WHAT'S ON WORLDWIDE

JAPAN

1-2 June. The "Takigi Noh" performance takes place at the Heian Shrine, Kyoto. This famous show, participated in by the various Noh schools, happens after dark under the light of blazing torches on an open-air stage.

SPAIN

1 June. Toledo. This is Corpus Christi, which since time immemorial has been celebrated in Toledo, Spain's erstwhile capital, by a very solemn, costumed religious procession through the streets.

IRELAND

26 May - 1 June. Events recalling the horror of the great Irish famine of 150 years ago. The famine ship will be anchored at Cobh Harbour, County Cork, and on 1 June there will be a famine concert at Drisbane Castle, County Cork.

ESSEX

30 May - 1 June. The annual meeting of more than 200 morris men from all over the world takes place on Town Street, Thaxted. There will be massed dancing on Saturday night and Sunday morning. The best viewing times will be on Saturday from 6pm to 7.30pm and 9pm to 11pm.

MALAYSIA

1-2 June. Dayak Festival, on the island of Sarawak, to mark the end of the rice-growing season. There are events to suit all tastes, ranging from war dances and cock fights to musical performances.

ARGENTINA

25 May. This is a public holiday to celebrate the May Revolution of 1810, in which Spanish settlers, having defended themselves against attempted British invasions, finally revolted against their Spanish overlords. The rebellion eventually led to the independence of Argentina in 1816.

SOMERSET

28-31 May. Royal Bath and West of England Show. If you want to see farm animals and the latest equipment, this agricultural show, at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, is one of the oldest and largest in the country with 1000 stands. Good for a family day out. Telephone 01749-822200 for more details.

PRAGUE

30 May. The opening of a major exhibition about Prague (above) in the times of the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II (1552-1612). The Imperial Court became the cultural and spiritual centre of Europe during his reign. The 1500 exhibits are housed in several venues around the city and will be on show until the end of September.