thisisValencia

What a difference a caption makes

2011-02-02T11:31:00.006+01:00

When my friend M sent me the newspaper cutting here, I was reminded yesterday of one of my first jobs in design.
The job was a new timetable for an airline I was working for. It was years before the days of computer aided design, so I worked with a pot of Cow Gum and a spreader, pasting little bits of paper with flights, times and destinations onto art-boards. A very tedious job.
A week later the printed timetables arrived and, to my horror, I realised I had pasted the incoming flights onto the outgoing pages and the outgoing on the incoming. Thanks to a very understanding printer, who allowed me to return the bad copies and reprinted the job correctly overnight, no one was any the wiser!
The designer of daily free newspaper ADN (Monday's edition) won't have been so lucky - as the paper hit the street with this wrongly captioned photo. (caption reads The Prince and Princess, with their daughter Leonor on 7 June last year in Madrid)
The Spanish Royal family can be very touchy in matters such as these!

Jasper Johns at IVAM

2011-02-02T10:38:00.004+01:00

A Major retrospective of the works of Jasper Johns, many on public display for the first time, are on show at IVAM, Valencia's trailblazing modern art museum. About a hundred works, consisting of pieces that span fifty years of one of the most enthralling and hallowed careers in the world of contemporary art. It includes paintings from American and European museums (National Gallery of Art, Washington; MFAH, Houston; Whitney Museum, New York; The Broad Art Foundation, Santa Monica; Milwaukee Art Museum; Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; Tate, London, among others), and from private collections which show the evolution of an exceptional oeuvre. The presence of these works is completed by a substantial loan from the artist which includes, among other pieces, the largest sculpture that he has made, created in 2007 and never previously exhibited.
Many of the works – a mixture of all techniques – which feature in this exhibition focus on the numbers and letters that have appeared recurrently in his work during more than half a century. Symbols of non-verbal communication are present in his paintings, prints and sculptures. In a process based on repetition, the artist shows the importance of the constant development of thematic registers.
Jasper Johns was born in 1930, in Allendale, South Carolina. He is unquestionably one of the foremost artists in the world of contemporary art. He is a tireless searcher who from the outset reacted against Lyrical Abstraction and Abstract Expressionism and remained faithful to a kind of aestheticism, drawing his inspiration from the history of art. Driving back the limits of art, he has included his own roots and those of humanity in his work, together with his knowledge and his fondness for the past. To quote a reflection made by an art historian, he is one of the last American painters who has retained “the aroma of the old Europe”. Jasper Johns is recognised now as an indisputable, emblematic figure of art, and his work, which played a decisive role in the birth of Pop Art and its consequences, also lies at the origin of many other innovations in the world of art.
Well worth a visit.

TP 52 Worlds 2010

2010-10-10T22:08:00.007+02:00

photos ©2010 Tim Birch

Valencia, 9 October 2010

Watching the crew line-up for the TP52 Worlds was a bit like reporting on the America’s Cup, so many names and faces were familiar. And of course, the America’s Cup Port venue and the waters off Valencia played their part in supporting this feeling.

Paul Cayard was sailing aboard Artemis, the Swedish yacht helmed (yes, helmed) by businessman Torbjorn Tornquist. Jochen Schueman, the German Olympic sailor (and former skipper of Team Alinghi) was steering Audi/All4ONE, whilst Terry Hutchinson, tactician aboard Team New Zealand, took the helm of US entry Quantum Racing.

Thanks to a Franco/German alliance, no less than 8 nations were featured in the championship which, due to an unfortunate earlier incident, left host nation Spain without a representative. Their yacht Bribon was severely damaged in a collision with Audi/All4ONE and could not be repaired in time for the start of the regatta. Nevertheless, Valencia provided a welcome mix of weather conditions which saw Argentina’s yacht Matador going into the last day just 3.5 points behind Quantum Racing.

After a two-hour delay, a 6 – 8 knot easterly set in and racing got under way.
The Russian yacht Synergy, steered by Eugeni Neugodnikov showed good speed off the line heading left. Artemis had a fine start and headed right. When these two crossed, Synergy had to duck behind Artemis. Meanwhile Bigamist, the Portguese entry steered by Afonso Domingos, continued out to the right and crossed the fleet coming into the top mark. Matador was over the line early and had to tack back, giving Quantum Racing the perfect opportunity to watch their every move. Their aggressive covering held Matador down in seventh place going into the first downwind leg and only some tactical sailing allowed them to reel in the American yacht before they rounded the bottom mark. During the final beat, Quantum racing carried Matador far out to the right “almost to Ibiza” quipped one of the cameramen. They rounded the top mark eighth and ninth, both carrying protest flags and followed closely by the on-water judges.

Bigamist led the fleet home to claim her first win of the regatta, followed by Audi/All4ONE, Cristabella (the first British yacht), Artemis and Synergy.
As Quantum Racing crossed the line just behind Matador, Terry Hutchinson ordered the removal of their protest flag and the Argentines generously applauded their well-deserved victory. Just 2 points separated these boats after nine races. Just 1 point separated the next four yachts but Synergy had done enough to hold onto her 3rd overall.

1 Quantum Racing USA 31.5
2 Matador ARG 33.5
3 Synergy RUS 41
4 Artemis SWE 41
5 Audi/All4ONE GER/FRA 41.5
6 Cristabella GBR 42
7 Bigamist POR 51.5
8 Pace GBR 72
9 Weapon of Choice GBR 76.5

Mike O’Neill

Kasabian

2010-07-17T17:43:00.002+02:00

Kasabian, originally uploaded by beadyeye.

Anita Darling and partner in crime PJ are at Heineken FIB Benicassim, reporting live with great pictures at flickr and tumblr and they're also tweeting live

What a weekend in Valencia

2010-06-28T18:35:00.003+02:00

It has been quite a weekend here in Valencia - The F1 Grand prix took place on the Valencia Street Circuit- loathed by aficionados but pronounced a triumph by Bernie Eccleston. It was a warm weekend, Sunday was a particularly hot day, apparently 3º hotter than last year and that was August!
Gay Pride had their annual parade in the city on Saturday night followed by a concert featuring mainly drag acts. We got to see the parade but after a day's sight seeing with visitors from the UK, a quiet dinner at home was the favoured choice, friends who did go said the concert was good but the atmosphere was great!
We met up with friends at the Guinness House to watch the England/Germany match - one of the friend's we were meeting texted ahead to say that Hamilton and Button had come second and third in the Grand Prix, a good omen- but I pointed out that a German had taken first place- not such a good omen.
We are just putting the finishing touches to two other big events this summer Fib Heineken Benicàssim - Our own Anita Darling will be there, this year in the company of ace photographer Pj; they'll be reporting on a daily basis on thisisvalencia and on thisisfib.tumblrand they'll be twittering too - so don't forget to follow!
La Tomatina takes place on the last wednesday August whis this year is the 25th, we ran a great luxury bus tour to this whacky food fight and we're taking bookings now clock on the headline for more info.

An Air show above the beach at Malvarossa, Valencia

2010-06-09T10:15:00.002+02:00

Valencia hosts on 12th and 13th June, the VII City of Valencia International Air Show, a festival that, over the years, has gained a great reputation thanks to the skill of the participants and the setting over the beautiful Playa de la Malvarrosa beach.
At the six previous editions, some of the most representative figures from the world of national and international aeronautics in its different forms have taken part in this event. This latest edition features new spectacles for spectators and fans of aerial acrobatics.
Last year's show was a great hit with sailing aficionados, and this year boats will be allowed to moor at sea to enjoy the City of Valencia Air Show. Sailing enthusiasts will find the mooring plans from the Valencia's Royal Air Club webpage. http://www.realaeroclubvalencia.es

WNBR at Puente de Flores in Valencia

2010-06-06T17:35:00.001+02:00

P6052393, originally uploaded by beadyeye.

June 06, 2010 — World Naked Bike Ride in Valencia June 05 2010.
They left from the Festival Alternativa in the river park Turia and cycled around the city protesting about not only the traffic but Rita Barbera's plans for Cabanyal.
Here we see them getting ready

WNBR World Naked Bike Ride Valencia2010

2010-06-06T17:27:00.000+02:00

WNBR World Naked Bike Ride - start

2010-06-06T17:25:00.000+02:00

The start of the World Naked Bike ride in Valencia yesterday - It left from the Festival Alternativa in the Rio Turia Park and took a route around the city past the Ayuntamiento (town hall) and the Station, where, coincidentally a Ninja Flash Mob was just about to take place - check out that video too!

Ninja Flashmob Valencia 2010

2010-06-06T17:22:00.000+02:00

Not quite the expected 700 participants but good fun all the same!

Valencia - What's on in the coming days

2010-03-25T13:11:00.003+01:00

With Easter on our doorstep and spring (and high pollen count) in the air, there is a wealth of things to do in Valencia this month and next.
The solemn marches and processions of Semana Santa take place over the next few weeks in Cabanyal, the maritine suburb of the city, down by the port. They are quite moving to watch and these are the biggest outside of Seville. There are also processions in Sagunto if you want to make a day of it and take in the Magnificent Roman Castle too.
Also down at the beach from the 9-11 April is the wonderfully colourful 13th edition of the annual Kite Festival - Great fun for all the family and free!
A few euros buys you vouchers that not only get you in to the Mostra de Vinos by the Calatrava Bridge in the Park Rio Turia, but also entitle you to wine tastings and food sampling. A very inexpensive way to try some of the great wines (and Foods) of the region of Valencia, just don't go down, like we did last year, at lunchtime, because all of the food stalls were closed!! And we'd gone for lunch!
Dance and Ballet fans should check the press from now until early May for some wonderful performances and artists appearing for the International Dansa Valencia - check thisisvalencia.com for full listings.
The lights go out for the night in Valencia as part of the Global initiative,Earth Hour at 20:00h on Saturday 27th March.
Finally, Cirque du Soleil Fans will not want to miss Saltimbanco at the Velodrome from 14-18 April.

Campanar Nou and their 600,000 euro Falla

2010-03-17T11:06:00.003+01:00

It was announced this morning that Campanar Nou's 600,000€ masterpiece (pictured above) came second to Convento Jerusalem's latest work costing only half - we'll have pictures of it for you tonight. Fallas, meanwhile is hotting up with the wonderful spectacle of the ofrenda starting today, 150,000 costumed women (falleras) parade though the streets to the cathedral to offer flowers to the Virgin.

Line up additions to Benicassim

2010-03-11T16:05:00.005+01:00

Heineken Fiberfib at Benicassim, the most famous of the summer festivals in Spain, announced additions to the growing line up today - Echo and the Bunnymen, Hot Chip and Ellie Goulding are amongst the new names - the festival takes place from the 15 - 18 July and the line up is now - Vampire Weekend + Leftfield + Dizzee Rascal + The Cribs + Echo and the Bunnymen + Foals + Four Tet (live) + Hot Chip + Ian Brown + Ilegales + Klaxons + Mumford and sons + PiL + The Specials + Sr Chinarro + Benga + Calvin Harris + The Courteeners + Cut Copy + Dirty Projectors + Ellie Goulding + Jonston + Magnetic Man + Scratch + Perverts + Skream + Southern Arts Society + The Temper Trap + Triángulo de Amor Bizarro + Two door Cinema Club + Yacht & the Straight Gaze + Yuksek.
For travel and general information and more news as we get it, click on the headline, or go to twitter.com/thisisfib

Terry Gilliam Loves Mascletàs!

2010-03-11T15:57:00.007+01:00

Terry Gilliam is in Valencia today to look for locations for his latest production 'The Man Who Killed Don Quixote'. He was accompanied to a Mascletà, the midday firework display of noise that takes place each day in the Plaza Ayuntamiento during Fallas, by members of the Valencia Film Office and was said to be very impressed. The movie, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, about a man who time travels between the present day and 17th century La Manchahas been beset with problems since its conception and has been the subject of a documentary 'lost in La Mancha.

Las Fallas

2010-03-09T18:15:00.008+01:00

Las Fallas is almost upon us. It officially starts on the 15th of March and ends on the night of 19th March with La Cremà - when the entire city appears to be on fire. For a full description and everything you need to know about the wonderful Festival click on the headline.
All Photos ©2008/9/10 Diana Birch

Google Transit comes to Valencia

2010-02-16T17:54:00.005+01:00

Google have launched Transit for Valencia, It's a nifty bit of kit that allows you to plan your route around the city by public transport. You simply type in your departure and arrival points and it tells you how far you will have to walk to the nearest bus or metro stop and the same for your destination - all very impressive we think!
Try it here

AMERICAS CUP 33, 2010 Summary

2010-02-16T13:52:00.005+01:00

Larry Ellison and Members of the crew collect the Cup in a ceremony by Veles e Vents on Sunday evening

On St. Valentine’s Day 2010, the crew of BMW Oracle, with skipper James Spithill and CEO Russell Coutts, achieved owner Larry Ellison’s ambition to win the America’s Cup.

That it took two and a half years and a reputed 300 million dollars to reach this objective speaks volumes for the man and for the determination of his rival Ernesto Bertarelli to hold onto the trophy. Despite all the allegations and court appeals, BMW Oracle stood their ground and demanded the ‘Deed of Gift’ match be held in Valencia, not in Ras al Khaimah where Alinghi wanted to race.

When the two craft appeared in January, it quickly became obvious that this was to be no ‘normal’ America’s Cup match. Both multihulls were reputed to be capable of speeds in excess of 40knots (74km/h). Further, it seemed that Alinghi 5 was so light and so highly-loaded that she was unable to sail in winds over 15knots (28km/h) or with waves of more than 1 metre. BMW Oracle on the other hand was much heavier and capable of stronger conditions. She sported a wing mast that had cost over 5 million dollars, the price of a reasonable AC campaign ten years earlier!

Race 1 was due to take place on Monday, February 8 but was delayed until Friday due to variable wind direction. The two multihulls came together in the starting area and Alinghi, with Bertarelli at the helm, incurred a penalty. BMW Oracle, skippered by James Spithill, stalled before the start and Alinghi sailed away into a 660 metre lead. Their joy was short-lived as the American boat overtook them on the 20 mile beat and extended their lead all the way to the finish. The start of Race 2 was delayed until five minutes before the cut-off time and Alinghi, once more helmed by Ernesto Bertarelli, once more incurred a penalty. This time it was the Swiss boat which was late for the start and which then proceeded to overtake the Americans. BMW Oracle fought back and went on to win the race and the America’s Cup.

