HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL Hong Kong Arts Festival, now in its 54th year, delivers a month-long celebration of world-class performing arts through March 29. The festival is taking place across multiple venues including the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, City Hall and Academy for Performing Arts, featuring music, dance, theatre, opera and mixed-media. For programme details and to book tickets, visit hk.artsfestival.org. HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL Running March 1 to 8, the Hong Kong International Literary Festival sees over 100 writers and artists gather at venues across the city for a series of talks, workshops, book launches and panel discussions. Now in its 25th edition, the festival highlights diverse voices across genres and themes, and covers everything from poetry to memoir, fiction to non-fiction. Book your tickets at eventbrite.com. HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW If you didn’t get your fill of flower power over CNY, head to the Hong Kong Flower Show from March 20 to 29 at Victoria Park. This year’s theme is ‘A Fragrant Journey through Hong Kong’, and stocks are the featured flower. Expect vibrant floral displays, curated potted plants and stunning landscaping from over 200 local and international horticulturists. Admission is free. COMPLEXCON HONG KONG Premier pop and street culture festival ComplexCon Hong Kong is back at AsiaWorld-Expo from March 21 to 22 bringing live music, curated fashion, exclusive sneaker drops and art. The two-day concert is big on K-hip-hop with Jennie, Jay Park and Crush headlining, alongside groundbreaking American rage rap artist Yeat. Book your tickets at klook.com. HKWALLS STREET ART FESTIVAL HKwalls Street Art Festival returns for its 11th edition from March 21 to 29. The event sees international and local artists painting murals across Central and Western, with guided tours and workshops for the general public. In the weeks leading up to the event, property owners can ‘donate’ a wall to see it transformed into a work of art. To find out more, visit hkwalls.org.

SPOT CHILDREN’S THERAPY CENTRE www.spot.com.hk SPOT Summer Camps, in Central and Wong Chuk Hang, are focused on social skills, emotional regulation, fine motor skills and literacy. Each venue features a purpose-built, sensory- motor therapy gym that allow kids, aged 3 to 11, to engage in enriching sensory experiences and group activities. Fun-filled sessions run from June 30 to August 15, helping kids thrive in a supportive environment. Tel: 2807 2992 Email: contact@spot.com.hk IGYM GYMNASTICS www.igymhk.com The iGym Gymnastics and Ninja Camp runs from June 30 to August 22 at iGym’s newly launched Gymnastics Academy in DB North Plaza. Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are on offer Monday to Saturday. Fun, age-appropriate activities in both gymnastics and ninja zones give kids, aged 3 to 10, the opportunity to develop their skills, make new friends and have a blast. WhatsApp: 6077 2758 Email:igymhk@icloud.com MANDARIN TIME www.mandarintimeschool.com The Mandarin Time DB Camp runs from July 7 to August 15 in DB North and provides children, aged 10 to 15, with a 100% Mandarin-speaking environment. Courses are available Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3pm: kids, aged 13 to 15, focus on IGCSE Chinese preparation, and there are three levels of tuition (upper elementary, intermediate and native) for kids aged 10 to 13. WhatsApp: 6153 7108 Email:info@mandarintimeschool.com YIFAN MANDARIN www.yifancamps.com The Yifan Mandarin Summer Camp at DB North Plaza is fully immersive and activity based. The week-long camps run from July 7 to August 8, Monday to Friday, 9.10am to 10.40am (ages 3 to 5) and 10.45am to 12.15pm (ages 6 to 9). Multi-week discounts are available until June 30. 一帆中文夏令營在愉景灣開展超過十六年;助 孩子們快樂學中文,語言能力大提升! WhatsApp: 9208 7611 Email: admin@yifanmandarin.com GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI www.guidepost.hk Guidepost Montessori’s Cosmic Adventure Summer Camp runs weekly from July 2 to July 25 at the DB North Plaza campus. Children, aged 2 to 6, get to explore life on Earth and beyond through hands-on activities, storytelling, creative crafts, science discoveries and sensory experience, fostering curiosity and empathy about the universe. WhatsApp: 9126 6211 Email: admissions@guidepost.hk ARK EDEN www.arkedenonlantau.org Ark Eden is a magical space nestled on a hillside in Mui Wo where children, aged 5 to 11, can explore the great outdoors, make new friends and build confidence through engaging, nature-based play. Choose from eight weeks of camps running June 30 to August 22. Camp leaders are skilled in Experiential Education, Forest School principles, Social Emotional Wellness and Wilderness First Aid. Tel: 2988 