The Gaida is one of the most characteristic folk instruments of Bulgaria. It is said that a traditional wedding is incomplete without its presence. Traditionally the solitary shepherd's companion, it is often heard solo or accompanied by a large drum. It is also popular in small village orchestras. Like all Bulgarian folk instruments there are many regional variations with distinctive styles of detail and ornament. All share a common form: white kidskin bag, blowpipe, drone and chanter.

As with every year the festival that takes over Edinburgh for a month during the summer, is looking to one of the best yet. It's always said that each year is looking to be more interesting and have many more names behind the performances, but it is true that the festival offers something that no other summer city break holiday can offer. Set in the superb surroundings of the historic city of Edinburgh, the festival draws in the cream of talent from comedy, music, film, theatre, dance.

It's no secret that Southern California is a festive place to visit, and thanks to a year-long calendar of warm weather it's the perfect venue for hosting many annual outdoor festivals. Culinary events, family activities, and cultural exchanges enhance any trip to the SoCal region. The next time you plan to visit the greater Los Angeles or San Diego areas, keep an eye out for some of the fun family festivals taking place around the state.

Festival time is upon us again and, alongside worrying about having enough tent pegs - or getting a tent in the first place - you may be considering what your festival wardrobe is going to contain this year. There are a few tips that you'll be grateful for during the festival, the key one being to pack as lightly as you can. You can spend a lot of time walking to the campsite and hoisting heavy bags and tents along with your food and drink for the weekend can be a strenuous task.

Edinburgh's International Arts Festival and it's boisterous offspring The Fringe provide platforms on which popular icons of culture, celebrity stardom, literary genius and theatrical wizardry delight thousands, win audiences, woo agents and dodging the often caustic tirades of the critics. This is the annual cultural highlight from Scotland's Capital City and it is covered by the world's media in the shape of TV crews, reports and photographers from around the globe who come to stare at and record the antics of the talented and no so talented performers.

These shorts made a long enjoyable feature at this year's Seattle Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. They're very powerful, compelling, uplifting, and entertaining. The shortest time is 8 minutes and the longest one is 21 minutes. The Producers, Directors, and Actor were in attendance and answered questions after the premiere of this classic and well polished shorts that are a welcome in the gay community.