What’s on

1–18 Nov
SYDNEY
Sculpture by the Sea


Come November there’s more to Bondi Beach than hot babes. From Sydney’s Bondi to Tamarama Beach coastal walk you’ll find Australia’s largest free-to-public sculpture exhibition. Admire more than 100 large-scale sculptures from over 18 countries, in this glorious seaside setting. It’s a great day out! Free.

14–16 Nov
CHRISTCHURCH
Royal New Zealand Show
New Zealand’s premier agricultural showcase promises fun for the whole family by bringing the best of the country right into the city. It’ll feature 7,000 livestock and competitions, such as dog handling, sheep shearing and the New Zealand Gourmet Oil Competition. Canterbury Agricultural Park, Wigram Rd, Christchurch. Ticket sales at the gate: NZ$18 for adults and NZ$6 for children.

1–4 Nov
OSAKA, JAPAN
World O-cha (Tea) Festival
Tea lovers musn’t miss this festival, held once every three years in Shizuoka City, just two hours by bullet train from Osaka. All types of tea will be available for sampling and purchase from countries as diverse as Korea, Sri Lanka, France, Taiwan, China and of course, Japan. Shizuoka Convention and Arts Centre ‘Granship’, Shizuoka City. Free.

16–25 Nov
PERTH
Fremantle Festival
Australia’s longest-running community festival kicks off with Carnival Day: a street parade jam-packed with floats, colourful costumes and 1,500 participants on South Terrace, and ending with Australia’s biggest Bhangra Street Dance Party. With over-60 events for all ages – exhibitions, workshops and more street parties – Freo’s the place to be! “Since 1905, the community has come together to celebrate the colourful cultures which make Fremantle a unique place, “ said Siobhan Wood, Festivals and Events Officer. Tel: +61 (8) 9432 9888. Free.

Photo: Reuters23–25 Nov
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
FEI CSI 5* KL Grand Prix
This world-class Asia-Pacific equestrian event takes place in Kuala Lumpur for the fourth year, with leading jockeys and premium thoroughbreds from all over the world competing in dressage, vaulting, indoor polo and other exciting events. More than 30,000 spectators are expected to converge on the Putra Stadium at Bukit Jalil for this grand day. Tel +60 (3) 7711 5000 for tickets.

24 Nov
SYDNEY
7th Bondi Short Film Festival
In its seventh year, this showcase of independent film is still resolutely showing only 100% Australian entries with no restrictions on subject matter. Gather a few friends together and hunker down for an evening of great shorts – the bar opens at 7pm. Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach, Sydney. Tel 1300 438 849 within Australia for tickets.

BOOK NOW!

5 Dec
80th Birthday of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej
You’re invited to a birthday party to honour Thailand’s beloved monarch. Don’t miss the celebrations and fireworks during the birthday week and the Royal Barge Procession on 5 November on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. Free.

6–9 Dec
Cadbury Schweppes Australian PGA Championship at Hyatt Regency Coolum on the Sunshine Coast
Nick O’Hern is back to defend his title while Adam Scott, Australia’s highest-ranked golfer will return to the challenge. “I love coming home to Queensland to play in front of friends and family and the PGA Championship always provides a great atmosphere,” says Scott. Tel 1800 009 499 within Australia for tickets.

26–30 Dec
3 Mobile Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
One of the highest profile cricket matches in the world at Melbourne’s iconic venue. Call Ticketmaster 1300 136 166 within Australia.

14–27 Jan
Australian Open Tennis Championships at the Rod Laver and Vodafone arenas in Melbourne
The championship kicks off in Melbourne with the all new “Australian Open True Blue” – the blue court makes it easier for spectators to track the ball and for players to gauge depth perception. Call Ticketek on 1300 888 104 within Australia.

Interview - David Bates

David Bates is the Spiegelmaestro of The Famous Spiegeltent, a travelling venue that showcases music and cabaret events. He’s been on the road with the Spiegeltent for the last 12 years. We catch up with him for a chat.

What does the Spiegelmaestro do? Are you the one with the whip?
I tell everyone else what to do and take the credit. Yes, I have a huge whip and I need to keep everyone very scared. It’s like being the ringmaster of an animal circus full of dangerous and very unpredictable creatures that need a lot of careful handling. I’ve taken The Famous Spiegeltent around the world.

How would you describe The Famous Spiegeltent in three words?
Sexy, funny and dangerous.

How did the Spiegeltent begin and how has it changed along the way?
The Famous Spiegeltent is a travelling dance hall and cabaret salon built in 1920. It hasn’t changed in 87 years; it’s still one of the world’s finest places for parties, celebrations, concerts and wild performances. It travels the world appearing at festivals and events. We also have our own productions such as La Clique, which has appeared around the world with unparalleled success.

Tell us about the tent itself.
The tent weighs 28 tonnes. It’s made of 3,000 pieces that fit together like a giant jigsaw puzzle – every piece can be carried by one person. The entire thing travels in two 40ft shipping containers. It was built by a Belgian family that has been in the spiegeltent business for five generations.

So, what can people expect of the Melbourne show?
There’ll be comedy, cabaret, concerts, children’s shows, tea dances, afternoon delights, storytelling, opera, jazz, theatre, live radio broadcasts, classic conversations and the Spiegel piazza will feature a brand new bar with tempting treats and other curious comestibles, not to mention plenty of the liquid variety!

Catch Town Bikes at the tent

The Famous Spiegeltent is on now ’til 16 Dec, with iOTA, Darren Hanlon, James Blundell, Kate Ceberano and more, while Club Spiegel will showcase Melbourne’s best dance bands and DJs. The Arts Centre Forecourt, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne. Call Ticketmaster 1300 136 166 within Australia.