International Giant Sand Sculpture Festival

Date: May 8-June 16.

Location: Hardelot, Nord- Pas-de-Calais, France.

Description: The small seaside town has turned building sandcastles into an art form.

Contact: +0033 321 835102.

Website: What's On When.

Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival

Date: May 10-12.

Location: Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon, Isaan, Thailand.

Description: Originally conceived as a way to stimulate the Rain Gods, hundreds of hazardous bamboo rockets are fired high into the sky.

Contact: 0066 45 711397.

Website: What's On When.

Inside Out: Toronto Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

Date: May 16-26.

Location: Paramount and Cumberland Cinemas, Toronto, Canada.

Description: Not only one of the world's biggest screenings of gay and lesbian cinema, Inside Out is also rated as a top international film festival.

Contact: 001 416 977 6847.

Website: What's On When.

Pamplona Bull Run

Date: July 6-14.

Location: San Fermín, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain.

Description: The jury is out on whether you are incredibly brave or more than a little stupid to take part in the encierro, part of the spectacular Fiesta de San Fermin.

Contact: 0034 948 207035.

Website: What's On When.