This looks interesting and rather fun. Sponsored by a weekly news round-up magazine called “The Week” there is a London Paris Festival taking place in London over 6 – 8 October 2006.

The Festival will cover a wide range of serious debates and discussions: politics, whether Paris would be a better alternative to the “special relationship” with Washington, emigration to France and events in the Middle East.

But it’s not all serious: there will be a welcoming cabaret show from Kit and the widow (suitably re-named Chat et la veuve for the occasion). These two guys are very funny and my links page already provides a link to their website.

There is also going to be a debate entitled “English sparkling wine vs French Champagne”. In their enthusiasm the organisers have committed a small, but rather English mistake here. The true Frenchman would say I fear that the word “French” before “Champagne” is a tautology as no sparkling wine made outside Champagne can properly be called “champagne” so far as I know You may say I’m just being a bit pedantic, but that would be sour grapes!

A contest between English sparkling wines and French sparkling wines could include all the wonderful regional sparkling varieties such as the under-rated Blanquette de Limoux from the foothills of the Pyrénnées.

This Festival is a great initiative and I wish them well in establishing this as an annual event. Check them out on www.iq2londonparisfestival.com