5355 Email: angus@arkedenonlantau.org TREASURE ISLAND GROUP www.treasureislandhk.com Treasure Island Group’s Summer Camps – Surf, Adventure, Explorers, eXtreme and Little Kids Club – run from June 16 to August 22 at Pui O Beach and are bookable by the week or day. From surfing and kayaking to wetland tours and waterfall hiking, kids, aged 4 to 14, get to experience a wide range of outdoor activities, whilst making new friends and developing eco-awareness and life skills. Tel: 5236 7016 Email:inquiries@treasureislandhk.com HONG KONG SURFING LESSON www.hongkongsurfinglesson.com Hong Kong Surfing Lesson’s one- or three- day, non-overnight camps run from June 16 to August 27 at Lower Cheung Sha Beach. Children, aged 5 to 14, get their own surfboard to maximise their surfing time. Camps are run by professional ISA-qualified instructors, who help kids progress by making surfing fun and safe. Lessons are also available daily for beginner to intermediate surfers of all ages. WhatsApp: 6199 0904 Email: info@hongkongsurfinglesson.com FAUST INTERNATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE www.faustworld.com Faust’s HK-wide summer programme runs from June 23 to August 22, with week-long courses in Summer Theatre for 3- to 18-year-olds, Musical Theatre for 8- to 18-year-olds, and Creative Writing for 6- to 14-year-olds. In any given week, children experience a fun- filled learning environment in which to develop leadership and teamwork skills, individual expression and confidence. Tel: 2547 9114 Email: info@faustworld.com

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING Did you know there are not one but two ways to recycle ‘real’ Christmas trees in DB? You can take them to the Green@ Islands recycling spot, which is open every Tuesday from 10am to 1pm, and 2.30pm to 5.30pm at Green Icon, or you can schedule a home pick-up by calling Winson Cleaning Services at 3176 3188 (a service fee applies). In both cases, the collected trees are further handled by the EPD and are either converted into compost or upcycled at Y·PARK, the government-operated yard-waste recycling centre in Tuen Mun. DB OPEN FS CHALLENGE The 2nd DB Open FS Challenge is taking place from January 2 to 4 at DB Ice Rink. Endorsed by ISIAsia, the event gives skaters from different regions a chance to every Tuesday from 10am to 1pm, and compete under a shared standard. There are opportunities for young skaters and beginners to gain competitive experience, and for advanced skaters to showcase fully choreographed freestyle routines. To find out more, visit www.dbicerink.com. TOSCANA: DB NORTH MID-LEVELS Toscana, the Italian-style oceanfront residential complex in DB North, is already creating a buzz, with HKR International expected to launch first-phase sales (320 units) early this year. The development will cover over 650,000 square feet, with around 1,400 units (one- to four-bed) providing 1,300,000 square feet of living space. Whether or not you are looking to take up residence, the property is well worth a visit. For a start, there’s the onsite sales centre with garden and rooftop terrace, which showcases Toscana’s signature design style – modern Italian luxe meets DB resort living. You can also explore Park Toscana, a meticulously landscaped green space spanning over 160,000 square feet. The views across the bay are unparalleled and there are 13 carefully crafted, Italian-themed zones encouraging visitors (and soon homeowners) to immerse in nature, sports and art. A central part of HKRI’s MP7 expansion/ master plan for the DB North area, Toscana integrates housing with recreational and lifestyle facilities. Art is a major focus with a Toscana-themed Italian Art Festival already under way. To kick off the festival, Italian artist Francesco Lietti and teachers and students from Discovery Bay International School were invited to collaborate on Never So Close – an exhibition of oversized, Italian style masquerade and carnival masks. Four works, themed Waterfront Living, Green Living, Luxury Living and Happy Living, are on display through January 25. More activities promoting Italian culture and art are in the offing. To find out more and track listings, visit www.toscana.com.hk. VIUTV SOUND BEAR FAMILY RUN Postponed in November out of respect for all those who lost loved ones in the Tai Po fire, the ViuTV Sound Bear Family Run has been rescheduled for January 31 at DB South Plaza, from 8am to 3pm. The participation quota is a whopping 4,000+ people and there’s something for everyone: a 10km (16 years and above); two 3km races (10 to 15 years, 16 years and above); and two parent-child beach obstacle races, one with a 1km run and one without. To find out more and enrol, visit www.viutvfamilyrun2025.com SANDAE BEACH Sandae Sand Art, headed up by DB resident Gary Melsom, continues to evolve with exciting