Each new year brings with it a calendar of events that celebrate particular milestones across Europe. Last year saw, among other events, the 50th anniversary of the Sound of Music and 200 years since the Battle of Waterloo, but what can we look forward to in 2016?

50th Anniversary Of The Florence Floods

Flooding has been a hot topic in Britain recently, as we endure another winter of devastating damage. However, we are obviously not the only country to have experienced disasters of this kind. This year, the city of Florence will mark 50 years since a destructive wave of water engulfed the streets. The event was made all the worse by the fact that it caught everybody unaware and sadly 101 people lost their lives. On the 4th of November 2016, Florence will remember those who were killed, as well as hosting a number of events that bring the effects of climate change to the fore. There will also be exhibitions about how the city’s cultural heritage was saved and restored in the years following the disaster.

80 Years Since The Start Of The Spanish Civil War

1936 saw the start of the Spanish Civil War in which the Nationalists, led by General Franco, fought against the Republicans until 1939. The war ended when Madrid was captured by Franco’s army and the result was seen as a precursor to WWII, as it gave Hitler an ally in Spain. The 17th July 2016 will mark 80 years since the conflict began and there are sure to be events held across the country at this time.

100Th Anniversary Of The Battle Of the Somme

The Battle of the Somme was not only one of the largest battles of WW1 but is also considered to be one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history. Thousands of British people lost their lives as allied forces confronted the German Empire in Northern France. July 1st official makes the start of the battle and a memorial event is scheduled for this day. This will be for ticket holders only and the ballot has already been drawn, however, there are other events happening throughout the year that may be of interest. Along with a specially created Remembrance Trail, from Péronne to Villiers/Bretonneux, there will be a number of exhibitions on display and a centenary celebration for the Little Train of the Haute Somme. For more information visit the Somme battlefields website.

100 Years Of BMW

Petrol heads are sure to be aware that 2016 is the 100th birthday of BMW. The German car manufacturer was first put on the map with the production of the Dixi and has continued to create exciting and reliable automobiles ever since. Munich is home to the company’s headquarters and so there will be a string of events happening throughout the year to celebrate the centenary. These will culminate in a BMW Classic parade around the Munich Olympic Grounds and a drive through the city centre, from the 9th to the 11th of September.

400 Years Of Shakespeare

Yes, that’s right, it has been 400 years since the Bard passed away on his birthday. Therefore, 2016 will see a range of events and activities going on across the UK to commemorate one of Britain’s most beloved and influential writers. These will mainly take place in London and Stratford-upon-Avon and will include productions of his plays, an interactive theatre exhibition at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the unveiling of New Place and the opening of Shakespeare’s Schoolroom. There will also rapturous celebrations in Shakespeare’s birth town during the weekend of the 23rd and 24th of April to mark the great man’s birthday.

If you would like to see these events for yourself, or any of the others happening throughout 2016, we can plan European city breaks all over the continent. Call us today or get in touch through our online contact form.