During Sunday evening’s press call, Larry Ellison confirmed that the Italian team Mascalzone Latino had been accepted as Challenger of Record for the 34th America’s Cup. The questions of when and where the series will take place are as yet undecided but Ellison declared: ”... There will be a completely independent jury, there will be completely independent umpires. It will be an independent group which manages the next America’s Cup and there will be a level playing field for all competitors.”

His remarks were prompted following the bitter legal battle with Team Alinghi over the allegedly high-handed and self-serving manner in which the original 33rd Challenge was set up by the Swiss Defenders. Even so Russell Coutts, when asked if Alinghi would be invited to take part in the next series said: “Of course we would like to see Alinghi back as a challenger. They are one of the best teams in this business, and they have proven that.”

Where next? It seems logical that Ellison would want to hold the next regatta in San Francisco, home of Golden Gate Yacht Club and close to his Oracle Corporation headquarters. But doubts have been raised as to how the San Francisco waterfront could accommodate all of the 11 to 14 challengers expected for the 34th America’s Cup series. A more likely venue would be San Diego, where BMW Oracle was extensively trialled before being shipped over to Valencia. Another possibility is Newport, Rhode Island where Cup matches were traditionally held until Australia II won in 1983.

When? To get the best possible entry level and to generate maximum interest in the event, the spring of 2013 would seem to be the earliest that a new series could be held. Apart from finding sponsors, the challengers would need time to learn what type of boat had been chosen for the next series and to prepare a budget based on the cost of building and campaigning the new craft.

Was it all worth it? Certainly Larry Ellison and his team will think so. Ernesto Bertarelli is probably still coming to terms with the reality of the situation and his future decisions could well be decided for him by key members of his team, who have remained remarkably tight-lipped during this whole event. But what about all the other challengers, their designers and supporters; how do they feel? Many lost their jobs 2 years ago when it became clear that nothing was going to be resolved quickly. And what about Valencia, whose leaders had the vision to create a magnificent new harbour; how must they be feeling now? A great deal remains to be written about this whole episode. Let us hope that lessons have been learned and that positive action is taken to protect the future of the America’s Cup and of this superb harbour complex in Valencia.
Good sailing,
Mike O’Neill

AMERICA'S CUP 33 - the statistics

2010-02-15T18:49:00.002+01:00

TV
39 TV channels acquired the broadcasting rights : Sky (Great Britain), Canal + (France), Teledeporte and Canal 9 (Spain), Eurosport (Europe), Show Time (the Middle East), ESPN (the USA) FOX Live (Australia), TVNZ and Sky (New Zealand).
15 hours of live broadcasting to 216 territories
27 hours of special programs
2,160 million potential viewing audience.

INTERNET (www.americascup.com)
2,800,000 visits
1,200,000 unique visitors
656,000 unique visitors watched the live racing direct through the official web site
(this audience does not include the streaming broadcasting by 350 other Internet sites worldwide)
346,000 was the record number of unique visitors, occurring on the 12 of February 16,000 Facebook fans and 13,000 followers on Twitter in the three official languages of all the communication of the Web (Spanish, English and French)
More than 300 articles published more in three languages on www.americascup.com

PUBLIC AT THE MARINA REAL JUAN CARLOS 1(from the 7th to the 14th of February)
Global number of visitors: 201,000 between the 7th the 14th of February
Record: 7th of February 2007 - 60,000 people at the event inauguration
More than 2,000 children of Valencian schools in organized visits
More than 1,200 hamburgers more served
More 5,000 served plates of paella
More than 800 fondues (150 kg of cheese) served
More than 1,400 kilos of powder in `mascletás'

PRESS CENTRE
965 Requests accreditation requests from 37 countries (Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Great Britain, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, the Faeroes, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Holland, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, Islands Vírgenes and the Ukraine)
More than 8,000 articles were published
400 daily users connected to the Internet to the Wi-Fi network of 120 Mbs
10 kilometers of optical fiber installed
15 official Vehicles that have realised 13,244 kilometers in more than 700 services
5 official press conferences in the conference hall

PROMOTION
2,000 sq m of canvases
500 banners
180 bus stop advertising panels
1,000 1 minute adverts of the 33rd America's Cup in the trains of the Mediterranean corridor area
Continuous advertising of 35 seconds in 345 buses of Valencia
10,000 official programs distributed.
Presence in airports of Madrid and Barcelona

THE REGATA – 33rd AMERICA'S CUP
2 boats: the catamaran Alinghi 5 and the trimaran the USA
2 regattas: 12th of February and 14th of February 2 formats of racing: Windward/Leeward (12th of February) and triangle (14th of February)
79 nautical miles of racing: 40 in the first and 39 in second
24 sailors in the official crew listing: 14 on Alinghi 5, 10 in the USA
2-0, the score in favor of BMW ORACLE Racing
15 minutes and 25 seconds, the delta of first race, the 12 of February
5 minutes and 29 seconds, the delta of second race, the 14 of February

AMERICA'S CUP
33 editions of America's Cup between 1870 and 2010
4 countries have defended the America's Cup: The United States, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland
28 editions defended by the United States: 1870 to 1983, 1988, 1992, 1995
1 edition defended by Australia: 1987
2 editions defended by New Zealand: 2000 and 2003
2 editions defended by Switzerland: 2007 and 2010
7 countries have reached the America's Cup Match (England, Italy, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and the United States)
6 venues in 159 years: New York (the USA), Newport (the USA), Fremantle (AUS), San Diego (the USA), Auckland (NZL) and Valencia (ESP) 1 trophy: the America's Cup
1 America's Cup

Source - America's Cup Consortium 2007
photo - ©2010 BMW Oracle Racing

America's Cup Race Two – BMW Oracle wins the CUP!!

2010-02-14T19:16:00.002+01:00

AC 2010 Race Two – BMW Oracle wins the CUP!!
The wind finally settled (it needs to be within a directional range of 30 degrees for a Cup race) at around 4pm today in Valencia. Alinghi 5 with owner Ernesto Bertarelli at the helm won the right to enter on starboard but were inside the starting area before time and were penalized before the race even started.

BMW Oracle, with both Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts onboard, steered around Alinghi and headed out to the left side of the course. The Swiss catamaran, slow to get moving, sailed out the right, already 400m behind. After several minutes, it became clear that Alinghi’s performance had been transformed, sailing both higher and faster than in Race One. Within minutes, the Swiss boat had sailed into the lead as the breeze on the right gave a significant advantage. Bertarelli handed the helm to Loick Peyron, the French multihull veteran. At one point, Alinghi 5 was 600 metres ahead and it was noted they had raised a protest flag. As they neared the windward mark, Alinghi tacked over to the left, crossing BMW Oracle who had already tacked for the mark. When Alinghi tacked, her speed dropped dramatically and, as BMW Oracle was already moving fast, it looked as if the Swiss had misjudged the layline to the mark. Sure enough, BMW Oracle was able to squeeze up, rounding the mark 28 seconds ahead.

On the first reach, The US boat again showed her off-wind abilities, swiftly climbing to 30 knots in the 8-knot breeze. Alinghi stayed in touch but could not seem to match the speed of the American boat. By the final turn, BMW Oracle was nearly 2000 metres ahead. Alinghi tried everything to get back into the race, dropping water ballast and changing to a larger headsail. These moves improved her speed but not by enough to close the gap.

Two miles from the finish, BMW Oracle ran into some light airs and was forced to tack, allowing Alinghi to close the lead down to1000 metres. But minutes later the US trimaran crossed the finish line to win the America’s Cup. As Alinghi neared the finish, they sailed into a perfectly executed penalty turn, dropped their protest flag and crossed the line just over 5minutes behind. The prizrgiving is at 8pm, so I’m off!!

Mike O’Neill

AC 2010 Race Two......maybe!

2010-02-14T14:22:00.000+01:00

The start of Race 2 was postponed for two hours, then for another one hour. At 2.15pm local time, the Race Committee are still unable to confirm a start time, with the wind direction between South East and East. If there is to be a race today, it has to start before 4.30pm, which is the cutoff time.
Mike O’Neill

America's Cup 33 Valencia - Race One....washup

2010-02-12T22:59:00.002+01:00

We won’t call it a post mortem because Team Alinghi is far from dead; however...
What we saw out there on the race course today was proof-positive that Russell Coutts and James Spithill were right to push for a wing mast instead of the ‘soft’ sails they had started with. The wing appears to generate so much lift in anything over 4 knots of breeze that the extra weight is easily compensated.

The only possible weakness, the downwind leg, proved just as strong, with BMW Oracle sailing faster and deeper than Alinghi for much of the time. Spithill later said ‘we seemed to carry the breeze right down to the line’ whereas Ernesto Bertarelli said Alinghi ‘sailed into some lighter conditions’ which forced them to stay high to keep the windward hull clear of the water.

When asked: ‘faced with a clearly faster boat, what are the options?’, Bertarelli replied: ‘ First a nice cold beer, then a good nights sleep, then tomorrow we can examine the data’.

Larry Ellison summed up the days events with: ‘“Today I did say that sailing is a lot harder than running a software company!”

Race 2 is scheduled for Sunday and will be a ‘triangle’ of 39 nautical miles; a windward leg followed by two reaches (wind at right angles to the boats). The forecast is for a moderate northerly but, as we know, that could all change.....
Mike O'Neill
Photos©2010BMW Oracle Racing/Gilles Martin-Raget

QUOTES OF THE DAY
BMW ORACLE Racing Team:
James Spithill (AUS) skipper/helm BMW ORACLE Racing Team (USA):
“Obviously it was quite exciting at the start. We were able to get a piece of them in the entry and that is something we had been thinking about for quite some time, and it started to set up to look like we might be able to get a penalty on them, so I pushed it pretty hard in there. Obviously that left us pretty close to them and we then we had a hard time slowing the boat down. We were in a pretty controlling position then, as time went on through we got ourselves stuck in irons, but also I want to say well done to Alinghi, they did a good job getting out from there.”
“ We still have a lot to learn. It kind of showed today that we aren’t at race level preparation that we are kind of used to in these campaigns. But it was an exciting start with plenty of action.”

Larry Ellison (USA) team founder and afterguard BMW ORACLE Racing Team (USA):
“ I think my emotions started when it looked like we were going to race in three and a half knots of breeze. Russell and I were on the boat and we were told that we might be sailing in 20 minutes then we had the call to get as many people off the boat and as much stuff as possible off the boat to sail as light as possible, because there was a very, very light breeze. I had to get off the boat and so did Russell. And so we sailed with a minimum crew. So I think it is more stressful to watch than to sail.”

Russell Coutts (NZL) CEO and afterguard BMW ORACLE Racing Team (USA):
“ I think it is early days. I said before the series that you wont be able to draw conclusions from the first few minutes of these races….but how about that win….??

Alinghi (SUI):
Brad Butterworth (NZL) skipper/tactician Alinghi (SUI):
“We tried to keep the boats apart with having the bottom pin offset but it was not actually set up that well, and we thought we had just done enough but obviously not. But that really did not have any reflection on who won the race. It made some interesting stop and start, in irons and going backwards, something we’d never done on multihulls.”

Ernesto Bertarelli (SUI), helmsman and team president Alinghi (SUI):
"For sure at the start after the penalty it felt good they were stopped we could gybe and start. The wind changed quite rapidly. We had six or seven knots during the pre start and right off the start we were surprised with the wind coming in so strong, so quickly, 12 knots, but we thought we were doing good. But they caught up. We had to make a sail change which slowed us, but they were fast today and the wing seems to be quite a weapon. "
"I tell you, when you are in my position with the ten years that are behind and the team I have and the opportunity to race one more, or maybe two more races in the America’s Cup, you can’t call any day a hard day in the America’s Cup. They are all good days. Today it just happened they were faster, they sailed a good race.”
“We lost and I learned over the years that losing is part of enjoying sailing and going racing.”

America's Cup 33 Race One....what drama!

2010-02-12T17:59:00.002+01:00

It may have been a long wait but what a race! BMW Oracle's skipper James Spithill came into the start area gunning for Alinghi, who failed to tack in time to avoid a penalty. The two craft continued their duel until, one minute before the start, both were over the start line and it became clear that BMW Oracle were stalled. Alinghi bore away, picked up speed and crossed the start line 87 seconds ahead of the US boat.

BMW Oracle started 660 metres behind Alinghi, who were tearing away at 16 to 17 knots in a 5.5 knot southerly breeze. The US boat began to pick up speed and was soon pointing higher and moving just as fast as the Swiss defender. After 20 minutes of racing, BMW Oracle had reduced the lead to zero and, in a surprising move dropped their headsail, showing that their revolutionary wing mast was capable of generating enough power alone.

By the windward mark, BMW Oracle was ahead by over 1,300 metres. Alinghi was expected to be faster off the wind and the only question was, would the penalty turn she had to take slow her enough for the US boat to hold onto her lead. It soon became clear that, although much heavier, BMW Oracle generated enough power to increase her lead until the finish, where she crossed 3,500 meters and 6 minutes ahead of Alinghi, who still had to complete their penalty turn.

What was especially interesting was that both Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts, who were jointly responsible for putting the whole challenge together, chose not to be aboard BMW Oracle today. Their opponents Ernesto Bertarelli and Brad Butterworth performed their helmsman/tactician roles as usual.
Mike O’Neill

America's Cup 33 - Race One

2010-02-12T13:50:00.002+01:00

AC 2010 Race One........due to start at 14.10

America's Cup 33 Valencia - Race One........ Third Time Lucky?

2010-02-12T12:06:00.006+01:00

AC 2010 Race One........ Third Time Lucky?

As I write this, it looks very much as though Race One is going to happen today..... The committee boat is in position about 26 nautical miles east of Valencia and seems to be setting a course to allow for a wind shift which is due to reach the race area soon. Both Alinghi 5 and BMW Oracle are testing the conditions and making final adjustments to get the most out of their craft. If you are in Valencia and can bear watching without sound, then Punt 2 is showing the race and you can stream live information from www.americascup.com or from www.bmworacle.com. If you have one of those amazing ‘digiboxes’, there is a dedicated Americas Cup channel close to the Aprende Ingles channel. We will up-date you as more details become available but latest info is that racing will begin ‘soon’, which could be in as little as 15 minutes time.....

photo courtesy of bmworacleracingblog.blogspot.com

Mike O’Neill
12.00 Friday

AMERICA's CUP 33 - What's it like on the ground in Valencia?

