VIDEOGAMES/ Fantasy Westward Journey Cultural Heritage Exhibition
Until January 16
Dreaming of Dunhuang From Afar
Where traditional Chinese art meets videogames: pieces made by master craftsmen for one of the most played videogames in the far east will be on display for the first time. From rice paper to ink and water calligraphy to fantasy comics and shadow theatres, this unique exhibition represents characters and scenarios from Fantasy Westward Journey. A series of meetings, workshops and role-playing games will also take place.
Villa Strozzi,
via Pisana 77, Florence
BOOKS/ Family & Kids Open Day at the British Institute Library
5pm, January 16
Free and open to the public
A special open day at the British Institute of Florence to celebrate the recently renovated Family Room. Free entry and open to all, an afternoon of stories, games, crafts and bingo to launch the new Storytime season with a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake.
The British Institute Library,
Lungarno Guicciardini 9, Florence
SOLIDARITY/ Women’s Rising March
2.30 – 5pm, January 18
Take a stand
Unite in piazza San Lorenzo to demand respect for women so that they can live a life free from violence. Show support online with #WomenRising2020. Stand against hatred and discrimination in the fourth annual Women’s March Florence to demonstrate solidarity for Reproductive Freedom, LGBTQIA Rights, Worker’s Rights, Civil Rights, Disability Rights, Immigrant Rights and Environmental Justice. Organised by Women’s March Florence, Non Una di Meno, Il Giardino dei Ciliegi, Libere Tutte and Indivisible Tuscany, there will be live music, materials to make protest signs and powerful speeches (feel free to make your own!), the Facebook page reveals more.
Piazza San Lorenzo, Florence
MUSIC/ St Mark’s Karaoke Night
January 19
Let inhibitions go and sing your favourites
Karaoke Night: A Night of Stage and Screen with Master of Ceremonies Riccardo Decherino, looking back on your favourite films and musicals. Join St Mark’s English Church for a fun evening of karaoke. See Facebook page for details.
BREW/ Birraio dell’Anno
January 17–19
From pale ales to strong stouts, find your new favourite as craft beers go head to head. Created and organized by Fermento Birra, the festival has been rewarding the best Italian brewers for the last 11 years. 100 Italian experts vote on the 20 Italian breweries competing for the Brewer of the Year award and 5 candidates for the Emerging Brewer award and for the Best Pub, all of which will be presented on January 19 at 4.30pm. As well as the awards, expect talks and free tastings in the beer show area, along with varied street-food vendors vying for your attention, paired with the perfect beer, of course. Unmissable for all craft beer aficionados, the 10 euro daily entrance ticket will score you a glass, two drinks tokens and a much-needed voucher for a bottle of water. Alternatively, a three-day ticket for 15 euro will get you all of the above, plus two more days of fermented fun. Find out more at www.birraiodellanno.it.
TuscanyHall,
via Fabrizio de André, Florence
STYLE/ Vintage Selection
January 22–26
The 35th edition of this vintage marketplace brings back the best and most unique trends of eras gone by. Held alongside the Pitti events, this is a firm favourite for all vintage culture fanatics. You can also expect live music, unusual performances and a great selection of refreshments to make an event out of nostalgic clothes shopping. Bringing together exhibitors and collectors from all over the world, the curious, cool and creative will find plenty of sources for inspiration. Open from 9am to 8pm, admission is 5 euro but reduced price coupons are available online at www.vintageselection.it.
Fortezza da Basso,
viale Filippo Strozzi 1, Florence
