WOW: What’s On Where In September
September 1, 1939 Hitler invaded Poland; thus began World War II in Europe
On the first of September, 76 years ago , Hitler invaded Poland, which ended the Allies’ optimistic but hopeless program of ‘appeasment’ and invoked a reaction which became the biggest and deadliest war in the history of the world. World War II lasted for 6 years and one day, and saw some estimated 75-80 million people perish in total – 3% of the worlds population!
Anniversary of Ho Chi Minh’s Death, 2 September
Ho Chi Minh – leader of the Viet Minh independence movement of Vietnam and the first President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam – suffered heart failure and died at his home in Hanoi during the Vietnam war. Ho Chi Minh’s life prior to fighting for Vietnamese independence is ambiguous, as he is thought to have travelled the world under many different identities. The Viet Minh sought to fight off the advances of imperialist France, and later Japan. After World War II, the Viet Minh opposed the re-occupation of Vietnam by France and later famously opposed South Vietnam and the United States in the Vietnam War. In the 50 years since his death, Vietnam has achieved full unification and independence, and the former city of Saigon has been renamed Ho Chi Minh City in his honour.
Watch: Vietnam: The Reunification Express
British Science Festival, 7-10 September, Exeter
The British Science Festival is Europe’s longest standing science Festival, travelling to a different place in the United Kingdom each year. This year to it will arrive in Exeter and will feature over 100 free events from top scientists, artists, performers, academics and local community groups.
The programme covers topics one may not usually associate with ‘science’, demonstrating the breadth of science and the impact it has on everyone’s life. The organisers have put special emphasis on the fun, thought-provoking, and societal aspects of science, to show people that it’s not just confined to laboratories, but something that’s all around us. Check out the highlights here – 2023 Science Festival
Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup Golf
First staged in Florida in 1990 and named after club manufacturer Karsten Solheim, who was the driving force behind its inception, The Solheim Cup is the biggest event in professional ladies golf. The competition brings the best players from Europe and the USA head to head in three days of fantastic golf. Karsten Solheim was a leading golf club maker, known for starting the now ubiquitous brand PING.
The Solheim Cup will be held at Finca Cortesin in Spain from September 22-24, where Europe will be chasing a third consecutive victory, with Marco Simone GC in Rome the venue for the epic men’s transatlantic competition , the Ryder Cup ,from September 29-October 1.
Watch: Adventure Golf – Spain
Rugby World Cup, France, 9 September
The Rugby World Cup returns, this time in Frsnce along with hundreds of thousands visitors from New Zealand, Ireland, England, Wales and Australia among many others for an epic 6 weeks of rugby!
Watch: Paris Pocket Guide
‘Rosh Hashanah’, Jewish New Year, begins 15 September
Jewish New Year this year takes place from September 15., marking the end of the Jewish calendar year .Its customs include blowing a hollow ram’s horn in the synagogue (symbolising Abraham’s sacrifice of a ram instead of his son), attending synagogue services, as well as enjoying festive meals. Symbolic foods include apples dipped in honey, hoping to evoke a sweet new year.