2010-02-11T14:01:00.005+01:00

The Stars and Stripes at BMW Oracle

The Multihull and its amazing wing, longer than a jumbo jet wing.

Let's face it - it is turning out to be the biggest non-event of the year.
Battle of the Giants? Giants these boats may be but they seem just a little too delicate for the job in hand - my sailing friends tell me - assure - me that a normal America's Cup yacht would have loved the conditions on Valencia's waters these past few days.
The Press room has been teaming with press from over 37 countries - over 900 of them all waiting with bated breath for what has been billed as the race to beat all races - and there is some urgency for many of them as they will have to leave for Canada to report on the winter Olympics which start this weekend. Who is going to care (apart from the protagonists and their yacht clubs) once the Winter Olympics get under way?
For those spectators who have made the effort to make it to Valencia for this AC33 will also be deeply disappointed that they won't even be able to see the BMW Oracle boat in the flesh, the construction of the 'wing' means that it is too dangerous to bring the boat into the Marina, so it is moored out in the commercial port and, unless you are invited as friends and family or press there is just no way to see it up close. (if the visibility is good and there is no crane in the way, you can just see the huge wing in the far distance) I have been lucky enough to see it in the flesh - a very early start to see the docking out ceremony - (more of which later) and it is stunning- huge and stunning.
Which brings us on to the racing - that too will take place (if it ever happens) miles out to sea. 20 miles or so - that is a very long way from shore (think Dover to Calais) and too far away to see with the naked eye, so you can really only watch the races on television or on the internet. There is a giant screen at the AC Park with a few scattered loungers around to watch from - but there are fewer and fewer spectators each day and so any atmosphere there was is less and less tangible. The highlight so far has been the incredible Mascletà at the opening ceremony. But if you are not a fan of noise and daytime fireworks and just want to watch good sailng, you won't have been impressed.
The AC Park has been spruced a bit but they were still fixing broken decking on the Veles e Vents building on the Monday, when racing should have already started. Though there is a bar open there are empty shops. There are a few stalls acting as tapas, burger, fondue and paella bars, and they are not bad value. The general consensus on the souvenir shops is that they are far too expensive, much more so than the previous America's Cup Merchandise.
It is fascinating to watch the press conferences (you can watch them online on the teams websites) and here them talking about how great the races will be - the question is - when.
Timothy Birch
Photos ©2010 Thisisvalencia.com/Timothy Birch/Mike Adams

America's Cup 33 News- Race One...nearly (again)!

2010-02-10T20:49:00.004+01:00

Racing was postponed for two hours and then a further one hour today in an effort to allow the swell from yesterday’s high winds to subside. At around midday, race director Harold Bennett took the decision to abandon racing until Friday.

There were some interesting comments surrounding the decision. James Spithill, helmsman of USA said at the BMW Oracle press meeting: “we think probably at 10 am there was a window but having that said that, it is very easy to look from the outside. I think Harold Bennett is the right man for the job. I have full trust in Harold”. A member of the press asked “maybe you are not as well informed as Alinghi, they were saying last night there would not be a race today”. Spithill said “I can’t comment on that” but clearly was disappointed not to have been able to put the trimaran to the test.

Loick Peyron, co-helmsman of Alinghi 5 said: “The conditions were possibly boat breaking. These boats are for Formula 1 racing and you do not take them off to do the Paris-Dakar.”

There was a sense of disappointment among the crowds who had flocked to the America’s Cup port and the lack of accurate information was partly to blame. Since all the main action takes place far from the Velas y Vents building, it is essential that interest is maintained with regular broadcast up-dates.

Sadly, the programme does not allow for racing tomorrow but we will be there to assess the conditions ahead of the planned 10am start on Friday.
Mike O’Neill

NOTABLE QUOTES OF THE DAY
Harold Bennett (NZL) Principal Race Officer explained:

“We have issued an amendment that there will be no signal before midday tomorrow Wednesday). We will make a further assessment at 0830hrs in the morning. So we will have a look at what it is like early in the morning. We will take a check then. There are a lot of strong winds forecast overnight and offshore and that is going to throw up a swell. So it is more the sea-state that is going to be of concern. Until we see what the sea state is we are not going to guess. I don’t want to put the boats out there if they are not going to sail. I do not want to put them all the way out there and bring them back without a race. Talking with the weather guys from both teams they agree that this is what we are going to get, so it is a fairly easy decision to make.”

America's Cup News - Day Two and still no race!

2010-02-10T20:41:00.005+01:00

The only racingthat took place today at the AC Park was with these BMW Oracle Radio controlled model yachts.

The New Aston Martin Rapide on display in AC Park today.
Another day without a race in Valencia today, waves in excess of 1.3 metres forced organisers to cancel the races for the second time this week. More later in detail from Mike O'Neill.

America's Cup 33 News - Day One, Race One........ almost!

2010-02-08T20:02:00.002+01:00

At 0700 this morning, the two giant multihulls prepared to leave their berths; Alinghi 5 from the Puerto America’s Cup, BMW Oracle (or USA, as the boat is named) from their berth in the commercial port, the only place where they could find sufficient room to store their 68m (223 foot) wing mast.

It had already been announced that owner Larry Ellison would not be aboard USA because of critical weight restrictions but it came as quite a shock to learn that Russell Coutts, winner of three America’s Cups and still considered by many to be the best match race sailor in the world, would not be on board either! Alinghi 5 carried a crew of 14, while USA had only 10, a clear indication that they expected a light-weather race, where weight-reduction is considered more important than the skills of those crewmen left behind.

The two boats reached the course area 26 NM off the coast in good time for the 10.06 start; then spent the next four hours waiting whilst race director Harold Bennett tried to lay a fair course. Trouble was, as the morning went by the southerly breeze in the start area was countered by a westerly breeze at the planned windward mark, just 2 miles off El Saler beach.

At two o’clock, Bennett decided to abandon the start, reasoning that, if the wind died during the race, the 7 hour time limit could have the 2 huge multihulls racing in the dark; not a comfortable scenario...... The race will now be started on Wednesday, when the weather looks like clearing.
Mike O’Neill

America's Cup 33 - It all Starts today!

2010-02-08T08:35:00.003+01:00

Yesterday the AC Park at Port America's Cup was buzzing for the Official Opening Cermony of the America's Cup accompanied by one of the most spectacular Mascletàs (daytime firework displays) the city has ever seen. Today sees the first race with BMW Oracle Racing winning the toss to start the race from the starboard tack - Follow the races live on americascup.com and follow our tweets twitter.com/gooruvlc for latest through the day.

America's Cup 33 - OWNERS PRESS CONFERENCE SATURDAY 06 FEB- ELLISON IS A NO-SHOW

2010-02-07T11:08:00.002+01:00

Ernesto Bertarelli, the President of the Swiss syndicate Alinghi yesterday stated that he was saddened by the fact that his rival Larry Ellison of BMWOracle Racing had failed to show up for a joint owners press conference organised by the Americas Cup Consortium, he went on to say that he was very surprised by the absence of Mr Ellison, who had previously stated that he would not attend as his executive director Russell Coutts had not been invited to attend.
Communications Director for the Consortium, Francisco Tormo, said that it had been made very plain by the AC33 organisers that the event was a press conference of the owners and that no one else amongst the teams had been invited, or would be qualified to attend, and not that Mr Coutts would not be welcomed, but he is not the owner of the team. Mr Bertarelli, When asked why his relationship with Mr Ellison had deteriorated so much, stated that 'what happened today says it all.'
Alinghi founder Ernesto Bertarelli highlight that safety and reliability need to be key issues to be borne in mind during what promises to be an enthralling 33rd America’s Cup, scheduled to start on Monday. He asked that anyone trying to watch the matches from their own craft take special care as these are immense craft capable of huge speeds...

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AMERICA'S CUP 33

2010-02-07T10:43:00.002+01:00

Q1- How do I get there?
Metro TO NEPTUNO, tramvia TO DR LLUCH or bus TO AVENIDA DEL PUERTO
Q2 - What time and what day and is admission free.
The Port opens each day at 9am and admission is free
Q3 - What are the Teams/Countries and how many boats? how long will a race last?
The America's Cup 33 is a Deed of Gift match (read Mike O'Neill's explanation here. It is a best of three races, two boat race between Alinghi, the defender , and BMWOracle, though some would say it is a battle between owners Bertarelli and Ellison. Each race can last up to 7 hours.
Q4 - Can you watch from boats in the sea? Can I watch from home?
The organisers are strongly advising not to try and watch from sea, the course is between 20 and 40 miles out (it is a long way out - think Dover to Calais - which is around 20 miles and takes an hour and a half on a fast ferry!) It is also jolly cold out there at this time of year - the wind chill is around 5 degrees lower than on shore. Not least is the shear size and speed of these multihulls - keep away from them. You can easily watch from the shore on giant screens or from home, for the first time the races are being broadcast live on the internet on americascup.com site and there are daily broadcasts on both alinghi.com and bmworacleracing.com - we'll be blogging on thisisvalencia.blogspot.com and tweeting twitter.com/gooruvlc
Q5 - Can you see from the beach/port?
Great to see them leave and return - the atmosphere promises to be electric - and then watch with the crowds on the big screens.
Q6 - What's Happening in the Marina?
All sorts of activities, food, souvenir shops, children's activities, concerts (free) each evening
Q7 - Is there Catering - Can I eat and drink?
There is the cuisine of Switzerland, The USA and Spain. On the opening day there will be Raclette, Paella and Burgers with all proceeds going to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti
Q8 - Is there shopping/souvenirs.
But of course! Sail gear, and all kinds of AC33 souvenirs.

Two days to the start.......

2010-02-06T13:55:00.001+01:00

A ‘Battle of the Titans between the giant catamaran of Team Alinghi and the huge BMW Oracle trimaran is due to start at 10 am on Monday morning.

Rumours were circulating last night that the ‘grudge’ match between these two monsters will be decided by wind strength; the reason being that Alinghi was designed to perform best in winds up to 15 knots ( around 27km/h), whilst BMW Oracle is at her best in 10 to 25 knots (18 to 46 km/h). Mondays forecast of up to 12km winds would seem to favour Alinghi. But the nature of match racing is that many other factors come into play, such as who wins the start, who chooses the ‘right’ side of the course and which team performs best on the day. Nothing is certain until the leading boat crosses the line without incurring penalties.

One thing is certain: since each of these multihulls is capable of speeds up to 3 times that of the wind (technology has advanced that fast), we are certain to see some very exciting racing over the next few days.

In what will surely set the seal on the manner in which these races will be contested, Larry Ellison (owner of BMW Oracle) was asked if he will be going to the Owners Press Conference, due to take place at 4pm today (Saturday 6 February). He replied that Team Alinghi had requested that Russell Coutts, BMW Oracle’s CEO (and helmsman of Alinghi when they first won the America’s Cup in 2003) should not be there. “As a result of them asking Russell not to go, I am not going...” The ‘grudge’ match element was further underlined by Mr Ellison, who likened the contest to that: “....between two heavyweights who don’t much like each other”.

The opening ceremony will start at the America’s Cup port on Sunday morning and is rumoured to include some spectacular displays. More as the story unfolds....

Mike O’Neill

America's Cup 33 News - Here is the Full Agenda

2010-02-06T11:54:00.002+01:00

Saturday 6 February
10 am-6 pm AC Park open each day from today(America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
Food and drink outlets specialising in Swiss, American, Spanish and Valencian items. Official merchandise
outlets. Information points. Giant screen. Chill-out zone.
Sunday 7 February
10 am-6 pm AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
Programme of children’s activities in the children’s playground. Selection of shows for all ages. Special team show with fans for the audience.
1 pm
Opening Ceremony for the 33rd America’s Cup (America’s Cup Port)
Including a spectacular Mascletá firecracker display.
2 pm
“A Grain for Haiti” (America’s Cup Port)
Sales of Valencian paella, Swiss raclette and American hamburgers,
with the proceeds going to help earthquake victims in Haiti.
Monday 8 February
FIRST RACE
9 am-8 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
Food and drink outlets specialising in Swiss, American, Spanish and Valencian items. Official merchandise
outlets. Information points. Programme of children’s activities in the children’s playground. Giant screen. Chill-out zone.
Selection of shows for all ages. Special team show with fans for the audience.
9:30 am-12:30 pm
Children’s Day (School visits)
Neptune’s Welcome, learning about the regatta, training games and drinking chocolate.
9:45 am
Race shown live (AC Park Giant screen)
10 am
Starting pistol for Race 1 (Regatta Course)
7 pm
Free Concert (AC Park Stage)
Sedajazz (Soul and Jazz)
Tuesday 9 February
10 am-6 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
Food and drink outlets specialising in Swiss, American, Spanish and Valencian items. Official merchandise
outlets. Information points. Giant screen showing the 33rd America’s Cup. Chill-out zone. Programme of children’s activities in the children’s playground. Selection
of shows for all ages.
Wednesday 10 February
SECOND RACE
9 am-8 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
9:45am
Race shown live (AC Park Giant screen)
10 am
Starting pistol for Race 2 (Regatta Course)
7 pm
Free Concert (AC Park Stage)
Zenttric (Spanish/Valencian pop)
Thursday 11 February
10 am-6 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
Friday 12 February
THIRD RACE (if necessary)
9 am-8 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)
9:45am
Race shown live (AC Park Giant screen)
10 am
Race 3 (Regatta Course)
7 pm
Free Concert (AC Park Stage)
Polock (Spanish/Valencian pop & rock)
Saturday 13 and Sunday
14 February
10 am-6 pm
AC Park open (America’s Cup Port next to Veles i Vents building)

America's Cup 33 - it all started today with the press conferences.

2010-02-05T23:38:00.002+01:00

Both Alinghi and BMWOracle held their Press conferences tonight - Bertorelli and Ellison - It's a head to head! More her soon!

