Becoming American on July Fourth

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 03 July 2019 > Celebrate

Independence Day is a celebration for all Americans, but for some it has special significance. It’s a traditional day for holding naturalisation ceremonies, welcoming new citizens to the U.S.A. More than three-quarters of a million people obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalisation in 2018. Ceremonies take place all year round, but a lot take place in … Continue reading “Becoming American on July Fourth”

Victoria 200

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 24 June 2019 > Celebrate

2019 marks the bicentenary of the births of Britain’s Queen Victoria and her beloved husband Prince Albert. Victoria reigned from 1837 until 1899, the longest reign of any British monarch until the current Queen overtook the record in 2015. Victoria reigned over an era of imperial expansion, ultimately ruling over a quarter of the world’s … Continue reading “Victoria 200”

D-Day in Sound and Poetry

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 03 June 2019 > Celebrate

As part of the commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the town of Bayeux is hosting an immersive audio performance in English about British war poet and D-Day veteran Keith Douglas. Douglas was a WWII tank commander, who fought in North Africa and participated in the Normandy landings. He was killed three … Continue reading “D-Day in Sound and Poetry”

Hawaiian Heaven

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 24 May 2019 > Celebrate

If you think the ukulele is a gadget, a novelty instrument for children, get ready to be blown away. Hawaiians love the instrument, and Taimane is one of its greatest exponents. Don’t miss her in concerts in Paris and Brittany. Taimane grew up in Hawaii with a Samoan mother — her name means “Diamond ” … Continue reading “Hawaiian Heaven”

Eating Your Greens

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 10 May 2019 > Celebrate

National Vegetarian Week is taking place from 13 to 19 May in the UK, encouraging people to move towards a plant-based diet for their health and the planet’s. The week is organised by the National Vegetarian Society, which was founded in 1847, reflecting the long history of vegetarianism in the UK. The Society believes that … Continue reading “Eating Your Greens”

ANZAC Day

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 24 April 2019 > Celebrate Shine Bright Lycée

While most countries involved in World War I commemorate those who served in that and later wars on 11 November, the date the War ended, in Australia and New Zealand, the main commemoration is ANZAC Day, 25 April, the day in 1915 when their servicemen first saw action, in the disastrous Gallipoli Campaign. When Britain … Continue reading “ANZAC Day”

Screen Tourism: “Game of Thrones” Fans Flock to Northern Ireland

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 11 April 2019 > Celebrate Shine Bright Lycée

Game of Thrones may be set in the imaginary Seven Kingdoms, but it was filmed in real locations around the world. Many locations, and all the studio work, were done in Northern Ireland and the country is attracting crowds of tourists anxious to walk in the footsteps of their heroes. As well as studio tours … Continue reading “Screen Tourism: “Game of Thrones” Fans Flock to Northern Ireland”

Black History Month in Rennes

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 30 January 2019 > Celebrate

In honour of the Black History Month, the Institut Franco-Américain in Rennes has two events centered around author James Baldwin, just in time for the release of the Oscar-nominated If Beale Street Could Talk. Born in 1924 in Harlem, New York, Baldwin is remembered as a novelist, poet, playwright, essayist and social critic. From 1948 … Continue reading “Black History Month in Rennes”

It’s Christmas Jumper Day!

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 12 December 2018 > Celebrate

Christmas Jumper Day has been a big charity event in the UK for several years. The U.S. is catching up with Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Either way, it’s a great way to get in the Christmas spirit and make a donation to a children’s charity. Christmas Jumper Day in the UK is organised by the … Continue reading “It’s Christmas Jumper Day!”