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18 DIARY
BMW SYDNEY CARNIVAL
Australian Turf Club, Sydney March 23- April 27, 2013
One of the most extravagant events going on this autumn in Sydney, for the equine inclined and those with an eye for fashion, the BMW Sydney Carnival is one of the world’ s largest horse-racing events. Between glasses of champagne and smaller VIP events taking place in marquees around the track at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick, the Carnival features classic races such as the Tooheys New Golden Slipper and David Jones Australian Derby, and culminates with Schweppes Sydney Cup Day. www. theraces. com. au
Where to stay: Affording stunning views, the 171 luxuriouslyappointed guest rooms of The Darling face Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Blue Mountains. www. thedarling. com. au
LIFE AND DEATH IN POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM
London, UK March 28 – September 29, 2013
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In 79 AD two cities in the Bay of Naples in southern Italy were buried by a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Preserved under ash for over 1,000 years, their rediscovery has provided an unparalleled glimpse into the daily life of the Roman Empire.
This exhibition will be the first ever held on these important cities at the British Museum, and will bring together over
250 objects, both recent discoveries and celebrated finds from earlier excavations, many of which have never been seen outside Italy. www. britishmuseum. org
Where to stay: The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair offers the ultimate in five star luxury and seamlessly blends contemporary style with classic English character. www. the-connaught. co. uk
FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL
New Orleans, USA April 11-14, 2013
If you don’ t make it to Mardi Gras or you’ re looking for a little more culture, the French Quarter Festival is the largest music festival in the Southern states and a stunning showcase of local and national talent, with more than 800 bands performing over four days. Ideal for families, the festival is a much more regulated event than the famed Mardi Gras, with a free shuttle, as well as tram and ferry services between the central business district and the city’ s most famous quarter throughout the event. www. fqfi. org / frenchquarterfest
Where to stay: Be close to the action and check in at the Hotel St Helene, housed in a beautifully-restored era villa only two blocks from Bourbon Street, Jackson Square and the mighty Mississippi. www. frenchquarterhotelgroup. com www. jetsetter. hk