Pirates | National Maritime Museum

Events

Greenwich Park in Greenwich,United Kingdom

For over three decades, the London Marathon has been one of the world's most beloved events. With around 36,000 runners filling the streets of central London, the London Marathon races a 26.2-mile course. Characterised by crazy costumes and anything-goes, the marathon is a huge draw for runners and spectators alike. From Batman to Superman, super elite athletes to beginners can take part and stand out from the crowd, without losing their seriousness in the competition. Officially known as the TCS London Marathon, the marathon is open to anyone who is willing to commit, train and run to the finish line. The route runs straight through the city centre, passing the Thames, Blackheath and Greenwich, making it a great way to see London on foot for the first time. Along the way, you'll also see attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the London Eye. Founded by New York City Marathon winner Christ Brasher, the event's mission is to get people all over the world running, while running for whatever cause they choose. It raises millions of dollars each year, not only creating some of the most accomplished athletes, but also helping people around the world who need support and funds.

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Rail from Charing Cross to Greenwich in around 20 minutes.

The artwork is displayed on powder-coated steel gates, designed by Whittle and made at Glasgow Sculpture Studios. It was unveiled on 5 October 2023 at the Queen’s House in Greenwich. Feeling Blue has been developed in response to RMG’s large and varied collections, as well as the history and cultural significance of Greenwich. The 160 x 155 cm tapestry is filled with richly evocative textures, symbolic shapes, and tropical colours. It was woven by hand over a period of six months by Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios. They used a variety of techniques, yarns, and over 150 colour mixes to add variety and depth to the surface of the tapestry. Dominating the tapestry is the phrase ‘feeling blue’ which stands out from a background of blues and greens, the combination of different shades resembling water in motion. Blue is immediately associated with oceans and seas but there are also more emotive connotations which Whittle chose to explore. The colour blue, and in particular the term ‘feeling blue’, is used to describe sadness or depression. While the exact origin of the term is uncertain it has been suggested that it comes from the tradition of ships flying blue flags and officers bearing a painted blue band when a captain or officer died. For others, blue symbolises tranquillity. In the Queen’s House the colour blue is used throughout for decoration, notably the balustrade of the Tulip Stairs. Drawing on her research of the British naval uniform, Whittle also reflects on the legacies of British colonialism. From the mid-eighteenth-century, the Royal Navy introduced a uniform for officers made from a deep blue fabric. The colour was achieved using a dye from the indigo plant that was native to India. Until the end of the eighteenth century the indigo plant was grown, harvested and processed by enslaved people on North American plantations. Indentured labourers in India and modern-day Bangladesh also produced indigo for the East India Company. Today, Navy blue endures as a colour of authority from police to military officers, though the history of the colour and connection to colonialism is little known. Whittle continues her exploration of maritime worlds by the inclusion of coloured ropes – reminiscent of those used on ships. For Whittle, rope is a symbol of both hope and oppression. Ropes are associated with bondage, imprisonment and even execution but are equally symbolic of lifelines for people in distress. Whittle’s ongoing engagement with the climate crisis is found in the decorative coral that frames the tapestry. The delicate pastel pinks and vibrant yellows evoke the beauty of tropical oceans and are a reminder of the importance of reefs. Decorative cultured freshwater pearl beads have also been stitched onto the tapestry. As well as representing an oceanic realm, Whittle connects Feeling Blue with two sixteenth-century paintings the Armada Portrait and Sir Francis Drake which will be displayed alongside the tapestry. In both portraits, pearls are used as a symbol of wealth, some of which was derived from colonial trade and exploitation. The tapestry is hung on a set of blue ‘gates’, which are an important component of Whittle’s work. Whittle sees the ‘gates’ as reminiscent of fencing, suggesting containment and control. Placed within the gallery space the gates no longer act as a barrier. Instead, Whittle uses the gates to expand rather than restrict as visitors are free to walk around them and view the tapestry from both sides. The decorative fretwork on the panels evokes the architecture of the Queen’s House, in particular the Tulip Stairs. Alberta Whittle, said: “The commission has been a wonderful opportunity to think deeply about maritime histories and consider the powers in place that decide how these histories are portrayed. This new tapestry is a chance to explore these ideas of power alongside the rhythms of the ocean and its vulnerability under climate colonialism. The commission has also provided me with the opportunity to continue to work with Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios and the rest of the fantastic weaving team.” Celia Joicey, Director of Dovecot Studios, said: "This commission represents the contemporary significance of tapestry as a collective medium. Started in the midst of the 2021 lockdown, it is testimony to a group of people responding creatively and collaboratively to the Museum collections. Feeling Blue embodies the passion, focus and skill of Dovecot’s weavers, Alberta Whittle’s endlessly interesting ideas and the care and enterprise of the commissioning team." Katherine Gazzard, Curator of Art, Royal Museums Greenwich, said: “At Royal Museums Greenwich, we are committed to working with contemporary artists whose practice engages with our historic sites and collections, as well as with the present challenges facing our communities and our planet. The opportunity to commission a contemporary tapestry from Alberta Whittle and Dovecot Studios spoke powerfully to this ethos. The finished tapestry will go on public display in the Queen’s House, our flagship art gallery. When the Queen’s House was built in the early 17th century, it was at the cutting edge of art and design. Commissions like Feeling Blue help us to honour that legacy, ensuring that, four centuries after the building’s completion, the Queen’s House continues to showcase artistic innovations and new perspectives.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling Blue Alberta Whittle Tapestry by Dovecot Studios 2023, cotton, linen, synthetic yarn, cultured freshwater pearl beads Tapestry woven for Dovecot by Naomi Robertson, Master Weaver, and Elaine Wilson Displayed on powder coated steel gates made by Glasgow Sculpture Studios Purchased with assistance from the Contemporary Art Society