Valencia Football and the Leagues

2010-02-05T15:05:00.002+01:00

The people behind Valencia Club de Fútbol are starting a new campaign to cheer on the team and ensure their success with backing from all the fans as they build up to the national League, Champions League, and the European League, encouraging fans to jump on board different initiatives with every match played at home, in Mestalla.
This Saturday the ball gets rolling with the first step of the campaign with the match against Valladolid - all attendees are asked to wear their black and white shirts and orange scarves in true Champions League spirit, to fill the stalls with colour and give big support to the team. The club is even offering a 50% discount on said scarves at the VCF stores- from €12 the price is now down to €6
Keep an eye on thisisvalencia.com for updates as we keep you posted on future campaign news!!

Barbara is back! CHICKENS DON’T CARE

2010-02-03T16:58:00.003+01:00

CHICKENS DON’T CARE
This, I recall, is to do with a conversation I had with our builder, Hector, about putting an extractor fan in the bathroom. Hector always tells me I can’t have what I want solely because, I strongly suspect, I’m a woman. Every job completed in our apartment has ‘contention’ written all over it.
‘Can you please put an extractor fan here in this wall, please?’
‘No, not there’
'Why not?’
‘Because ….’
Because ….?’
‘Because people can walk past the outlet and if you make a smell it will embarrass you.’
‘No it won’t’, I say, followed by, ‘What people, there’s only me and my husband?’ and, finally, ‘English people don’t make smells.’
Figuring I’ve covered all bases, we glare at each other for several moments until he says: ‘The chickens’.
My neighbour keeps chickens. Our bathroom, separated by a footpath and dividing wall, backs onto his hen house. The outlet, naturally, will extract air straight at them.
‘They don’t care’, I say.

read more by clicking on the headline!

The Dogones are Simply a Myth - A Debate at the Instituto Frances in Valencia

2010-02-03T16:13:00.005+01:00

The Valencian philosopher and anthropologist Nicolas Sanchez (co-curator, among other things, the Dakar-Djibouti exhibition held at the MuVIM last year) meets with French photographer Daniel Michel(who photographed the image here and those in an exhibition at Salon Rouge debate The Dogones are Simply a Myth tomorrow night at the Instituto Frances In the Barrio del Carmen Valencia at 8pm

A view at sunset of Marina Juan Carlos 1 in Valencia, setting for the 33rd America's Cup

2010-02-03T14:31:00.005+01:00

America's Cup 33 News - Official Timetable and Opening events

2010-02-03T10:59:00.004+01:00

33rd America's Cup Official Program
Sunday 7 February from 10 am: Opening Event
Monday 8 February from 10 am: First Race
Wednesday 10 February from 10 am: Second Race
Friday 12 February: Third Race (if required)
14 - 25 February: Reserve days

05 February
Estrella Dam AC 33 Opening Party
doors open 1900h
Tinglado 2, Marina Juan Carlos I. Entry is free
Los Planetas
Nacho Vegas
La Habitiacion Roja

Photos
Alinghi
©2010 George Johns/Alinghi
BMWOracle
©2010 Gilles Martin-Raget

the 33rd America's Cup - Let me try to explain.........

2010-01-29T13:04:00.005+01:00

The 33rd America’s Cup match has been delayed so many times, it is hard for the serious players, let alone the spectator to understand the latest reasons. So let me try to explain:

A. Alinghi 5 has sails which were produced on a mould in America, then shipped to Switzerland to be glued together and finished.

B. GGYC says the whole boat, including sails, must be ‘constructed’ in the country of origin, eg Switzerland, and has taken the matter to court.

C. SNG say that, if Alinghi 5’s sails are banned, Alinghi will forfeit the series rather than race and then find they are disqualified.

"We have been clear: If BMW Oracle succeeds in disqualifying the Defender's sails then there will be no Match," Meyer said. "Russell Coutts [BMW Oracle skipper] will have won the America's Cup for Larry Ellison without sailing."

D. Everything else is just ‘smoke and mirrors’. No other legal issues are involved.

So why have BMW Oracle raised the question of sails when they know that American-made sails were used by almost all teams in the 32nd AC event without any complaint or protest. Why has it become such an issue now?

Tom Ehman of GGYC says: ....... the 33rd Match is not a normal regatta. It is not even a normal America’s Cup. It is a “Deed of Gift match” in which the clear wording of the Cup’s ruling document must be adhered to by both teams.

This statement suggests that, in previous Cup events, the use of American sails was a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between all the teams involved. Given the bad blood that exists between these two teams, it is clear that agreement or compromise is simply not possible at this late stage. It is also nearly certain that the Supreme Court will not rule on this case until after the series has begun.

Unless someone ‘blinks first’, racing will go ahead on February 8th, weather permitting. What happens after the ‘grudge match’ has been settled, and one team has ‘won’ the America’s Cup? It seems quite likely that the whole show will end up back in court. Why?, because the two teams have failed to reach agreement on so many points up to now, it seems very probable that one or the other will find a reason (genuine or spurious, depending upon your viewpoint) to protest the whole event. The fact is, they have to go racing on February 8th just to satisfy the New York Supreme Court that they were acting in accordance with the Court’s ruling; that is: if you are going to race, the race must start no later than 10 months after the Court ruled that you should!

It will still be a thrilling spectacle and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a true ‘Battle of the Giants’. We will be there on Monday, February 8 (not the12th as previously reported) and we hope to see you there.
Mike O’Neill

KASABIAN; PiL, The Specials, Ian Brown, The Prodigy are set to appear at FIB Benicassim 2010

2010-01-28T13:18:00.004+01:00

FIB organisers have announced first confirmations of the line up for FIB Benicassim 2010 and it's all Brit so far; The Prodigy , Dizzee Rascal , Ian Brown (ex Stone Roses) , Kasabian, The Specials, and PiL (Public Image Limited, Sex Pistols' John Lydon's Band) are all set to play the spanish festival on the weekend of 15th -18th July 2010. More as we get it.
Read Anita Darling and Lolita Devine's report on Last year's Fest here

Formula One official 2010 Trials - part of proceeds to go to Haiti

2010-01-28T12:01:00.001+01:00

Formula One official 2010 Trials
Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Cheste
01-01 February
A great weekend's entertainment and an absolute must for any petrolhead. 25€ gets you a grandstand seat for the whole three day event but as little as 5€ will get you into the circuit and there are VIP box offers too!
Seven of F1's 13 teams - namely Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, Renault, Sauber, Williams and Toro Rosso - have confirmed their participation in the opening group test of the 2010 pre-season.

The good news is also that part of the proceeds of the day will go to help the victims of Haiti. "Fans who buy a ticket for the tests in Valencia will also perform a humanitarian act to help after a tragedy," Garcia said.

Love Indie music? Tanned Tin is just up your alley!

2010-01-27T14:28:00.003+01:00

The very curiously named Tanned Tin Festival takes place at the Teatro Principal and the Sala Opal in Castellón from tomorrow 28 January until the 31st - It features no less than 34 rising stars of the indie scene in concerts both during the day at Sala Opal and the night at Teatro Principal. The Line up is as follows:
Thursday 28 - Teatre Principal
McEnroe 20:00h
Lacrosse 20:40h
David Thomas Broughton 21:20h
Arborea 21:55h
Dean & Britta 22:40h
The Wave Pictures 23:40h
Giant Sand 0:40h
Aidan Moffat & The Best Ofs 1:50h

Friday 29 - Teatre Principal
Ecstatic Sunshine 20:00h
Thee, Stranded Horse 20:35h
Picastro 21:20h
Callers 22:10h
Luke Haines 22:55h
Robin Guthrie 23:50h
The Third Eye Foundation 0:50h
Sleep Whale 2:05h

Saturday 30 - Teatre Principal
Kristofer Aström 20:00h
Sea of Bees 20:40h
Richard Buckner 21:20h
The Wowz 22:15h
L'Altra 23:10h
Dean Wareham plays Galaxie 500 0:10h
Savage Republic 1:15h
DD/MM/YYYY 2:15h

Wednesday 27 - Veneno Stereo
Fiesta presentación. Entrada: 6 € (fuera de abono)
Betunizer

Thursday 29 - Sala Opal
Jozef Van Wissem 13:00h
Jason Urick 13:35h
Sir Richard Bishop 14:15h
Homenaje a Jack Rose 15:05h

Saturday 30 - Sala Opal
Ching Chong Song 13:00h
Jamie Stewart 13:35h
Joe Pernice 14:25h

Sunday 31 - Sala Opal
Mi and L'au 13:00h
Castanets 13:40h
The Clientele 14:25h
The Joe K-Plan 15:15h

Formula One Trials at Cheste

2010-01-27T14:15:00.004+01:00

Great news for all you petrolheads out there! The official trials for Formula One 2010 take place the weeknd of the 01-03 February at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit at Cheste. Three days of Formula One thrills for a very low price - 25€ get you grandstand seats for the whole weekend. Get on down! If you need a hotel click here for great rates!
If you want more information on what's on and what's great in Valencia visit our site by clicking on the title above!

Arctic Monkeys Headline MTV Winter in Valencia

2010-01-27T14:06:00.002+01:00

The third MTV Winter to be held and televised to millions of MTV viewers around the world takes place on 13 February in the wonderful City of Arts & Sciences in Valencia, Spain. It is usually a spectacular night and this year looks like it will be no exception with a great line up headed by the Arctic Monkeys, who are supported by the Mystery Jets, Lightspeed Champion and Fuzzy White Casters. Get there early as the event is free and people come from miles to see it.

America's Cup 33 News - It is going to be broadcast live - and free on the web!

2010-01-27T14:01:00.003+01:00

photo©2010 David Inwood
The Société Nautique du Genève (SNG), trustee of the America’s Cup, has delegated the responsibility for organising the media and event activities for the 33rd America’s Cup to Consorcio Valencia 2007. The 33rd America’s Cup promises to be a regatta unlike everything which has been seen so far.

The two fastest boats in history will fight for the America’s Cup over race courses that are up to six times bigger than the ones used in the 32nd America’s Cup. For this reason, the TV coverage of the racing will be key. For the first time in history, the races will be broadcast live and free of charge through www.americascup.com to reach the biggest, widest possible audience, including all the fans who will not be able to be in Valencia to witness live this historic competition

The on-shore action will be concentrated at the Veles e Vents, the landmark building central to Port America’s Cup. A giant screen will be installed for fans and spectators to follow the races live as well as enjoying a host of complementary activities around the Port area. The International media centre with capacity for 150 journalists will be in close proximity to the Veles e Vents.

Jorge Gisbert, General Director of Consorcio Valencia 2007: « We are very grateful to have the event back at Port America’s Cup, in the short term we have available we will do our utmost to set the stage for an unforgettable event here in Valencia. »

To organise this event in a short time Gisbert has surrounded himself with an international team involved in the execution of the 32nd America’s Cup. This team led by Michel Hodara (SUI, 48) consists of seasoned professionals in the field of television, media, public entertainment and hospitality.

Alinghi's Marquee flies on Valencia's High winds!

2010-01-14T21:20:00.005+01:00

David Inwood is our man on the spot at the port in the lead up to the 33rd America's Cup here in Valencia. David and his wife are overwintering on their yacht in the Marina Juan Carlos 1 and have already experienced more extreme weather conditions in their few months here than most of us have seen in ten years!
Today was no exception ...
We've had a wild and wonderful morning in winds gusting up to 59kts. Apart from minor damage to boats around us, the main event was seeing the new Alinghi marquee at the end of the marina blown to smithereerns!

read Mike O'Neill's excellent columns on the recent events leading up to this latest America's Cup

IS FEBRUARY GOOD FOR YOU?

2009-12-21T14:45:00.001+01:00

Is February good for you? I sincerely hope so because I want as many of you as possible to get down to the America’s Cup port and cheer on BMW Oracle as they (hopefully) kick the stuffing out of Ernesto Bertarelli and his Team Alinghi.

Bertarelli who, five years ago showed vision and determination by selecting Valencia as the first European venue for an America’s Cup series in 2007and who went on to win the Cup for a second time. Bertarelli who, in his misplaced arrogance, dictated new terms for the next Cup series that many teams found unacceptable, leading to a series of court cases that have dragged on for two and a half years.

The event was scheduled to start on February 8th but has now been put back to Feb 12th to give both teams the chance to get their craft here (Alinghi from Ras Al Khaimah in the Arabian Gulf, BMW Oracle from San Diego,USA) and ‘up to speed’.

At this point, the main focus should be on how to stage the event in such a way as to create a new sense of excitement for the America’s Cup, a trophy which has been the subject of controversy ever since it was first awarded in 1851.

The two contending giant multihulls built for this one-off series are capable of speeds in excess of 80kph (50mph). Anyone who wants to view the event from the water will either need a very fast boat or some extremely powerful binoculars. Even then, things will happen so fast (by yachting standards, at least) that spectators will be left wondering what happened. The best bet may well be to watch the event on television. Even assuming this is an option, much of the excitement of the live action will still be lost.

A possible solution would be to mount television cameras in the tethered balloon, a feature of the 32nd Cup series, but with a racecourse 10 miles long and at least one mile from shore, the camera will need to be especially good. A better solution would be to use an airship, capable of following the action without the turbulence caused by helicopters (although these will certainly be in evidence).

On land, the America’s Cup port houses a giant screen, allowing visitors to get the atmosphere of the event. This needs to be able to accommodate a larger audience than before, since it should be the prime area for visitors keen to get a good ‘feel’ for what is going on at sea. The port might also consider building viewing platforms so that members of the public can get a closer look at these two monstrous craft as they prepare to do battle.

The spectator event itself should be organzised by Jorge Martinez Aspar of Valmor Sports as, heaven knows, he probably needs the cash after the poor turnout at Formula One Valencia. With one proviso, it must be affordable. No-one is going to pay huge sums of money for what could turn out to be a one-sided match. But they willl turn up if the price is right and they are promised the chance to hiss and boo Mr Bertarelli as he hands over the America’s Cup to the winners.

Mike O’Neill
21 Dec 2009
NB This article does not necessarily reflect the views of thisisvalencia.com or its management.

Surel Not, Queen Elizabeth II just doesn't do that!

2009-11-23T17:22:00.003+01:00

Christmas is fast approaching and very soon you won't be able to turn without bumping into a Belén. A Belén is a nativity scene, so popular are they in this country that not only are there public ones, sometimes comprising of thousands of pieces, but most homes don't feel complete without one, and they often take up enormous amounts of space in people's flats and houses, There is a particularly curious tradition in the the more northerly parts of Spain and that is the inclusion of El Caganer somewhere in the scene. Traditionally it is the squatting figure of a shepherd - crapping. The fruits of his labour beneath his naked rear for all to see. This year the website caganer.com has some interesting celebrity caganers, most notably Queen Elisabeth(sic) II. I was always told that royalty didn't!!