new sand-sculpting activities. Their newly launched team building programme – Sandae Golf! – challenges groups to design and construct their own miniature golf courses entirely from sand. Teams work together to create playable holes complete with obstacles and bunkers, then enjoy a friendly tournament on their handcrafted course. To book a corporate retreat, visit www.sandae.online. THE SNOW QUEEN DB’s The Performer’s Studio Theatre Company – a semi-professional troupe of 30+ child actors led by director-producer Emma Tielus-Ward – is staging Paul Boyd’s The Snow Queen from February 2 to 7 at the Hong Kong Arts Centre’s Shouson Theatre. A modern interpretation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, the show brings catchy songs, fastpaced choreography and larger-than-life characters. To find out more and book tickets, visit www.theperformersstudio.com. WELLNESS SCENE Arts for Health founder Rachelle Conradie is hosting three wellnessfocused events in DB this month: a women’s singing circle at Beach Village on January 14; a community dance fundraiser at YogaUp in DB North Plaza on January 17 and an art journalling workshop at Mountain View on January 20. To find out more and enrol, visit https://linktr.ee/artsforhealth.hk. For more on the DB wellness scene, turn to page 18. THURSDAY MANDARIN SCHOOL Yifan Mandarin is launching Thursday Mandarin School at DB North Plaza on January 15. Designed for children aged 4 to 10 (K2 to P4), the systematic classes build Chinese literacy in a 100% Mandarin environment, making them perfect for bilingual families. And Yifan has an exclusive offer for Around DB readers: enjoy a free trial class plus 10% off full-term fees when you enrol with the code 2026YF@ADB. To find out more, WhatsApp 9208 7611 or visit www.yifanmandarin.com. CINDERELLA ADVENTURE Fans of Cinderella Adventure get ready to be happy! We have confirmation that the ‘popup’ will be in place at the former EpicLand in DB North Plaza for the next six months at least. Guests get to enjoy all the playcentre facilities plus handcrafting activities. Cinderella Adventure is open from 10am to 6pm daily; children must be accompanied by an adult – entry is HK$288 for two, HK$100 for each additional visitor. To find out more or make a booking, call 6315 0611. INTERNATIONAL FOOD & BEER FESTIVAL Make your way to Midvale playground on January 24 to take part in One World Spirit’s International Food and Beer Festival. Everyone who attends is asked to bring a popular dish from their hometown to share with friends and neighbours. Capacity is limited with priority given to OWS members; find out more at www.facebook.com/1worldspirit. Dates For Your Diary JAN 03 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in Community Green Square from 2pm to 4.30pm. Visit FB @db.community.hk. JAN 17 | SHOP THE DB MARKET in DB South Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com. JAN 17 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the Nim Shue Wan gate at 2.10pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org. ALL MONTH | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE to people in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pick-up, visit FB @dbmf.collection. Clean Up Your Act! Commit to embracing the 3 R’s in 2026 REDUCING IS THE BEST SOLUTION We all know the mantra of REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, but did you know that reducing is the key solution to solving our waste and plastic pollution problem? Here are some tweaks to your daily routine that you can make to ensure you’re part of that solution. Carry your own water bottle every day, and a coffee cup, food container and cutlery for takeaways Reduce how often you ‘order in’ meals and shop online to avoid single-use packaging Bring your own bag when shopping, and choose products with no or minimal packaging Be conscious of the food you buy to avoid food waste and make a point of using your leftovers Choose bar soaps, shampoos and cleaning products. If you prefer liquids, bring your bottles to a shop for a refill Sell or give away good-condition unwanted items like toys, clothes, gadgets and homeware See if you can buy the things you need second-hand, before buying new WASTE REDUCTION IN DB Make sure all recyclables are clean. Only plastic bottles go into DB’s plastic recycling bins. Keep the cap on. Drink boxes must be clean and dry, with the plastic spout, cap and straw removed. Don’t put plastic bags in the food waste bins – only food waste. Don’t put paper cups or food containers in DB’s paper recycling bins. Recycling is important but reducing is the best solution! START SMALL! MAKE A BIG IMPACT! Together, our choices create a cleaner, greener future for everyone! Find more from DB’s homegrown environmental charities at FB @DB Green and www.plasticfreeseas.org.

