Fun for folk in Washington

Hopping on a flight to Washington this summer? Make sure you check out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival while you're there.

The festival takes place between June 27th and July 1st and between July 4th and 8th on the National Mall in the city, celebrating the heritage of the US and other countries through a variety of events.

Visitors to Washington will be able to watch performances from musicians, performers and storytellers, as well as see artists, craftspeople, workers and cooks at work. The festival attracts around one million people to the city every year.

The festival consists of a number of different programmes designed to feature a particular state, region or country, examining cultural traditions through the years via a series of exhibitions and hands-on activities.

This year's event will feature themes such as the cultures of the Mekong River, the impact of Northern Irish culture on the US and the roots of Virginian traditions and customs.

And while you're in Washington, why not visit the White House and take in one of the city's many museums to make your break even more stimulating?

For more information, check out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival website.

• British Airways boss underlines Heathrow Airport importance
• Emirates completes move to new terminal in Dubai
• New US airport runways welcomed
• New campaign invites holidaymakers to Paris
• Tokyo 'the world's culinary capital'
• Observation wheel to open in Melbourne
• Visitors offered Christmas bonuses in Brussels
• Stansted Airport eco-certification extended to 2011
• United Airlines to resume flights from London to Denver
• Travellers invited to Australia's cinematic destinations