Opera Flash mob in Valencia's Mercado Central

2009-11-16T15:57:00.005+01:00

Opera en el Mercado from esoqueseconocecomolaopera on Vimeo.

Wish I'd been there! I just love these things. Members of Valencia's wonderful opera house, Palau de les Arts a couple of days ago in the beautiful Art Nouveau Mercado Central, said to be Europe's largest covered indoor market. See more of this beautiful city by visiting thisisvalencia.com or buying Tim Birch's excellent just published Frommer's guide to the city 'Valencia day by day'

Nick Nolte in Valencia!

2009-11-11T19:10:00.004+01:00

Nick Nolte (centre) with Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr, Jack Black, Brandon T Jackson and Jay Baruchel in the action comedy Tropic Thunder

Could this be the very spot Nick Nolte films at?

Hollywood Veteran Nick Nolte visits the Comunidad Valenciana for five weeks when he begins filming a new movie to be made on location in Valencia and at the City of Light studios in Alicante, The film, provisionally entitled 'Mi Querido Desconocido' (My unknown beloved) is the directorial debut for Madrilenian Maria Kannon Cle, and tells the story of people who meet at a set of traffic lights. The traffic lights in question are said to be those in the Plaza Ayuntamiento in Valencia. Filming starts 29 November and also stars Ángela Molina and Fernando Guillén. It is being shot simultaneously in Spanish and English and has a surprisingly low budget of 2 million euros . If we can find out the actual day of filming in the Plaza Ayuntamiento - we'll let you know!!

Viva Valencia!!

2009-11-11T18:49:00.003+01:00

08/11/2009 - San Diego (USA, CA) - 33rd America's Cup - BMW ORACLE Racing - Wing revealed. Photographer: Gilles Martin-Raget

Team Alinghi have agreed that the America’s Cup ‘Deed of Gift’ series will, after all, take place in Valencia next February. The series will be fought by Cup defenders Team Alinghi against BMW Oracle, who challenged the Swiss team following the uproar resulting from Alinghi’s selection of a ‘tame’ Spanish challenger in July 2007. The ensuing litigation has dragged on through two and a quarter years and 8 court hearings.

The contestants will meet in two outrageously-modern multihulls, quite unlike any previously craft seen in America’s Cup racing. Team Alinghi have chosen a giant catamaran, whilst BMW Oracle have gone for a trimaran. Both craft are capable of speeds in excess of 50 knots (92.kph), so the closing speeds will be terrifying; especially for those on board!

Many details of the event are yet to be decided but one thing is certain – this contest will be a spectacular no-holds-barred fight to the finish.

‘Valencia is the best option’

2009-11-02T11:14:00.001+01:00

The US Supreme Court last week ruled that the 33rd America’s Cup ‘Deed of Gift’ races should either take place in Valencia or at some venue in the Southern Hemisphere (it’s a bit warmer there in February, I believe). Russell Coutts, skipper of BMW Oracle said: “Valencia is the best option to get the America’s Cup back on track as soon as possible.”

A late-night telephone conversation between Rita Barberá and representatives from Team Alinghi seems to have confirmed Valencia as the probable venue.

There remain several obstacles to overcome before the event can truly be said to be certain. The biggest is the need for the two teams to agree to an independent, neutral jury with the usual powers to set courses and settle disputes. Another is the need to clean up the America’s Cup Port, which has been sadly neglected over the last two years. The jury question may be settled in court, following Justice Shirley Kornreich’s order that both parties should choose a rules expert who would then select an independent third. These three could then debate the whole matter in court on Wednesday 4 November.

The pace is quickening now, with just 3 months to go until the event. We will bring you up-dates as the news breaks.
Mike O’Neill
Valencia
02 November 2009

BMW Oracle: ‘return America’s Cup 33 Match to Valencia’

2009-10-27T11:45:00.005+01:00

“The America’s Cup is meant to be hard to win, not impossible to lose,” Russell Coutts

In the latest round of court battles with Team Alinghi, BMW Oracle’s hosts Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) of San Francisco have stated:

“GGYC has served our reply brief and exhibits on SNG and filed them with the NY Court. Our latest filing is a point by point rebuttal of SNG's opposition papers to our motion asking the Court to invalidate RAK as the venue and return the AC 33 Match venue to Valencia in February, 2010. The hearing on this venue motion, and our motion for fair rules previously briefed (and papers posted below), is Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 11am, Supreme Court of New York County, 60 Centre St., New York City.” 19 Oct 09

Team Alinghi, through their club Societe Nautique de Geneve SNG, replied:

Geneva, Switzerland - (2009-10-27)
“By filing their eighth legal action against the Defender of the America's Cup in two years, Larry Ellison and his Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) have demonstrated yet again that their true intention is to win sailing's most prestigious trophy in court instead of on the water. After failing in their attempts to circumvent the terms set in the governing Deed of Gift, Ellison is now seeking to snatch the Cup from Société Nautique de Genève (SNG) with a new round of baseless allegations,” said Fred Meyer, Société Nautique de Genève Vice-Commodore. “As two-time winner of the America's Cup and organiser of what was widely considered the most successful America's Cup event ever in Valencia, Spain, in 2007, SNG and Alinghi will continue to fight for their legitimate rights in order to promote the sport of sailing around the world. We hope that GGYC will abandon this unsportsmanlike conduct and either join the competition on the waters off Ras Al Khaimah this February or let other teams who want to participate challenge for the Cup,” he concluded.

Alinghi team skipper Brad Butterworth said: “BMW Oracle should clean up their unsportsmanlike behaviour with a dose of saltwater and sunshine and challenge for the Cup on the water. Otherwise they should stand aside and let other teams compete.”

"The complaint is an affront to the America's Cup, to the UAE, to our country's relationship with an important ally, and to the judicial process. It is just a PR stunt. There is nothing in the complaint that hasn't been the subject of prior or pending legal proceedings. Basically, GGYC doesn't want to race SNG on the water after it disenfranchised 19 other clubs from competing in an elimination series and dislocated hundreds of sailors and participants in the sailing industry,” concluded lead counsel for the Société Nautique de Genève, Barry Ostrager of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.

It is perhaps significant that, where GGYC have simply stated their intention to continue their court action, SNG used their reply to continue maligning Team BMW Oracle and questioning their motives. It would be nice to think that, following the court’s decision later today, a line can be drawn under this sorry chapter in the history of the America’s Cup..........but don’t hold your breath... If Ernesto Bertarelli can be persuaded to put the bad feelings that exist between him and Larry Ellisson to one side, Valencia would welcome both teams back with open arms.

Sorolla returns to Valencia

2009-10-07T17:20:00.003+02:00

I was determined to see the Sorolla exhibition once again on its return to Valencia, the last stop before the paintings are returned to their rightful home in the Hispanic Society of New York. This marvellous exhibition has been all over Spain, starting and ending here in Valencia but visiting Sevilla, Málaga, Barcelona, Bilbao and Madrid on the way and becoming a record breaker as the most visited Art exhibition in Spain with over two million visitors.

A clever friend rang me to tell me that as we were clients of Bancaja, the exhibition organisers we could have priority booking (entrance is free but only a limited number of people are allowed in at any one time and though you can turn up on spec, the queues are likely to be very long) so we got a time slot for Monday and met six friends there to see the show. Anyone who lives in Valencia or visits regularly cannot fail to know a little about this artist, his pictures crop up on posters and adverts all over the city- he is, after all one of Valencia's three favourite sons, along with Blasco Ibañez and Calatrava.

The exhibition consists mainly of the enormous panels he was commissioned by the Hispanic Society depicting life throughout his homeland of Spain painted in the latter years of his life, between 1890 and 1915. It is said that these paintings exhausted him and contributed to his stroke the year following their completion.

It is quite an experience seeing an exhibition with so many people. It is fascinating to realize that we all take different things from a work, what I found in one picture T would see something else, B spotted another aspect, or a piece left Th cold and was inspirational to D...Sorrollas work is extraordinary, apart from the sheer enormity of the pieces, (One is over 17m long), the way he captures light with a few brush strokes is fantastic.

I have two favorite panels, one was the 'Grupas' (actually a Valencian piece), a wonderful party of orange pickers and their families on horses riding through the groves. My other has to be the largest of the panoramic panels entitled 'Castilla- la Fiesta de Pan', it is a scene typical even today of a summer fiesta, the detail is extraordinary, the children and costumes beautiful, faces so alive, and baskets of ceramics so real you feel you could touch them.

On show for the first time in Valencia are two other wonderful paintings; the gorgeous 'Afternoon Sun' and the sweet image of two children playing on the shore 'Sea idyll'. Also on display is what is probably Sorolla's most famous work 'Triste Herencia' a moving painting of crippled children playing in the sea, a painting which earned Sorolla the Grand Prix and a medal of Honour at the Universal Exhibition in Paris 1900.

It is worth queuing to see this exhibition, the last time it was here in Valencia it proved so popular that it remained open 24 hours a day in its final weeks. Get there early to see this remarkable work.
DJB

Serendipity and the Beatles

2009-10-07T16:53:00.005+02:00

It's not everyday you stumble upon the Beatles in the streets of Valencia!
On arriving in Valencia from out of town Monday morning, I came across a rock band setting up outside the bullring.
Intrigued, I hang around looking a bit like an ageing groupie! After a short warm up session whilst a few photographers and a crew from Canal 9 did some filming, the band finally got going.
The logo on their drum-kit was a good clue to the music we were about to hear! The Blisters, sang the music of the Beatles to a small but appreciative crowd, many of whom, including me, were singing, and even bopping, along to the rhythm. Very good they were too, though sadly they didn't look at all like the real Beatles! I must have been a little over zealous in my dancing because I ended up being interviewed by Canal Nou - what, I wonder is the 'Spanglish' equivalent of Valenciano and English? Whatever it is, it must have sounded funny!
A visit to the Blisters' website (theblister.es) will show you that they appeared live at Liverpool's Legendary Cavern Club in August and their next live appearance in Valencia is at Abastos at 20:00h on 19 December. Their manager tells me they are available for weddings, Bar Mitzvas....
DJB

Holding up the traffic in Valencia

2009-09-23T19:54:00.003+02:00

Around 200 cyclists braved the appalling weather took to the streets of Valencia again yesterday in support of the 'most democratic use of the public highways' during the European Day without Cars

Valencia's 600 or so annual fiestas

2009-09-23T16:05:00.005+02:00

As we have mentioned many times before, there are over 600 fiestas annually in the Comunidad Valenciana alone. The biggest and best is the Extraordinary Las Fallas held between the 15th and 19th March each year, and the most famous is La TOmatina, the crazy tomato throwing fight held each year on the last wednesday in August.
Almost every town, village and hamlet celebrates Fiestas Patronales at some time of the year. This week it is the turn of Quart (among many others) and their fiestas are dominated by cattle, Bous y Vaquillas (bulls and cows). The entire village is gated with 2 metre high reinforced steel gates - bars just wide enough for pedestrian inhabitants to squeeze through - and the village is virtually traffic free for the duration.
The larger, and more sedate, bulls are let loose in the street, one at a time, twice a day on two days of the week-long fiesta. Once, in the early evening, they are chased (and chase) the younger braver men of the village. Then later at around midnight they chase around the village again - but this time they are 'embollar' - flaming torches are attached to their horns. The larger bull shown above unfortunately rammed the gate too hard and did serious damage to itself and had to be put down prior to the midnight outing.
The cows, who are fiestier and more nimble -and therefore much more fun to play with- make a San Fermin style entry into the village. Half a dozen of them enter the Plaza Mayor, which has cages to hide in all around the Plaza and one cow at a time is pitched against the young men. I was amazed that there was no sand on the ground and the cows kept sliding on the wax from the hundreds of candles from the previous night's religious procession.
It is all quite curious, but extremely popular with not only the locals but people from all around the area who descend on the village to take part or watch.
There is a fantastic sense of friendship around the villages during fiestas, on the night of the big procession people were sharing meals with neighbours and friendsat long tables in the streets in front of their houses and tradition holds that you open your front doors wide as the procession passes. Look in the press for Nuestras Fiestas and try and take a walk around a village during this lovely family time .

Karpov vs Kasparov meet tonight at the Palau de les Arts

2009-09-22T12:05:00.005+02:00

Valencia is host to two major Chess events this week; The internacional symposium on “Valencia Cuna del Ajedrez Moderno” (Valencia, cradle of the modern chess) and the long awaited rematch of Karpov vs Kasparov.
The Symposium starts today at 4pm and is followed at 7pm by the first round of the matches between Karpov and Kasparov - the SemiRapids it will be the first time they have played against each other since 1985 (picture above)
All very exciting stuff and Palau de les Arts is a great venue for the competition

LES ALFABEGUES (or The Tomatina without tomatoes – see link, still time to book)

2009-08-20T17:45:00.004+02:00

The legend:
I have never been to Les Alfabegues festival but this year I was invited so was forced to say 'thank you' nicely. I had, of course, heard about it ... such fun, all these hefty guys stagger through the streets of Bétera wearing flowery shirts and straw hats carrying huge floats (over 2 metres high) of Basil decorated with roses at the top, whilst drinking copious amounts of Sangria and a homebrewed concoction that is anybody's guess. Every so often they stop to sing loud, rousing songs in praise of the humble Basil plant accompanied by brass bands. And if that isn't joyful enough for you there are others guys with huge bags of confetti who throw it all over you (you are not allowed to throw it back) where its specially gluey properties clamps itself to your sweaty skin ensuring that you will be unable to remove it before Christmas unless, of course, you get lucky and one of the residents throws a bucket of water over you from a first floor balcony. By the end, then, you're knee deep in tiny bits of sticky paper, it's 43º and you're soaked in either sweat or water, or both, with confetti in your underwear where it's worked its way into awkward little places even you don't want to go, wondering what you're doing here ... how blissful is that?

