WHAT'S ON WORLDWIDE

WASHINGTON DC

6-8 June. The world's largest contemporary jazz event is taking place here over the weekend, with guest performers including Grover Washington, Bob James, David Sanborn and Nancy Wilson.

ELDA

2-7 June. This small village in the Alicante region of Spain sees the traditional Moors and Christians festival, with processions and mock battles, commemorating the real battles that took place in the region 700 years ago.

AMSTERDAM

2-4 June. The 50th World Newspaper Congress (and Editors' Forum) takes place at the Amsterdam RAI Conference Centre, attracting journalists from around Europe.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

2 June. Chipping Camden. Forget the Olympic Games - this is the real thing. A self-proclaimed "Olympick" tournament, dating back to the seventeenth century, this involves various feats of sporting prowess such as the greasy pole race.

SINGAPORE

7-8 June. Dragon Boat Races, '97. International and local teams race to the accompaniment of beating drums, commemorating the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest about political corruption in China.

BARUNGA

7-8 June. This obscure town in Northern Territory, Australia, becomes a gathering place for aboriginal peoples from far and wide, on the improbable occasion of the Queen's birthday. There are dancing and athletics competitions.