Events

National Maritime Museum London, United Kingdom

Glittering stars, shimmering galaxies, fiery suns and silver moons – wherever you are in the universe, don't miss ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 17.Astronomy Photographer of the Year is an annual competition featuring the world’s greatest space photography. Photographers from across the globe compete to take home the prestigious title.Now it's your chance to see their spellbinding work. Over 100 photographs are on show at the National Maritime Museum, displayed at their best on brilliant lightbox screens. Visit ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year, and see the world's greatest space photography.

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Design District, Cripps Yard, Soames Walk, London SE10 0BQ

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Chon Buri, Thailand

Tomorrowland Thailand 2026 is the first official Asia-based edition of the globally renowned electronic music festival. Scheduled for December 2026 in Chonburi, the event is supported by the Thai government as part of a broader cultural and tourism strategy. Unlike previous editions, Tomorrowland Thailand will integrate Thai cultural elements, including traditional performances, local culinary offerings, and stage designs inspired by regional aesthetics. The festival will feature international and emerging Thai artists, with programming tailored to highlight both global talent and local creative industries. Positioned near Bangkok with strong transport links and coastal infrastructure, Tomorrowland 2026 is expected to become one of the most significant music events in Asia. More details about the venue, lineup reveal dates, and ticket sales will be announced. Stay tuned to the official website and Trip.com for the latest updates and ticketing information.

Events

Bangkok

The BTS WORLD TOUR IN BANGKOK 2026 stands as a highly anticipated chapter in the illustrious career of the South Korean boy band BTS. As part of their fourth concert tour, this event will take place in Bangkok from December 3 to December 6, 2026, serving as a pivotal stop on a global journey that spans 79 dates across 34 cities in 23 countries. Kicking off on April 9, 2026, in Goyang, South Korea, and concluding on March 14, 2027, in Manila, the Philippines, the tour marks BTS’s return to live performances following their mandatory military service. This world tour, the first since their 2021–22 Permission to Dance on Stage tour, promises a blend of powerful stage presence and emotional resonance, underscoring the group’s enduring influence in the K-pop industry. With Bangkok hosting several electrifying nights, the BTS WORLD TOUR IN BANGKOK 2026 is set to captivate fans and solidify the city’s status as a premier destination for global music events. The tour’s extensive itinerary across Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and Europe highlights BTS’s unparalleled international appeal and commitment to reconnecting with audiences worldwide.

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Bangkok

Get ready for SIAM Electronic Music Festival 2026! This spectacular four-day festival will take place from April 11th to 14th. This is your chance to immerse yourself in electrifying beats, stunning stage visuals, and the vibrant atmosphere of global electronic music culture! This is your opportunity to experience exhilarating rhythms, dazzling stage effects, and a vibrant celebration of global electronic music culture. World-Class DJ Lineup: Every night will feature performances by internationally renowned electronic musicians, delivering electrifying beats. Realistic Stage Design: Cutting-edge technology and stunning visual effects seamlessly combine to deliver an unparalleled audio-visual experience of electronic music. Food and Merchandise: A specially curated selection of exquisite cuisine and exclusive festival souvenirs will complete your celebratory experience.

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Busan

The BTS WORLD TOUR IN BUSAN 2026 stands as a highly anticipated chapter in the illustrious career of the South Korean boy band BTS. As the fourth concert tour by the globally renowned septet, this tour signifies their much-awaited return to live performances following mandatory military service. Officially commencing on April 9, 2026, in Goyang, South Korea, and concluding on March 14, 2027, in Manila, Philippines, the tour encompasses an impressive 79 dates across 34 cities in 23 countries. Notably, the BTS WORLD TOUR IN BUSAN 2026 will take place from June 12 to June 13 in the vibrant city of Busan, offering fans a rare opportunity to witness the group’s headline performance since their 2021–22 Permission to Dance on Stage tour. With stops spanning Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and Europe, this extensive itinerary underscores BTS’s enduring global influence and commitment to connecting with audiences worldwide. The event in Busan promises a meticulously crafted experience, blending cutting-edge production with the band’s signature artistry, making the BTS WORLD TOUR IN BUSAN 2026 an unmissable highlight of the year’s live music calendar.

Events

Marina Bay Formula 1 Street Circuit Singapore 038975

The Singapore Grand Prix is a motor racing event which forms part of the Formula One World Championship. The event takes place on the Marina Bay Street Circuit and was the inaugural night race and first street circuit in Asia designed for Formula One races.