JULY JUMPSTART

The show must go on

Hello July! Many of you may have had your COVID-19 jab by now and some could well have received their second dose too. Meanwhile, there’s a sense of restlessness within the community to return to some form of ‘new normality’ – yes, again! Nevertheless, given the fluid times we live in, staying at home as much as possible and observing health protocols is the name of the game.

In the meantime, there are fun events scheduled to take place although given the uncertainty of the virus and its many variants, there is a possibility that the dates may change.

Thankfully, we are lucky to be living in the digital age – yes, we can keep up with many of the world’s exciting events through virtual access passes and other social media platforms.

Concerts and music festivals may be among the last events to return in the wake of the pandemic. But in some parts of the world, live event organisers are making plans to hit the road in July... because as they say, in showbiz ‘the show must go on.’

The music festival NOS Alive (which is held in the outskirts of Lisbon) is scheduled to run from 7 to 10 July. Its lineup includes Red Hot Chili Peppers, Angel Olsen, Fontaines D.C., alt-J and Caribou.

Lady Gaga’s much anticipated The Chromatica Ball is set to take off from 25 July. So travel restrictions permitting, many of her ardent fans will surely make their way across to the US to catch her live performances.

The Mad Cool music festival is set to return to Madrid from 7 to 10 July for its delayed fifth anniversary and bring with it close to 95 international bands. Though not confirmed, reports suggest it could also be a virtual event. So get your lighters out and prepare for a night of classic, rock and alternative rock music from the comfort of your home.

This lineup features favourites such as Twenty One Pilots, The Killers, Mumford & Sons, Placebo, Pixies and others.

In Sri Lanka, interior designers and lifestyle lovers can look forward to the largest interior and lifestyle fair that inspires visitors to upgrade, redecorate, and improve their homes and workstations. Pandemic protocols permitting, the Home & You Lifestyle Fair is scheduled to be held from 2 to 4 July at the BMICH.

Esala Poya is an important day in the Buddhist calendar – this year, it falls on 23 July and is celebrated in countries that practise Theravada Buddhism.