The truth:
This is a joyous festival, full of fun and laughter, music and singing. Even the little ones join in carrying small floats of basil between them, their small faces shining with pride, dressed in their flowery costumes and straw hats. The confetti is hurled with wild abandon and in places reaches almost to your knees. In England this festival would be banned. One because it makes a terrible mess (no less than 6 tons of Confetti are used in the two hours or so) and, two lots of drink is involved and fighting would, sadly, inevitably break out. But here everyone is good-natured and here to enjoy the spectacle and be part of this most important day.

The facts:
No-one actually knows when the festival first began – some say the 19th century, some say it's been going on since Roman times – but the purpose is to celebrate the rebirth of life after winter, to honour The Virgin of the Assumption and ask for the protection and welfare of her people. The seeded Basil of Bétera is acknowledged to be the largest and most magnificent in the world. The previous record was measured by the Notary at the Garden of Basil and reached 2.59m. This year the long, dry summer has been perfect for growing the Basil, making Ramon Asensi, the man in charge of the cultivation of the plants, extremely happy because he has a new record - not in height but in girth this year.

NB: Basil is a native plant of Persia and South East Asia and was first introduced into Europe by the Greeks, becoming highly prized by the Romans both as a culinary herb and for its curative properties. In Egypt it was used in the process of mummification.

Valencia Formula 1 Experience at Bonaire

2009-08-20T16:06:00.004+02:00

I read in one of the papers last week that a Scalextric replica of the Valencia Formula 1 circuit was being set up at Bonaire. Since Luke, my twelve year-old grandson, was flying back to England last Tuesday, I decided to take him for a look on the way to the airport. The model is housed in a tent by the main entrance.. There are six cars and a raised area where the joystick controls give the would-be racer a good view of the circuit. At the front of the stand is a full-size Formula 1 car with a large LCD screen, allowing drivers to pit their skills against the best in the world. The queues were long and, knowing we only had thirty minutes to spare, which queue should he choose? Luke went for the Scalextric track while I spoke to Dora, a member of the Bonaire marketing team. Explaining our predicament, I hoped she would find a way for Luke to take a turn with one of the cars. Instead, Dora called her manager over and an excited young man was boosted to the front of the queue. After five thrilling minutes racing in a highly competitive field (and the cars are very fast), Luke was escorted to the F1 simulator where, against a background of envious boys, he was pitched into an exhilarating ten-lap race.
All too soon, it was time to rush off to the airport. Before we left, Dora asked for an email address so that photos could be forwarded. A truly memorable experience!

Alonso, YouTube and George Clooney - Formula One Valencia

2009-08-20T10:50:00.006+02:00

George and his Nespresso Ads, If he's not here in person - these ads will be all around

The VIP Meeting Point at Valencia Street Circuit.

With the Second Formula One European Grand Prix about to take place on the Valencia Street Circuit rumours and news stories are rife:-
Confirmed is the fact that Renault won their appeal and Fernando Alonso will race alongside team mate Romain Grosjea. Alonso is hoping to score a podium finish in front of his adoring home fans this year. The decision came a little too late for Valmor, the organisers of the Valencia Grand Prix as ticket sales were so low that they didn't build as many stands this year...Schumacher's proposed visit boosted sales a little, but then he pulled out.
Confirmed also is that multimillionare Co-founder of YouTube, Chad Hurley has announced that he is the major backer of the new US F1 team, whose first car will be ready in October, they will be one of three new teams next season.
Unconfirmed, but a very strong rumour is that George Clooney is on his way down to Valencia with his yacht which he is hoping to more in the Marina within the Valencia Street Circuit - we'll let you know when it's confirmed!

Alonso Will Race In Valencia after all!

2009-08-17T16:18:00.004+02:00

The FIA decided at 09:30 this morning that Fernando Alonso will be allowed to race in Valencia after all. There are rumours all over Valencia that 'Saint Rita'- Rita Barbera personally intervened and had a word in Bernie Eccleston's ear. The decision is just a little too late to affect ticket sales for the Valencia Street Circuit, but it will come as a relief to all Spaniards. Tomorrow, the Federation will decide what the new sanction on Alonso and Team Renault will replace this lifted ban.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton is returning to F1 in Valencia after a four week summer breakand says he's "still buzzing from the win in Hungary and I'm hopeful of being able to carry that pace into the Valencia weekend - particularly with our new upgrades to the car!"

Could be an exciting weekend after all!

“freakismo” The Valencian Oscar

2009-08-11T12:56:00.003+02:00

Golden Delicious Fartons - the Freak Film Festival's version of the Oscar

The Freak Film Festival (FFF) draws to an end in Valencia on Thursday 13 August. The prizegiving for this “anti-festival” of film shorts will parody “Hollywood glamour” in a ceremony with a Valencian version of the Oscar, the “Golden Delicious Fartons”.
Ali G and Bruno star, Sacha Cohen Baron, is honoured and has been invited to the festival. Not clear as of yet if he is coming. (Almost definitely NOT. Though the organisers tell us they are trying to convince him to come with a video!!)

300 “videomakers” are said by the organisers to be projecting short shorts. The contest is now in its second year in Valencia but has also taken place in Berlin, New York, London and next, in Tijuana.

FFF define the concept “freak” as a rash (Lost in translation?) “the alternative thing, the different thing, the rare thing, the unusual thing” with a touch of “inevitable” humour.

But the philosophy of the FFF is the one of the “counterattack”, a proclamation of the “anti-festival” to supplant the “dawn of the cinema director” that abounds in the festivals of short films that flood the cities of the world. According to Sheila Conte, one of FFF's organisers, “We wanted something more democratic so that any person of the world through the facilities of the new technologies could participate”.

The films have been (and are being) projected on various locations around Valencia from a van mounted projector, and include “a squalid wall of a ruined farmhouse near a local cemetery in Benimaclet” and tomorrow 12 August on the beach at Puig close to a "30 metre high Pylon near an Urbanización!

Prizes will be in the Umbracle at around 23:30 on the 13th , and will include “a red carpet". Oh! and the official drink of the FFF - Horchata of course!
Mmmmm!! Don't you love Valencia!

Festival d’Estiu Sagunto Presents Ainhoa Arteta In the Roman Theatre

2009-08-11T11:35:00.004+02:00

Ainhoa Arteta appears for one night only In the Roman Theatre in Sagunto singing songs from her latest album of famous songs down the ages. Songs include Presley's "Love me Tender", Lennon and McCartney's "Michelle" and Clapton's "Tears in Heaven". Inmaculada Gil Lázaro, director general of Teatres de la Generalitat describes Ainhoa Arteta as an artist who manages to generate moments of high voltage emotion of with her remarkable soprano voice, and who moves with this greatness between popular and classical music”. An artist of this stature together with the beautiful setting of the Roman Amphitheatre of Sagunto should make this evening, part of the Festival d’Estiu Sagunto, an unforgettable evening
Performance is at 22:30. Tickets are only 25€

Valencia - Schumacher deals another blow to the city!

2009-08-11T10:13:00.004+02:00

So now Schumacher is NOT racing for Massa at Valencia Street Circuit. On Schumacher's website he says "Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately I’m not able to step in for Felipe. I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn’t work out. Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible."

This is awful newsnot only for the city, but for the organisers, Valmor Sports too, they are going to be besieged by angry fans wanting their money back - though chances are very slim on that score .

Let's hope the persistent rumours that Alonso may be allowed to race here after all are true! More as we get it.

On a separate note, has anyone noticed that the Movistar/Telefonica poster of the event all over town shows the originally proposed route going past the City of Arts and Sciences - Did nobody tell them or their ad agents it had been changed?

Leonard Cohen to Play live in Valencia

2009-08-10T18:20:00.003+02:00

LEONARD COHEN is to play live in Valencia at the Velodrome on 18 September as part of his world tour. The man is amazing, he will be celebrating his 71 birthday on the tour! Book your tickets now, this is bound to be a sellout.

33 America's Cup- Do you really care?

2009-08-10T18:05:00.004+02:00

The long-awaited ‘grudge match’ between Alinghi and BMW Oracle is closer to being arranged........but not much closer.
For those of you still following this story after two years, yes two years of court cases and verbal sparring, this will not come as any surprise. For those who are reading about this for the first time.......it would take too long to explain, so read the back-pages if you want the full story. A brief summary is impossible.
But it is not going to happen in Valencia but in Ras al-Khaimah, bet the teams are happy about that!
read (much) more on this sad and convoluted story by clicking the headline.
Words 2009 Mike O'Neill
Image of First sail for Alinghi 5 on Lake Geneva ©2009 Carlo Borlenghi/Alinghi

NO PLAIN SAILING!

2009-08-10T17:51:00.003+02:00

That’s it – it’s definite! The America’s Cup is NOT coming back to Valencia. (Although there’s always a small voice somewhere from the Town Hall that says, “Well, it might just if…and then gives a fairy tale list of if, buts and maybes that will never – but never happen.)

Which leaves us with the question, “What are we going to do with the beautiful white elephant that is the Puerto Americas Cup?”

This multi-million euro drain on the public purse had a brief couple of months of glory in 2007 and has since stood all but deserted. On the cusp of the Formula 1 event, whose track runs through the port, the only people in attendance were a team of cleaners washing down the enormous windows of Veles i Vents, the once posh VIP centre for the Americas Cup, now looking sad and dejected – but clean! A few workmen are tarting up the cafés and restaurants, but broken plant holders and streaked paint give off an air of neglect.

At five minutes before two on a Friday lunchtime (07 August - 3weeks before F1), when restaurants would normally be filling up, the staff at elegant Arribar set out on the terrace over forty tables, each with four chairs, with half as many again inside – with not one customer. Throughout the chi-chi area not one member of the general public moves, sits down to lunch or even takes a beer.

Weeds grow through the slats of the wooden seats built for people to watch the Cup races on enormous TV screens. It’s a perfect place to have an open air cinema, under the stars, with a cooling breeze blowing off the Med, but the Town Hall doesn’t seem to have thought of that, or thought of anything else to do with enormous area of big venue spaces, open air walkways, fancy bars and restaurants – it even has its own Victorian bandstand. But there’s no sign of the floating golf course we’ve been promised – at least we can be grateful for something!

So, wanted, an astute, inventive, far-sighted entrepreneur, with ideas, plenty of money and an ability to deal with a lot of bureaucratic plonkers.
words and images ©2009 Derek Workman

YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BASIL PLANTS THIS BIG!

2009-08-08T13:02:00.002+02:00

LES ALFABEGUES IN BÉTERA -15 AUGUST - YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BASIL PLANTS THIS BIG!
This is an interesting and fragrant festival, most of the village turn out in flowery costume and the world's biggest Basil Plants (When I say big, I am talking over two metres high and carried by at least eight men or women) are paraded through the streets accompanied along decorated and painted streets by men carrying confetti (and throwing copious amounts of it) and pulling barrels of beer or wine. By the end of the morning the town is knee deep in confetti and there is a fair amount of hosing down by the Alameda. more by clicking the headline

La Tomatina - Get on the bus!

2009-08-07T13:01:00.006+02:00

Thisisvalencia's Tomatina Tour is back again for another round of tomato-slinging fun this Summer 09! 26 August
Our day trip includes a return journey on a lovely cool coach, the whole Tomatina in Buñol, a shower and swim to cool and clean off, and a delightful lunch of tapas and Paella (and all the beer and sangria you can drink!) before heading back to Valencia for around 6pm.
The best bits are:
·You can leave your gear on the coach, so can slosh around in tomatoes without a care in the world, safe in the knowledge your things won't get lost, stolen or broken
· We give you a pair of goggles so you don't get nasty bits in your eyes
· The shower and swim on the way home - to get back to the City clean, dry, and tom-free is a luxury, believe us!
· You get to meet a really fun group of people on the bus! (and you get to meet the TIVlc team - always a pleasure!!!)

Our start point is the Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 9am, and we get back to the same place for around 6 in the afternoon. All this, including the goggles and lunch of course! for just 55 euros.

If you want to book a place on our great tour please go here and follow the link asap. Places are limited and sell out fast.

Amán - Ballet at the Roman Theatre in Sagunto

2009-08-05T10:12:00.003+02:00

Sagunto's excellent Festival D'Estiu continued at the weekend in the glorious Roman Theatre that sits above the city, with 'Aman' by the fine company of Ballet de Teatres de la Generalitat. Choreographed by Patrick de Bana, and based loosely on the greek myth of Penelope and Ulysses, it was billed as a multicultural spectacular with not only classical music from Bach, Albinoni but also music from Armenia, Turkey and Morrocco. It certainly sounded like an interesting proposition at the press conference in Valencia last friday.
We arrived in Sagunto early to take our time walking up the ferociously steep Calle Castillo in the heat of the evening. I am so glad we did; street performers playing music or dancing or painting to music were dotted along our route all the way to the entrance, even so, we were still early and were able to get our breath back with a cool breeze sitting on the wall outside the gate to the Amphitheatre.
We finally took our seats and looked down to a stage bare but for seats for the orchestra and choir to the left and to the right seats for the Morrocan female musicians.
It all started rather slowly with two soloists singing with the orchestra and, dimly lit, two dancers walking along the back of the stage very slowly and making their way to the centre. That ended and they began to dance. It gradually became a delightful and hugely energetic and entertaining ballet. Th couple were replaced on stage by three wonderfully spirited dancers dressed in white, who were in turn replaced by a marvelously androgynous dancer, she was joined by more dancers in two's and seven's and so the pattern was set - the three in white danced to the drum and voices of Bnat Houriyat, one moment dervish-like and the next covering the stage in record time from side to side. There was music from a quartet of musicians playing Armenia and Turkey and the orchestra and choir played and sang the Music of Bach and Albinoni. mch of the dancing was the dance equivalent of 'rounds' in music and was so exciting and effective.
It was a remarkable performance which unfortunately was only on for two nights at the Roman theatre, but you will have another chance to see this beautiful show when it returns for a few nights in November at the Teatre Principal in Valencia, we'll remind you closer to the time and urge you not to miss it.
Amán Ballet photos ©2009 Festival D'Estiu
Street Photos © Diana Birch for thisisvalencia

Mercadona checkout

2009-07-30T22:24:00.001+02:00

Since when did checkout ladies become sales assistants? That’s what seems to be happening lately at my local Mercadona, and at probably everyone else’s, I suppose.

