A guide to what’s on in Marbella – Summer 2010
The summer season has officially started here in Marbella. It’s a time for lazing blissfully by the pool, swimming in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and enjoying al fresco dining with family and friends. But when you’re not busy sunning yourself, make sure you don’t miss out on the spectacular line-up of live music, parties and festivals happening in and around Marbella. Here’s our guide to more cultural ways to spend your summer on the Costa del Sol…
If reading this feature for the first time you were either lucky to watch Seal on his Spanish tour or you unfortunately missed the three times Grammy award-winning artist. He played at the Plaza del Toros in Marbella on the 23 July. (See marbellas.com feature on homepage). But worry not, there is much more entertainment to come…
Music events
Björn Again – Plaza de Toros Marbella
Best for… A musical step back in time.
On 18 August, ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again, will take to the stage at Marbella’s Plaza del Toros for an evening of classic hits and ’70s glamour. With over 4000 performances in over 50 countries under their spangly belts, the four-piece are now one of the most successful tribute acts in history. As well as a 10th Anniversary sell-out concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall, a performance at the Millenium Dome plus JK Rowling’s MS Charity Ball, the group have also supported legendary British girl band, the Spice Girls, at Wembley Stadium however, it will be the first time they perform in Marbella so make sure you don’t miss it!
Music events
La Feria de Málaga
Best for… Fans of Flamenco, fireworks, food and fun!
By far the biggest, most impressive party of the year on the Costa del Sol, this 9 day event celebrates Málaga’s acceptance into the realm of the Castilians in the 1400s. This year, the festivities will begin on Friday 13 August and continue till Sunday 22 August, providing visitors with a chance to sample authentic Andalucían food, drinks and typical Spanish traditions.
Each evening, the city’s streets will come to life with colourful decorations, dancing, street entertainment for children, face painting, bouncy castles, music and of course, high spirits, kicking off with a spectacular firework display at midnight at Playa de la Malagueta on 13 August.
Gala Season
Best for… Those who want to help others.
As the home of the international jet-set since the 1950s, Marbella’s high society show their solidarity to good causes in the summer with an intense schedule of glamorous, do-good galas held in the sumptuous gardens and beach clubs of some of the resorts’ most iconic five star hotels.
Concordia Charity Gala
The Concordia Charity Gala, held annually in the legendary Marbella Club Hotel, and presided over by the tirelessly giving Princess Marie Louise of Prussia, is one of the most eagerly anticipated social events of Marbella’s summer calendar.
Attracting a handsome crowd of local and visiting socialites, empresarios and glamour queens, this gala and its noble and famous guests frequently make it into the pages of Spain’s revered society weekly, ¡Hola!.
This year’s Concordia gala is borrowing the theme of Bollywood to keep guests royally entertained with a touch of exotic kitsch. The Bollywood style is bound to rub off on the attire of the cosmopolitan crowd, so we can expect more than a touch of the Indian Raj and a rainbow of colourful silk gowns.
The magnificent setting of the hotel’s beautiful beach club, a sumptuous three course feast, music, dancing and a luxurious raffle are all part of the magical cocktail that makes this one of the key charity events in Spain.
Starlite Gala
Best for… Marbella’s socialites.
Saturday 7th August 2010 – 20,30hrs.
New on the gala scene for 2010, is The Starlite Gala, which promises to rival Concordia for pure high octane glamour. Held at the Hotel Villa Padierna, which belongs to the Ritz-Carlton group, this gala will be presided over by two of the world’s hottest A-list celebrities, none other than Marbella’s own Hollywood star, Antonio Banderas, and Eva Longoria, the sultry star of Desperate Housewives.
Along with a mouth-watering programme of world class entertainment, a sumptuous cocktail party and gala dinner, The Starlite Gala is also promising guests a celebrity at every table!
Naturally, such privileges come at a price, and guests will pay a minimum of 500 Euros per person. Their generosity will be repaid handsomely at this star-studded occasion, and funds will go towards charities, Eva’s Heroes – which will create 50 special programmes for children with special needs, Fundación de Lagrimas y Favores – which will award 30 young Malagueños with scholarships to study abroad and Niños en Alegría – which will fund the construction of a primary school in Mexico.