How much do you know about January? BY Kayli Liebenberg 1. Which Hong Kong holiday starts on January 29 this year? A. Chinese Lunar New Year B. Ching Ming C. Easter 2. What does the garnet, January’s birthstone, provide? A. Mental clarity B. Healing C. Protection 3. January is a collaborative studio album by Page McConnell and Trey Anastasio: which band are they members of? A. Phish B. Gov’t Mule C. Hot Tuna 4. What are January’s zodiac signs? A. Gemini and Cancer B. Capricorn and Aquarius C. Aries and Leo 5. Which famous US singer was born on January 8, 1935? A. Elvis Presley B. Bruno Mars C. Steven Tyler 6. In Six Feet Under, which of the Fisher siblings was born in January? A. Michael B. Nate C. Lauren 7. According to folklore, what should we do on January 6? A. Take down our Christmas decorations B. Eat together as a family C. Leave a plate of mince pies out for Santa 8. January 20 is dedicated to which animal? A. Tiger B. Penguin C. Lion 9. What are January’s birth flowers? A. Rose and aster B. Carnation and snowdrop C. Dandelion and marigold 10. Popeye made his first appearance in a New York Times comic strip on January 17, 1929. What was his first line? A. D’ja think I’m a cowboy B. I yam what I yam C. I’m Popeye the sailor man, toot toot11. We celebrate Burns Night on January 25 to honour the national poet of which country? A. England B. Wales C. Scotland 12. Which Hong Kong theme park opened its doors on January 10, 1977? A. Disneyland B. Ocean Park C. Noah’s Ark 13. On January 25, 1924, the first Winter Olympics debuted in which country? A. Japan B. Italy C. France 14. On what date in 1841 did Hong Kong’s colonial period begin? A. January 3 B. January 17 C. January 20 15. Which iconic US writer was born on January 13, 1955? A. Jay McInerney B. Bret Easton Ellis C. Donna Tartt 16. On January 1, 1993, which tragic event occurred in Hong Kong? A. Lan Kwai Fong stampede B. SARS outbreak C. MTR firebomb 17. What is January’s full moon called? A. Rabbit Moon B. Wolf Moon C. Wale Moon 18. According to numerology, people born in January are ruled by which number? A. 1 B. 3 C. 7 19. Which popular Apple product was unveiled on January 9, 2007? A. iPhone B. iPad C. iPod 20. Which January-born country music icon wrote the song I Will Always Love You? A. Whitney Houston B. Dolly Parton C. Billy Ray Cyrus

How much do you know about the month of February? BY Kayli Liebenberg 1. How many days does February have in a non-leap year? A. 28 B. 29 C. 30 2. What is February’s full moon called? A. Snow Moon B. Sand Moon C. Sea Moon 3. What do we celebrate on February 14? A. Holi B. Easter C. Valentine’s Day 4. Who wrote the song My Funny Valentine? A. Frank Sinatra B. Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart C. Jeff Bridges 5. In February 2015, a photo of what article of clothing created a viral debate over its true colours? A. A pink and white shoe B. A black and blue dress C. A white and gold hat 6. Which US human rights activist was assassinated on February 21, 1965? A. James Reeb B. Malcolm X C. Martin Luther King Jr 7. What are February’s zodiac signs? A. Aquarius and Pisces B. Cancer and Gemini C. Scorpio and Libra 8. On February 20, 1962, who became the first US astronaut to orbit the Earth? A. Buzz Aldrin B. Neil Armstrong C. John Glenn 9. What are February’s birth flowers? A. Violet and primrose B. Violet and daisy C. Lilly of the valley and daisy 10. On which date did Chinese Lunar New Year fall last year? A. February 1 B. February 10 C. February 15 11. Which Marvel movie was released on February 16, 2018? A. Avengers Infinity War B. Madame Web C. Black Panther 12. Which English singer/ songwriter was born on February 1, 1994? A. Ed Sheeran B. Harry Styles C. Sam Smith 13. Millie Bobby Brown was born on February 19, 2004: which US magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018? A. Time B. Vanity Fair C. Us Weekly 14. In which country is Groundhog Day celebrated on February 2? A. United States B. Canada C. Mexico 15. On February 1, 2004 which social networking website was launched? A. Instagram B. Twitter C. Facebook 16. Which Foo Fighters album features the track February Stars? A. The Color and the Shape B. One by One C. Sonic Highways 17. Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on February 7, 1867: which of the following novels did she not write? A. Farmer Boy B. The Children of Green Knowe C. The Long Winter 18. What is February’s birthstone the amethyst associated with? A. Magic B. Royalty C. Priests 19. Which British band released the album Abbey Road on February 26, 1969? A. Led Zeppelin B. The Rolling Stones C. The Beatles 20. Which of these horror movies was released on February 14, 1991? A. Child’s Play B. The Silence of The Lambs C. Friday the 13th

How much do you know about the month of May? 1. In which country do people traditionally dance round a May Pole on May 1? A. France B. Germany C. England 2. When is Mother’s Day celebrated in Hong Kong? A. Three weeks before Easter Sunday B. First Sunday in May C. Second Sunday in May 3. Who is often credited as the “mother of Mother’s Day”? A. Mother Teresa B. Anna Jarvis C. Carrie Lam 4. What is May’s birthstone? A. Sapphire B. Ruby C. Emerald 5. What are May’s zodiac signs? A. Taurus and Gemini B. Capricorn and Scorpio C. Leo and Cancer 6. Which English crime author was born on May 22, 1859? A. Agatha Christie B. Sir Ar thur Conan Doyle C. Wilkie Collins 7. Which Wiccan festival falls in May? A. Beltane B. Litha C. Mabon 8. Which famous sci-fi film franchise celebrates “May the Fourth” as a fan holiday? A. Star Wars B. Star Trek C. Doctor Who 9. In ancient Roman mythology, May was named after which goddess? A. Aurora B. Minerva C. Maia 10 Which American aviator completed the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight on May 21, 1927? A. Amelia Earhart B. Charles Lindbergh C. Orville Wright 11. Which album did Billie Eilish release on May 17, 2024? A. Hit Me Hard and Soft B. Happier than Ever C. Guitar Songs 12. What is May’s birth flower? A. Lilly B. Honeysuckle C. Sunflower 13. Which major American sports league usually starts its playoffs in May? A. The MLB B. The NFL C. The NBA 14. What is the name of May’s full moon? A. Bird Moon B. Tree Moon C. Flower Moon 15. Tuen Ng Festival falls on May 31 this year: which sport is it associated with? A. Dragon boating B. Kung fu C. Table tennis 16. In Norse mythology, which creature is said to appear in May, signifying the arrival of summer? A. Dragon B. Kraken C. Phoenix 17. Which international film festival is held annually in May? A. Cannes B. Sundance C. Academy Awards 18. Whose birthday, falling on May 5, is celebrated with a holiday in Hong Kong? A. Andy Lau’s B. Bruce Lee’s C. The Buddha’s 19. Who inspired Henry Cavill, born on May 5, 1983, to take up acting? A. Guy Ritchie B. Russell Crowe C. Daniel Craig 20. Which competition is held at the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, May 3 to 6? A. Bun scrambling B. Bun eating C. Bun throwing

How much do you know about the month of June? BY Kayli Liebenberg 1. What are June’s zodiac signs? *A. Gemini and Cancer* B. Pisces and Taurus C. Leo and Scorpio 2. In the Northern Hemisphere, which day is the longest of the year? *A. June 21* B. June 23 C. June 30 3. What is June’s birthstone? A. Opal *B. Pearl* C. Amethyst 4. When do we celebrate Father’s Day in Hong Kong this year? A. June 8 *B. June 15* C. June 22 5. Which greenfield music festival, held annually in June, is the largest in the world? *A. Glastonbury* B. Green Man C. Burning Man 6. What is June’s full moon called? A. Blackberry Moon B. Blueberry Moon *C. Strawberry Moon* 7. Which US state hosts a Superman Celebration annually in June? *A. Illinois* B. Indiana C. Iowa 8. In Greek mythology, which goddess is associated with June? A. Athena *B. Hera* C. Demeter 9. Which famous comedian, known for his silent films, was born on June 16, 1890? A. Oliver Hardy B. Buster Keaton *C. Stan Laurel* 10. On June 9, 1898, the British signed a 99-year lease for Hong Kong: when did the lease expire? A. June 1, 1997 B. June 31, 1997 *C. July 1, 1997* 11. Which famous singer known