Jazz lovers everywhere will be delighted to hear of some events coming up during the summer. On the last Sunday of every month, the National Trust Mount Stewart Gardens in Newtownards, Co Down, present their "Summer Garden Jazz Series" from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring the Ulster Jazz Band. Bring your rug and picnic and enjoy the music in great surroundings. The next one is on May 31st.
The eighth Annual Holywood International Jazz Festival takes place from June 5th-8th, with various artistes, including Peter Appleyard, Christine Tyrrell, Ray Smith, Sammy Rimington, Geoff Cole and lots more. Events take place at various venues in and around Holywood, Co Down. Programmes for both events from Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Nassau Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 1850 230 230.
Jersey's 2nd Environment Week theme runs from May 15th-23rd with a host of events for everyone. Bill Oddie, conservationist and comedian, will be the special guest at the Woodland Tree Experience and he will also give the closing speech. More details from Jersey Tourism on (01) 278 1570.
Rothar Cycling Tours are continuing their Brittany by Bike events during the summer. This is the way to see France's Celtic Heritage with visits to Michel-en-Grave, Sentiers, La Roche-Derrien, Dinard, St Malo, Mont St Michel and many more. Luggage is carried, and a mechanic is on hand to help out when the chain comes off. They have various itineraries, with an average daily distance of about 30 miles. The price, which includes bike hire, ferry and accommodation is from £425, departing from Cork on Brittany Ferries. Details from 11 Magazine Road, Cork. Tel: (021) 274143.
Travelsavers has designed a special holiday around the world renowned Savonlinna Opera Festival and the Lappeenranta Music Festival in this year. It will include a performance by Covent Garden "on the road", of Verdi's I Masnadieri (The Robbers) conducted by Edward Downes. The tour takes in the closing night of the Savonlinna Opera Performance, VIP dinner and dinner at Olavinlinna Castle prior to the performance. Guests will also enjoy a sightseeing tour of Lappeenranta, and tickets to three of the concerts. The cost for this eight night holiday is from £893. Details from Home and Abroad at (01) 475 1177, and Rory McDyer Travel (01) 833 5100.
Having not long returned from a skiing holiday, I was surprised to receive a brochure from Crystal Holidays. This must be a record for early delivery. The preview brochure features 46 resorts in six countries, Slovenia ???????????
????US. Most departures are from Dublin, but there will be some via Cork and scheduled flights from Shannon to Boston. Some of the resorts have a nanny service for children aged from six months to four years. So the kids can play while the adults frolic in the snow. Brochures from Crystal at 38 Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 670 8444.
Late bargains for sun holidays from Sunway Travel (01) 288 6828, to Morroco, there is availability for May from £249 for one week and from £299 for two weeks, in self contained accommodation. Hotel accommodation from £349 for one week and £449 for two. There is limited availability with no single supplement.