How to escape the Royal Wedding
For some it's the biggest event of the decade... for others it signals seemingly endless (and possibly tedious) TV coverage, flag-waving and street parties. If you belong to the latter group, why not avoid the Royal Wedding altogether and opt for an April 29 alternative.
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Sports fans are well catered for come the big day and there are a host of big events to keep you occupied, whether you buy tickets and flee the country altogether or immerse yourself in TV coverage that doesn't involve pomp and ceremony.
Equestrian-lovers can look forward to the mouthwatering FEI World Cup Showjumping finals in Leipzig - Germany's Marcus Ehning is aiming to defend his title as champion but the competition is hot. Kevin Staut currently leads the standings but famous names such as Pessoa, Beerbaum, Michael Whitaker and Jos Lansink will be champing at the bit, while Irish fans will be hoping Denis Lynch, who snatched the last place in the final, can come good.
Others can enjoy grace of a different kind as the world's finest figure skaters take to the ice for the World Championships. The event has been moved to Moscow following the tragic disaster in Tokyo. However, the Japanese have a strong hand with Daisuke Takahashi in the men's competition and Mao Asada in the ladies figure skating finals.
And there's more action on the ice in the form of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships - the competition begins on April 29, and the world's toughest teams will all be battling to reach the final on May 15. Expect plenty of fast-moving, body-slamming action.
If, however, you'd rather watch the Royal Wedding than sport, why not try a little culture instead?
The three-day Bristol Folk Festival, for example, runs from April 29 to May 1 and more than 40 diverse acts, including Seth Lakeman and "nu-folk" hero Jim Moray, are scheduled to appear at what promises to be a mellow alternative to William and Kate's nuptial.
Meanwhile, Cheltenham's famous Jazz Festival will also be underway. Starting on April 27 and running through until May 2, highlights include Paloma Faith (pictured), Jamie Cullum, Cleo Laine and James Hunter.
In London, the Sci Fi Film Festival is sure to provide some escape from the crowds - the Royal Wedding All-Nighter, featuring five classic movies running from 11.30 pm, is aimed at those who fancy heading to the wedding parade afterwards but if you're a non-royalist, you'll likely be so tired you will miss the entire thing. And besides, as the festival organisers rightly point out, it's cheaper than a hotel room.
If none of the above float your boat though, a long walk in the country with a TV-free pub as your destination looks like your best chance of missing the action!
- Looking forward to the big day? Check out our Royal Wedding special.
Will you be watching the celebrations or doing your best to avoid them? Let us know below...
