Harlequin EURO Festival runs at Devonshire Square this summer
© Bluemoon Venice

Europe is a hot topic at the moment thanks to the UEFA Euro 2016 championships and the EU Referendum. Regardless of your politics or football allegiance, you can’t deny the cultural gifts we enjoy from various countries across the continent.

Running in parallel with the football championships is a five-week programme celebrating European culture. From 10 June to 14 July, the Harlequin Euro Festival will bring European culture, language and folk traditions to the historic surrounds of Devonshire Square in the City of London.

The title of the festival is inspired by mischievous Arlecchino, the character from the 16th Century Italian ‘Commedia dell’arte’, famous for his multi-coloured chequered costume.

Among the highlights of the festival include:

• 21 June: Flamenco Vision  – a stunning display of flamenco music and dance.
• 22 June: ‘The Italian Dream’ Opera – a concert by international acclaimed tenors Alberto Sousa, Leonel Pinheiro and Alex Tsilogiannis.
• 7 July: Parisian Moulin Rouge Can-Can themed show by Tillie’s Can Can.
• 14 July: Portuguese Fado music concert by Ru Vasconcellos and Mario Bakuna.

Patrizia Sechi, Events Manager at Devonshire Square said: ‘The European Football Championships have provided us with the prefect opportunity to put on a vibrant selection of events to celebrate European culture through food, music and art performances. Over the next five weeks the rich tapestry of events will unfold, under the Harlequin banner, bringing together members of the public to celebrate in line with the football.’

• The Harlequin Euro Festival takes place from 10 June – 14 July 2016 on weekday lunchtimes. At Devonshire Square’s western courtyard, City of London, EC2M. Nearest station: Liverpool Street or Aldgate. For more information, visit the Devonshire Square website.

For a guide to what else is on in London in July, click here.

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