Budapest in July

Budapest in Julymeans tropical heat, Robbie and Eric on stage and splash into the pool of champsJuly is Budapest's first real summer month. This is the time when thermometers begin to bubble, and thunder begins to rumble; when schools empty and outdoor swimming pools, beaches and sidewalk cafés fill up. And this July looks set to be a real sizzler, and not just because of the weather, with top performers like Morrissey, Eric Clapton and Robbie Williams taking to the stage, and top sportsmen from around Europe taking to the swimming pool as the city hosts the European Swimming Championships.The music scene in the city gets off to a smooth start on July 3rd with the world famous US jazz band ??? the Herbie Hancock Quintet, performing at the Margetszigeti Szabadtéri Színpad. The Smiths former frontman and lyricist, and Britpop's smoothest crooner ??? Morrissey ??? comes to town on the 5th playing at the Pet?fi Csarnok Szabadtéri Színpad. He's followed by American rock veteran and guitarist - Joe Satriani - on the 11th at the same venue performing songs from his widely acclaimed album, Super Colossal. On the 13th, Budapest hosts former punk icon Billy Idol ??? Britain's bad boy of pop ??? again, at the Pet?fi Csarnok, and on the 18th legendary guitarist Eric Clapton stages his first ever concert in Hungary at the Papp László Sportaréna.Robbie Williams makes a return visit to the capital after a three-year absence on the 19th at the Puskás Ferenc Stadion. Poetic Suzanne Vega performs on the 20th at the Palace of Arts (M?vészetek Palotája Nemzeti Hangversenyterem).The classical, folk arts & music scene commences with Nyár a Lánchídon 2006 (the Chain Bridge's Summer Festival) on the 1st of July where visitors can enjoy a variety of events ranging from folk dancing and folk music to craft work exhibitions and jazz concerts. The festival ends on August 13th. Staying with the classical scene, Budapest's Summer Festival of Opera and ballet begins on July 4th and stretches through to August 18 with events taking place at a number of venues throughout the city including St Stephens Basilica and the State Opera House. The festival includes performances by some of Hungary's most famous symphony orchestras and musicians.The world famous King's Singers are due to perform at St. Stephen's Basilica on July 12th where audiences can be assured of an entertaining evening.The Afro-Cuban All Stars are all set to perform at the Margítszigeti Szabadtéri Színpad on July 18th. Fans of Latin and Cuban music are sure to enjoy the concert, which usually ends with the audience releasing all pretences of conservatism, letting their hair down and dancing in the aisles.In keeping with the Latin music scene, British Jazz and Latin-pop band ??? Matt Bianco ??? kick off their world tour in Budapest at the Margítszigeti Szabadtéri Színpad on July 20th to promote their new album, Matt's Mood.From July 20th to August 8th visitors to the country can experience the excitement and thrill of real Gypsy music at the Pest County Hall as the city plays host to the Sambosi Gypsy Festival.Continuing the folk music theme, the Irish Dance Experience Show comes to Budapest on July 23rd. The production, led by dancers Michael Patrick Gallagher and Catherine Gallagher, couples excellent choreography with haunting Celtic rhythms.But July in Budapest is not just about concerts, singing and dancing. The city comes alive with a whole host of alternative attractions such as the Coppa Pannonia Regia Vintage Car Race, held on July 21st and 22nd between Budapest and the historic town of Visegrád. For the event participants are expected from all over the globe. The competition presents the opportunity for car enthusiasts to show off their prized possessions.A plethora of water activities and events are also taking place not far from the city this month, in the beautiful town of Szentendre on the banks of the Danube, on July 22nd and 23rd.Budapest's Margitsziget (Margaret Island) plays host to some of the big names in swimming as well, as the city hosts the European Swimming Championships from July 27th to August 6th.So, there you have it - Budapest in July is a real beehive of excitement and activity with lots of programs and attractions. Don't miss out on any of them; watch our detailed selection "What's Up in Budapest in the next 10 days" to see our more detailed list of coming events.