I’ve been offered shrink-wrapped half-melons, two loaves for the price of one, a fold-up makeup bag for the beach – that was before the young girl looked up as saw I was a chap with a skin that was well past moisturiser and lip seal, although one little darling insisted on outlining the benefits of a new skin softening and anti-aging soap that was on offer. I’m sixty years old with a face like a washboard. I admired her persistence, but I didn’t think I’d be a perfect test case. I saw her a couple of weeks later and said I’d bought a bar and did she think it had made any difference?

I’ve just got back from the milk and bread run, and the checkout offers seem to have been continuing in personal care and hygiene mode. Dora, or so her name tag called her, asked me if I’d like some shower gel for only one euro, and opened the cap for me to appreciate the delectable aroma. I lost my sense of smell about five years ago, and besides, I prefer a bar of soap, so that did no good. Then she asked if I’d like some shampoo for the same bargain price, but even she had to laugh, along with everyone else in the queue, when I just simply pointed at my head. I’m bald as a coot, with only a fine stubble protecting my shiny skull from the suns rays.

©2009 Derek Workman

We’re all going on a lemming’s holiday

2009-07-30T22:16:00.002+02:00

Everyone likes to squeeze the last moments out of their summer holiday, but no-one moreso than the Spanish. The ‘Salida’, the mass exodus from city to beach that takes place on Friday afternoon, the weekend nearest the 1st August, and the ‘Entrada’ the return on the Sunday of the last weekend of the month, are the times when you shouldn’t be seen dead on Spanish roads or that is what you might actually be seen – dead.
No-one seems prepared to leave a day later or earlier to avoid the record pile-ups or massive tail-backs, and each year the government and national police launch ‘Operación Salida’ (and ‘Entrada’) in an attempt to lessen the traffic blow – and invariably fail. The May holiday weekend is seen as a barometer of the August rush (a contradiction in terms if ever there was one) and this year’s indicates that is going to be a busy time for the emergency services.
The Costa Blanca has been historically known as la playa de Madrid - Madrid’s beach, and hordes of escaping masrileños descend on the beaches and resorts of the region. Last year traffic jams covered almost 170 kilometres of motorway during the salida, almost half the distance from the Capital to Valencia city, and a trip that usually takes a comfortable four hours was taking up to twenty. On their return, the tens of thousands who fought their way to the coast fought their way home again, this time, according to pleased police sources, they only had to endure tailbacks of 90 kms trying to enter the capital city. It was also a good weekend as far as deaths were concerned, a mere 39 people died in 37 accidents, while in 35 accidents in which no mortality occurred a paltry 16 were considered serious.
After a month of wall-to-wall people on Valencia’s beaches last year, fighting for a restaurant table and facing the worst traffic jams for years, the madrileños and Spanish from all corners of the country will have forgotten all about them in their lemming-like rush to the sea for the August holiday. Only one question remains to be answered – why?

@2009 Derek Workman

JAMES TAYLOR STEAMROLLERED AT VIVEROS

2009-07-27T22:50:00.006+02:00

JT on his Guitar
Signing Autographs in the interval
JT and the Band

When I told my Spanish friends I was going to see James Taylor perform live in the city they seemed unimpressed. But I wasn't fooled, I know this deadpan expression well; they didn't know who the hell I was talking about. I was a bit worried however. If they didn't know who JT was, did this mean I would be sitting with 3,000 Brits and the odd tourist? This lack of knowledge about one of the most influential musicians of the 20/21st century (JT has collaborated and performed with Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, who used to be one of his backing singers, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, Neil Young, Carole King - who is also back on tour - et al), is staggering. He's been around forever and, despite the ups and downs of earlier years, this current European 'Down Home' Tour could be straight from the 60's. When he walked quietly onto the stage to thunderous applause (mostly Spanish, I was relieved to see), he seemed vaguely surprised to see us. His band, Steve Gadd, Larry Goldings, Jimmy Johnson, Michael Landau, Kate Markowitz and Arnold McCuller were all dressed in the 60's uniform of jeans and T-shirt. All except the remarkable Andrea Zonn, the sweet-voiced fiddle player, who wore a shapeless black dress and sandals. They looked as though they'd come to play at a small town benefit.

As Taylor began to sing, his voice was a bit shaky. He's been on the road since April; was he already fatigued? But it didn't last and he gave us what we wanted: 'Sweet baby James', 'Fire and Rain', 'You Got a Friend'; the familiar numbers came streaming over the warm, appreciative Valencian audience.

Live, he's amazing. His band unfailingly excellent, the vocal harmonies lump-in-the throat wonderful. He was relaxed and amusing, joking with audience when they yelled for him to sing their favourite songs, picking up the list from his feet and telling them where it was on the schedule - and when a heavily-accented Spaniard yelled 'I love you James', he paused and volleyed with 'Gracias,Señor'. Even during the 20 minute interlude he stayed put signing autographs and T-shirts, smiling that gentle JT smile.

The highlight of the evening was his rendition of 'Steamroller Blues'. First written in 1970, where it appeared on the album 'Sweet Baby James', this current arrangement was astounding, bringing the entire audience to its feet. Now he allowed us to hear just how extraordinary his vocal range is and, of course, we knew all the words. In fact, the first time Elvis heard 'Steamroller Blues' he put it straight into his repertoire and sang it time after time until his death in 1977.

We came running to see him again .... but was it just a little too understated ... a little too 'warm and folksy'? I, for one, would have liked a few more new songs but I suspect I'd have been outnumbered. The audience wanted familiarity and this he gave – in spades. A truly memorable experience.
Barbara O'Neill

Yann Tiersen Live in Viveros Gardens

2009-07-25T12:01:00.001+02:00

On a sticky night in Viveros multi-instrumentally-talented Yann Tiersen, showed he’s not just a one-trick pony. Despite repeated bellows from the audience of “Amelie, Amelie”, the film for which he wrote and performed the soundtrack, and which made his name, Tiersen didn’t play one single track from the movie. Instead he played a totally new set that, funnily enough, was in some ways better because it perfectly suited the style of the audience, which was mainly 20-30 year-olds of a wide range of nationalities. It was a shame not to hear his wonderfully atmospheric accordion playing, but the stunning way he handled a pair of guitars, violin and keyboard show just how brilliant a musician he is.

From the moment Tiersen stepped on stage he had us all in his hands. It was the first time we’ve been to concert at Viveros and didn’t know what to expect, which meant that we could be surprised by anything. And we were! The ambience swayed between mellow and electric, which showed its effect on the audience, where pockets of people spent the whole ninety minutes lost in their own dancing world.

Viveros is fantastic place to have chosen to show Tiersen’s talents, because it’s not a formal venue, and walking through the gardens toward the stage built up the anticipation of a great concert to come – and we weren’t let down!

Jemma and Sophie Prendergast

Let's clear up a few things about Fib Benicassim

2009-07-25T11:34:00.004+02:00

A longer summary is on its way but we would like to clear up a few facts about last weekends events at Benicassim. There was no hurricane. The festival was not cancelled. On Friday night there were horrific winds. There was a fire in a field across from the festival site but it was under control and put out within half an hour. The winds were so strong that the site was evacuated for the safety of everyone attending. The organisation did all they could to get everything in order for the next day, and things ran pretty smoothly the rest of the weekend, considering the fact that the kind of weather that hit Benicassim on day 2 of the festival was completely unprecedented.
Perhaps the only thing that could have been bettered was the information given out by the organisation, as it was unclear when the bands from Friday would be playing if they could reschedule them at all, but general feedback is that everyone had a pretty good time considering! There are several reports flying around the internet that it was all a disaster, mainly fuelled by Oasis' technical problems onstage on the Thursday, but by all accounts this has been happening during their whole tour. We also have heard reports of hundreds and hundreds of passports being stolen, but the British Consulate Press office in Madrid have confirmed directly to us that they have issued around 160 emergency passports around that weekend - from Barcelona down to Alicante, so could be anything from 1 to 160 in Benicassim only.
....And we can only begin to wonder what Bianca Gascoigne got up to between Friday and yesterday - if you're one of the boys she hitched to Calais with we would love to hear from you!

James Taylor, Anastacia and Yann Tiersen live in Valencia

2009-07-21T16:58:00.002+02:00

Valencia's Feria de Julio rolls on this week with great concerts in Viveros gardens by the Río Túria. Tonight Anastacia, who has sold millions of albums world-wide, takes the stage for what promises to be a powerful performance. Friday, Pianist and the composer of the beautiful soundtrack to the cult movie Amelie, Yann Tiersen plays his haunting music.
Saturday night it's the turn of the legendary James Taylor playing music from throughout his long and illustrious career, this man is always great live!
The Last Sunday in July falls this weekend which means only one thing - the Battle of the flowers - let the marigolds fly! Followed by a Mascletà of colours in the riverbed.
Next week, 27 july the FIlmoteca D'Estiu starts, showing Original version films under the stars in the riverbed in front of the Palau de la Música, The African Queen opens the season at 22.30- but get along early and have a light supper and a drink for just a little extra on your ticket.

fib Benicassim, day 2. what a fibbing disaster!

2009-07-19T00:13:00.005+02:00

photos from gtvone photography
fib, day 2. what a fibbing disaster!
Getting here later than we wanted, what with me Lolita, just giving up my job, and Anita doing a long day at the bank, we arrived to catch the beginning of Paul Weller, and were evacuated within the hour.
Quick resumen, as i am trying to catch 5000 concerts at the same time, whilst anita is catching up with twitter friends (we luuuuuuuuurve our twitter! http://twitter.com/thisisfib!) and childhood boyfriends (yes, you read right!); Friday night, was the worst night of our lives. Starting with a fire just outsite the festival site in some old vineyards, that got so big the organisers canceled the concerts on the escenario verde, the sky getting smokier and smokier, the press and vip stands being blocked off, security and organisation people screaming at each other via walkie talkies (how does a walkie talkie make you look sooo big and important?!) the next thing we know, the wind has picked up, the fib grounds are a sandstorm disaster, people are wearing their sunglasses to protect their eyeballs, and within half an hour, the green stage is falling down. 200,000 fibers come to a standstill, security guards have been called in to hold up the walls - no music, no screens, and no news. Apart from god knows who from FIB organisation, coming on every once in a while to tell us they are doing their best to sort everything out and they will be with us soon....
And then we were told to leave the grounds. all those people leaving at the same time, in a hurricane-like wind storm, 70KM/20degrees, which felt like -10 and a not a very happy, slightly tipsy and confused bunch of people. Directed towards benicassim town. All in all, we spent 4 hours trying to get a taxi, eventually getting home at 5am, after waiting 4 hours for someone to pick us up.
Got in to bed.
And now its Saturday. And saturday is brill. No Lily Allen, she has a tummy bug (or a 2 day hangover), no Kings of Leon from yesterday (which is crap as they have tried to re-schedule most bands that didnt play yesterday), but the vibe is AMAZING. It feels like every other year, people have got over the hump from last night, Maximo Park were fabby, Elbow got the crowd moving and us covered in goosebumps, and we are now about to meet up to watch Peaches strut her sexy stuff. More from us tomorrow, after the press Vs. artists football match which has been moved til tomorrow, (do join us for a midday paella and beer, its at 12 at the polideportivo in Benicassim!)
Lots of love kiddys, missing those that aren't here with us.
Lolita (and Anita, if i ever find her!)
Ps. 2manydjs 2 hour set tonight at 2am, i am soooo excited i could cry!

fib Benicassim, day 2. what a fibbing disaster!

2009-07-19T00:13:00.000+02:00

fib, day 2. what a fibbing disaster!
Getting here later than we wanted, what with me Lolita, just giving up her job, and Anita doing a long day at the bank, we arrived to catch the beguinning of Paul Weller, and being evacuated within the hour. Quick resumen, as i am trying to catch 5000 concerts at the same time, whilst anita is catching up with twitter friends (we luuuuuuuuurve our twitter! thisisfib!) and childhood boyfriends, yes, you read right! Friday night, was the worst night of our lives. Starting with a fire just outsite the festival site in some old vineyards, that got so big that canceled the concerts on the escenario verde, the sky getting smokier and smokier, the press and vip stands being blocked off, security and organisation people screaming at each other via walkie talkies (how does a walkie talkie make you look sooo big and important?!) the next thing we know, the wind has picked up, the fib grounds are a sand disaster, people are wearing their sunglasses to protect their eyeballs, and within half an hour, the green stage is falling down. The whole 200,000 fibers come to a standstill, security guards have been called in to hold up the walls, no music, no screens, and no news. Apart from god knows who from FIB organisation, coming on every once in a while to tell us they are doing their best to sort everything out and they will be with us soon. And then we were told to leave the grounds. 200,000 people leaving at the same time, in a tornado like wind storm, 20degrees, which felt like -10 and not a very happy and slightly tipsy and confused, bunch of people. Being directed towards benicassim town. All in all, we spent 4 hours trying to get a taxi, eventually getting home at 5am, after waiting 4 hours for someone to pick us up. Got in to bed. And now its Saturday. And saturday is brill. No lily allen, she has a tummy bug (or a 2 day hangover), no kings of leon from yesterday (which is crap as they have tried to re-schedule most bands that didnt play yesterday), but the vibe is AMAZING. It feels like every other year, people have got over the hump from last night, Maximo Park were fabby, Elbow got the crowd moving and us covered in goosebumps, and we are now about to meet up to watch Peaches strut her sexy stuff. More from us tomorrow, after the press Vs. artists football match which has been moved til tomorrow, do join us for a midday paella and beer, its at 12 at the polideportivo in Benicassim.
Lots of love kiddys, missing those that arn't here with us.
Lolita (and Anita, if i ever find her!)
Ps. 2manydjs 2 hour set tonight at 2am, i am soooo excited i could cry!

Huge fire and High winds force the lights (and Sound) off at Benicassim Day two

2009-07-18T01:25:00.008+02:00

photo Juan Vicent/El Mundo

The Festival Internacional de Benicassim was forced to close early tonight. A large fire (looked like a brush fire) across the road from the site and extremely high winds meant that the fib organisers had to literally pull the plug on the event, plunging the entire site into darkness. The 70km winds have apparently damaged the stages. The Fib Club - a plastic bubble, was closed earlier in the evening.
It is very dark and the extraordinarily high winds are causing a dust storm. It is apparently mayhem and thousands of people are leaving the site, Queues for taxis are huge and the formerly happy crowd are more than a little disgruntled. Tom Tom Club were apparently in the middle of their set when the PA and lighting rigs started to wobble. Paul Weller's set was cut by 10 minutes it was at this point the power went off . There is a rumour that tonight's headliners, Kings of Leon are considering trying to appear tomorrow as they were previously scheduled to have a day off.
More as we get it ...