as ‘The King of Pop’ passed away on June 25, 2009? A. Prince B. George Michael *C. Michael Jackson* 12. Which actor, who starred in Shawshank Redemption, was born on June 1, 1937? *A. Morgan Freeman* B. Tim Robbins C. Bob Gunton 13. What is June’s birth flower? *A. Rose* B. Snowdrop C. Daffodil 14. Which ground-breaking author, born on June 25, 1903, wrote 1984? A. Virginia Wolf *B. George Orwell* C. James Joyce 15. In June 2002, which singing competition premiered on TV? A. The X Factor *B. American Idol* C. America’s Got Talent 16. What do we celebrate on June 5? *A. World Environment Day* B. World Oceans Day C. World Rainforest Day 17. Which Hong Kong-based actor was born on June 27, 1962? *A. Phillippe Joly* B. Tony Leung Chiu-wai C. Leslie Cheung 18. How much did Kurt Cobain’s acoustic guitar from Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance sell for at auction on June 21, 2020? A. US$2 million B. US$4 million *C. US$6 million* 19. Which sabbat do Wiccans celebrate in June? A. Lammas B. Ostara *C. Litha* 20. American country singer June Carter was born on June 23, 1929: who did she marry in 1968? *A. Johnny Cash* B. Carl Smith C. Roy Orbison

How much do you know about the month of July? 01. Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon on July 20 in which year? A. 1960 B. 1965 *C. 1969* 02. What is July’s full moon called? *A. Buck Moon* B. Deer Moon C. Fawn Moon 03. When does HKSAR Establishment Day fall? *A. July 1* B. July 20 C. July 31 04. Who did Julius Caesar name the month of July after? A. Himself *B. His family* C. Cleopatra 05. Which civil rights activist was born on July 12, 1997? A. Thandiwe Abdullah B. Greta Thunberg *C. Malala Yousafzai* 06. Which album did Taylor Swift release on July 7, 2023? A. Red (Taylor's Version) *B. Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)* C. 1989 (Taylor's Version) 07. What is July’s birthstone? *A. Ruby* B. Emerald C. Pearl 08. On July 25, 1909, who was the first man to fly an aircraft across the English Channel? A. Sully Sullenberger B. Charles Lindbergh *C. Louis Bleriot* 09. What do the French celebrate on July 14? *A. Bastille Day* B. Armistice Day C. Ascension Day 10. Which South African president was born on July 18, 1918? A. Desmond Tutu *B. Nelson Mandela* C. Jacob Zuma 11. Which major cycling event traditionally starts in July? A. Milan-San Remo *B. Tour de France* C. Tour Down Under 12. Which US actor born on July 3, 1962, starred in Born on the Fourth of July? A. Stanley Tucci *B. Tom Cruise* C. Sean Penn 13. Where did the first Disneyland open on July 17, 1955? *A. Anaheim, California* B. Penny’s Bay, Lantau C. Marne-la-Vallée, France 14. The inaugural FIFA World Cup was held where in July 1930? A. Argentina B. Bolivia *C. Uruguay* 15. At which Spanish festival, held in July, do people run with bulls through the streets? A. Las Fallas *B. Fiesta de San Fermín* C. Feria de Sevilla 16. Which movie made US$356 million worldwide during its opening weekend in July 2023? *A. Barbie* B. Oppenheimer C. Sounds of Freedom 17. Which popular item of summer clothing was showcased in Paris in July 1946? *A. Bikini* B. Flip flops C. Crop top 18. Who wrote 4th of July – Ashbury Park (Sandy)? A. Bruno Mars B. Billy Joel *C. Bruce Springsteen* 19. Which sporting event, held in July 1967, was the first UK television programme to be broadcast in colour? A. Rugby World Cup *B. Wimbledon Tennis Championships* C. Cricket World Cup 20. Amazon opened as an online bookseller in July of which year? *A 1995* B. 1997 C. 2000

