be confirmed. As Murcia is one of Spain’s top water sport areas, there will be a variety of nautical and water sport displays during the day, including windsurfing demonstrations. There will be a sand pit to entertain children.
Navarra
Traditional dancers in regional costume will perform around the Navarra area and interact with the crowd. Take a magical tour on the blue screen simulator. Free giveaways, tastings, and other exciting activities will make this area a must visit.
Valencia
A beach in Regent Street from Valencia and Benidorm, will bring the true Spanish holiday atmosphere to the Festival. Parasols and sun loungers together with the opportunity to enjoy tasting Valencia’s famous Paella will give people the chance to experience one of the wonderful holiday destinations of Spain.
All four Festival Bars on Regent Street will be operated by Sol Melia Hotels and resorts giving a taste of Spanish food and drinks from every region.
Visit www.spain.info/uk for further information.