MIGUEL BOSÉ WOWS VALENCIA IN VIVEROS

2009-07-17T09:37:00.004+02:00

The queue straggled almost all the way around the park. We walked to the end and then shuffled all the way back to the entrance. Was it hot? It was. It was also steamy, close, sticky... and did I mention hot? Once inside, our positions taken, everywhere I turned I could see fans (abanicas) flapping furiously while the aficionados (fans) stuffed baguettes into their mouths, followed by copious amounts of beer and water.
Around 10 o'clock the support band 'The Cabriolets' burst on to the stage fronted by a genderless vision in a black, shiny suit and short, slicked-back hair reminiscent of that asexual pop group from the 80's that no one can remember the name of. Yet there was a kind of closer familiarity ... something I just couldn't place ... but I let myself be pulled along by their thunderous energy (the base guitar amp was banging against my rib cage so hard I thought I might go into cardiac arrest)hoping some fleeting memory would return. I watched carefully; a great voice, definitely male ... or was it? The jacket came off to reveal a black bra... a-ha so .... then a new song .. a lot of energetic, suggestive dancing... uh-huh .... then, a snap of elastic and gone was the bra. Mmmm ... man breasts or .... ? A moment later the trousers disappeared to reveal black briefs. The crowd shrieked with delight. Could it be ...? I wasn't sure .... finally, with a theatrical flourish the briefs were discarded to thunderous applause ... and before us stood a being in a beautifully crafted flesh-coloured thong. What the hell was I looking at? So familiar, yet ...
As a warm-up band they were pretty good, although the Valencians, as usual, talked through most of it with the occasional recollection that they'd come to a concert. Of course, we were only waiting for Miguel Bosé. The Cabriolets bid us farewell and the stage darkened followed by the usual flurry of shadowy figures silently re-arranging the props for what seemed an age. Without warning a dazzling light appeared. The crowd roared. He was here.
Miguel Bosé is an accomplished showman but then he's been around a long time. He has made countless albums, the last with the likes of Ricky Martin, Michael Stipe and Laura Pausini and he should be a huge international star by now but, just maybe, he doesn't want to be. His movements are entirely original and we, his fans, would recognise them anywhere; the arms moving from side to side, the expressive hands, the hips, that amazing, wolfish grin.
He opened with 'Amante Bandido' and like children being given their favourite fairy story we roared our approval. We knew the words and we sang along, loudly and, surprisingly, melodically. Suddenly, there she was! Who is The Cabriolets frontman? Bimba Bosé: the androgynous niece of Miguel. And now, here they were, erupting into 'Como un Lobo'. We yelled, we air-clapped into the humid night air and we sang along; 'pasa paso' has never been bellowed with such velocity.
The show came to an end sooner than expected but, of course, we weren't going to let him off so lightly, despite the unmistakeable hum of stale deodorant in the stifling 28º. He came back for two ‘encores’ and then another. Bimba returned to lend her weight to an already memorable performance and still we wanted more.
Now gone midnight I didn't know whether it was sweat or tears running down my face ...but finally it was over and with the peculiar orderliness of Spanish crowds, we made our way back through the park for a final glass of wine in The Alameda; the perfect end to a perfect evening. Thank you Valencia. For all your faults you certainly know how to stage a great concert.
BARBARA O'NEILL

Our friends at 24/7 Valencia have published Jul issue and we have it here

2009-07-15T09:53:00.001+02:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More valencia

Pasarela in Chulilla tonight

2009-07-11T18:07:00.002+02:00

Pasarela Joven Chulilla takes place tonight in the beautiful hilltop village of Chulilla. It is the 10th edition of this competition to find the Young Valencian Designer of the Year, and the third time that it has been held in Chulilla
Entry to the event is absolutely free and all are welcome to attend.
The Pasarela Joven Chulilla kicks off at eleven o'clock on tonight, (11th July), and will be followed by a jazz concert, also free.
Love it!

Can we have our paddies in L'Albufera like this please!

2009-07-11T15:46:00.003+02:00

As summer progresses, more crops of rice paddy art are beginning to emerge in Japan. The crop art, created by arranging and growing rice plants of different, can be seen in farming communities all over the country. The largest and finest work is grown in the village of Inakadate, which has earned a reputation for its rice artistry. This year the enormous pictures of Napoleon and a Sengoku-period warrior, both on horseback, are visible in a pair of fields close to the town hall-
Come on Valencia! We can do it - I can just see Falleras and Lo Rat Penat - or even Rita in rice!

reblogged from and more of this http://bit.ly/2eM7iK

Montesinos and Men in Skirts

2009-07-11T15:32:00.006+02:00

La Nau exhibition, Men in Skirts
More like Sarongs really
One of the Skirts by Montesinos
more sarongs
More traditional skirts from Turkey and Arabia

Talking of Montesinos, starting today there is an exhibition 'hombres en faldas' OR Men in Skirts - it was Montesinos who first dressed Spanish men in skirts. There are several dozen on display in this curious exhibition, I have to say in all my travels the only men I have really ever seen in skirts was at the Westin Hotel in Valencia, worn by the staff and they were also designed by 'Montesinos' and Galliano who introduced the skirt for men some years ago. It is interesting that the centrepiece of the exhibition is a glass cabinet housing a Scottish kilt. Worth a look and the space at La Nau is worth seeing as well, Tuesdays there are free workshops here all through July and the first week in August Maybe after this exhibition, more men will be seen in skirts around town!

Rafael Amargo's 'La difícil sencillez'

2009-07-11T14:59:00.007+02:00

Rafael , seated with child talks to his musicians,
Francis Montesinos, the famous Valencian dress designer
Francis Montesinos, Talks to Canal Nou about the designs for the show
Armago is hot from all that dancing.
Some of Montesinos costumes
Friday night we had the privilege of attending the dress rehearsal of the world premiere of Rafael Amargo's 'La difícil sencillez' at La Nau in Puerto de Sagunto as he polished his dancers, singers and guitarists for two spectacular nights from tonight
He came across as a dedicated performer who obviously lives for his art and work his work and it overflows to his company, the pure energy of his singers, dancers and musicians was wonderful; such passion, such energy, and for us such enjoyment.
This new show is an eclectic mix of traditional and modern dance both flamenco and ballet. It is quite stunning, his choreography makes for an amazing experience.

Francis Montesinos, the famous Valencian dress designer has designed the costumes for this spectacular- but this being a rehearsal we only saw a handful of the costumes and only one of Armago's. Some gorgeous red traditional style Sevillano dresses,(though from where we sat they appeared to have just a little bit too much Weight/fabric for all that leg kicking and dress swirling which flamenco dancers endure) and a wonderful creation of feathers worn by a solo dancer. You can be absolutely sure that tonight all the costumes on stage will be spectacular.

This is the first of many shows that are part of the Festival D'Estiu, Sagunto en Escena which opens tonight and continues at La Nau in the Port of Sagunto and at the Roman Theatre in Sagunto itself. full program by clicking the headline

Chambao live in Valencia review

2009-07-11T11:32:00.004+02:00

Idylic is what you could call Chambao's live concert at the excellent feria de julio in the Jardines Real (Viveros) last night. A lightly lit pathway up to the stage, a bar with tables and chairs and a huge stage with a comfy poof for la mari, and her band surrounding her. Despite the light shower of rain that we were served, the weather was perfect, warm with a light breeze, and the setting was perfect. Full of their adoring fans, a mix of bohemian and hippy life loving Spanish and morrocans, the indie/arabic/rap/flamencan band gave their all for a full 2 hours. The feria de julio is always beautifully organised, and this year they really have hit the spot with an amazing line up and patient and understanding staff. We really are looking forward to the rest of july. Our highlight of the night was watching a beautiful new mummy with the tiniest baby, breastfeeding as she sung along to la maris famous song Poquito a poquito, it just shows, in Valencia, you can do anything...

Chambao Play at Feria de Julio tonight

2009-07-09T14:21:00.002+02:00

Chillout supremos play in Jardines Real (Viveros) tonight, Just one of the great concerts and events in a packed Feria de Julio Schedule. The line up over the next weeks includes Miguel Bosé, Serrat, Jan Tiersen and James Taylor.

Frommer's Valencia Day by Day

2009-07-09T13:42:00.004+02:00

Timothy Birch, editor of this blog and thisisivalencia.com has written a brand new guide to Valencia for Frommer's. This excellent pocket sized guide contains everything you want to know about the city, with one , two and three day walking tours of the city with accompanying maps, where to eat and drink, where to shop and where is best on a day trip. There's also a handy guide to the fiestas, including Las Fallas and La Tomatina. It's a family affair as most of the photos in the book are by Diana, Tim's wife
To order your copy of this invaluable guide, click on the headline - you can even read some pages before you buy!

Pasarela Joven Chulilla

2009-07-09T13:26:00.003+02:00

Pasarela Joven Chulilla takes place this weekend in the beautiful hilltop village of Chulilla. It is the 10th edition of this competition to find the Young Valencian Designer of the Year, and the third time that it has been held in Chulilla
Entry to the event is absolutely free and all are welcome to attend
The Pasarela Joven Chulilla kicks off at eleven o·clock on Saturday night, (11th July), and will be followed by a jazz concert, also free.
If you haven't visited Chulilla, make a day of it, it is a lovely village and there is great dining to be had in its many attractive restaurants. You could even try and get a room at the excellent Casa Rural Serena web and make a weekend of it!

Palau de les Arts tonight and Sunday

2009-06-25T13:41:00.007+02:00

If you missed the Placido Domingo Performance in Plaza de la Virgen last night or you saw it and want more of it all, head on down to the Palau de les Arts tonight or Sunday 28 jun for Anell de LLum, a stunning spectacular outside and ON the Palau. It all starts at 22:00 but get there early to reserve a good spot

Placido Domingo live across Europe

2009-06-22T16:06:00.004+02:00

Citizens of Brussels, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Swansea, Ímola, Rávenna and Sofía will be able to see a live performance of Die Walkure starring Placido Domingo wednesday at 19h local tIme. The performance is being beamed live from the Palau de les Arts as part of the 2009 European Year of Creativity and Innovation under the Patronage of Ján Figel, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth.
http://www.vivaeuropajune24th.eu/

Things to do This Weekend

2009-06-20T11:32:00.005+02:00

Hogueras de San Juan Alicante
Olive Oil Fair in Viver
Summer Magic in Peñiscola
Alicante's version of Las Fallas, Hogueras de San Juan, starts Today 20 June through to the 24th. Partying in the street, Papier maché Sculptures (to be burned on the final night) and bullfights. Lots of fun for all the family.
Meanwhile, to the north, Peñíscola has its own bit of Summer Magic with a festival of witchcraft and Magic fro the 19th to 23 June- street theatre, street magicians, star gazing and concerts are the order of the day (and, more importantly, the nights). The festival culminates on noche de San Juan with what sounds like a wondeful show of Fire (what else?) on the beach below Papa Luna's Castle.
you are a lover of a good olive oil then this weekend, 20-21 Jun you should head on up to Viver for the Tenth annual Olive oil festival, not just for the oil but for the foods on offer, and it is a pretty village. it is on the N234 towards Teruel about an hour's drive from Valencia

thisisfib - on twitter and tumblr

2009-06-19T17:39:00.004+02:00

Anita Darling and Lolita Devine will be your eyes and ears and FIB Benicassim this year, they'll be tweeting from now on here and tumblring photos here and writing here - gonna be fun! We also have coming, over the weekend a guide to visitors to FIB and a forum here
FIB management say that tickets are now sold out and that they have now finalised the line up with the heroes of Spanish indie rock, Los Planetas, as the crown jewel of what is without doubt the most important programme of Spanish bands in FIB's history, and with Tom Tom Club, the perfect ending for this summer party.

ThisisValencia Community - ALL NEW SITE, JOIN NOW!

2009-06-19T17:32:00.003+02:00

Our readers wishes have been granted today and a thisisvalencia community site is born!
Join today for forums, classifieds, photos (yours and ours!) ValenciaWiki, Valencia events calendar and all you need to know about Benicassim (and a way to connect with people who are coming) here

Frontiers at the IVAM in Valencia

2009-06-01T12:56:00.000+02:00

Wednesday I had an email inviting me to a press conference for the major new IVAM exhibition CONFINES/FRONTIERS. I had heard about it several weeks ago when a lady from New York emailed me to tell me she was visiting Valencia with her family to witness the opening of which her son son was one of the artists in the Robert Wilson section. They all wanted to know what else they should see whilst visiting. I emailed the lady back with architectural and monumental information and asked her to expand a little on this exhibition. I got a very polite thanks and very little additional information on the show. It turns out that the exhibition is to celebrate 20 years of IVAM. It is a major undertaking as it fills four of the main galleries, in Consuelo Ciscar's words 'a risky undertaking'
What did we make of it all? click the headline to find out more.

XIII FESTIVAL DE JAZZ DEL PALAU DE LA MÚSICA DE VALENCIA.

2009-05-22T18:56:00.000+02:00

Two glorious weeks of the best of the world's Jazz, were announced today at a press conference. The Concerts are scheduled from the 07 July in Valencia, with the music Gershwin, Miles Davis and Nina Simone as part of a great lineup including Lizz Wright, Winton Marsalis, Hubert Laws, Bill Evans, and a host of the biggest names in the industry. Not to be Missed

CLOWNS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

2009-05-22T18:51:00.000+02:00

PAYASOS PLA Y PLA THIS WEEKEND AT LA BENEFICENCIA
Los Payasos Pla y Pla perform for kids this saturday 23 May at 18:30 y Sunday 11:00 y 12:30 as part of the Centro Valenciano de Cultura Mediterránea at the Beneficencia.The clown duo present “Un Memento” , a frantis and hilarious mix of movement, piroettes and pratfalls that is sure to have every child in the place roaring with laughter. Rafael and José M. Pla are the clowns Payasos Pla y Pla who have been with the Circo Gran Fele since 1972. Admission is free, but get there early it is sure to be busy.

A PDF GUIDE TO VALENCIA

2009-04-29T14:52:00.000+02:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More valencia