City of Spires REPORTING BY Elena M. Zepeda DELIVERING THE CHARM OF CENTURIES PAST with a fresh modern vibe, Old Town Prague is a visually rich living museum. Its winding cobblestone streets are lined with a vibrant mix of historic architecture and trendy cafés and galleries. With more than 300 churches rising above its rooftops, the Czech capital truly earns its nickname: the City of Spires. DIVIDED BY THE VLTAVA RIVER, Prague is united by the iconic Charles Bridge. Built in the 14th century out of Bohemian sandstone, the bridge is lined with 30 baroque statues, plus a throng of street artists, musicians and souvenir sellers. It’s best seen at sunrise in the early morning mist, or at sunset right when the sky turns gold. HEARTY AND COMFORTING CZECH CUISINE is all about tradition and rich flavours. Think tender beef in creamy svíčková sauce, crispy pork knuckle and the ever so wonderful trdelník pastries packed full of sugar and nuts. Remember to pair your meal with a famous local beer like Kozel or Pilsner Urquell. Savour the city’s culture one bite (and sip) at a time! PERCHED HIGH ON HRADČANY HILL, Prague Castle is a masterpiece of medieval and early Renaissance architecture. Spanning over 70,000 square metres, it is one of the largest castle complexes in the world, also home to St Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace. Golden Lane, on the castle’s southern wall, is lined with tiny, 16th-century houses – many just a few metres wide. JOSEFOV, PRAGUE’S JEWISH QUARTER, preserves centuries of culture and history. Visit the Spanish Synagogue, built in 1868 in ornate Moorish Revival style, and the Gothic Altneuschul, Europe’s oldest active synagogue, built in 1270. As you wander Josefov’s narrow streets, be sure to explore the Old Jewish Cemetery with its tightly packed tombstones dating back to 1439. PRAGUE IS A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS and arguably it’s the nightlife that makes it one of Europe’s most-visited cities. Whether you’re up for a classic cocktail at Hemingway Bar, live jazz at U Malého Glena, or an avant-garde, steampunk experience at Cross Club, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for, and more. AT OLD TOWN SQUARE the incredible architecture spans 800 years from medieval to Art Nouveau and it’s here you find Prague Orloj, the oldest astronomical clock still operating. Built in 1404, it has an astronomical dial showing the location of the sun and moon, and a calendar dial indicating the month. Sculptures of the apostles pop out when the clock strikes the hour. Read more Escapes articles here

Harvey Law Group unpacks the Netherlands Startup Visa Program Celebrated as one of the happiest countries in the world, the Netherlands is cherished for its progressive values, picturesque landscapes and a lifestyle that perfectly balances work, leisure and wellbeing. What you might not know is that the Netherlands is also one of Europe’s fastest-growing startup hubs, and that the Dutch government reaches out to overseas entrepreneurial talent through the Netherlands Startup Visa program. In place for over a decade, the Netherlands Startup Visa program is recognised as a fast-track gateway for ambitious foreign entrepreneurs to launch an innovative startup business in the Netherlands. What’s more, obtaining the Netherlands Startup Visa is one of the most efficient and straightforward options for those looking to relocate to the Netherlands and eventually achieve Dutch citizenship or long-term residency. BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM The Netherlands Startup Visa program has no upper age limit for applicants and does not impose any personal net-worth requirements or minimum business investment requirement. Additionally, the program boasts a fast 90-day processing time. In 2024, the Netherlands secured its spot as one of the strongest economies in the EU, with a GDP per capita of EUR 63,000. This economic strength creates significant opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow startup businesses. In addition, the government offers favourable tax benefits for new businesses, including the starter’s deduction, which can be utilised up to three times within the first five years of entrepreneurship. An attractive pathway to obtaining residency, the Netherlands Startup Visa program allows applicants to include their spouse and dependent children under 18 in their visa application. With access to world-class education and healthcare, your family can enjoy a high quality of life while you focus on building and growing your startup. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The Netherlands Startup Visa is offered to individuals from countries outside of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. To qualify, you must present a viable and innovative business idea, which can contribute positively to the Dutch economy. You must also prove that you have sufficient funds to reside and develop your startup business in the Netherlands. Another critical aspect of the eligibility criteria is that applicants must secure support from a government-approved facilitator. The facilitator serves as a mentor, and provides tailored support to address specific needs during your time in the Netherlands. VISA APPLICATION PROCESS The process of applying for the Netherlands Star tup Visa typically starts with drafting a comprehensive business plan that highlights your active role in developing the proposed venture. This business plan is then reviewed by your chosen government-approved facilitator, who may request an interview. If the facilitator deems the business idea promising, they will confirm your enrolment in their incubation program with a signed agreement. Applicants then prepare and submit their residence permit application package to the Netherlands immigration authority (IND). PATHWAY TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY Successful applicants receive a one-year startup visa residence permit. At the end of one year, residence permit holders can apply for and transition to a two-year residence permit. This self-employment residence permit allows you to continue living and working on your star tup in the Netherlands for an additional two years. This transition is contingent upon meeting key requirements, such as demonstrating the active development of your star tup. After the two-year permit expires, applicants may apply for a five-year extension. Once you have accumulated five continuous years of legal residence in the Netherlands, you can apply for either permanent residency or citizenship. Both applications require you to pass the civic integration exam at a minimum language level of A2. Keep in mind that applying for Dutch citizenship often requires you to renounce your current nationality, unless you meet specific exemptions. Given this, many people choose to pursue permanent residency instead, which allows them to maintain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of living in the Netherlands indefinitely. KEY NOTES When working with an experienced facilitator, the approval rate for Nether lands Star tup Visa applications is an impressive 90% but it is crucial to recognise that the process present s its own challenges. With over 30 recognised government-approved facilitators, some cater exclusively to niche sec tor s, and each facilitator has distinct selection criteria, complicating the process of finding the right match for your star tup. Developing your business as planned is equally critical. If the facilitator provides inadequate guidance, this can hinder your star tup’s growth and viability. Furthermore, ensuring that your startup visa application is prepared accurately is a vital step in the process and presents its own complexities. It is essential to engage a reputable firm that specialises in business immigration law. Your application package must be carefully prepared; this includes ensuring that all documents are accurately translated, completed and apostilled. To successfully navigate these challenges, engaging with reputable legal counsel who have a strong reputation in the field is essential. At Harvey Law Group, we have over 30 years of experience in immigration law and have established partnerships with facilitators. Our team specialises in reviewing business plans, and matching you with the right facilitator for your startup, streamlining your acceptance into the facilitator’s incubation program. HLG’s experienced lawyers are dedicated to ensuring your application and all legal documentation are prepared with precision, significantly increasing your chances of success. Please contact us for advice. Read more Client Talk articles here