Day: 10 February 2017

Valentine’s weekend is fast approaching. For the French, Valentine’s Day is a celebration to “let go” financially, claims Anthony Mahé, sociologist at the Observatory of Society and Consumer Affairs (Obsoco).

Half of those who plan to celebrate the day of love say they budget about €49, but this can quickly reach €150 or €200, which explains why two-thirds of bookings recorded by Weekendesk for this period are for 4- and 5-star hotels.

In the UK, 28% of those polled think that Valentine’s Day is “a waste of money” while 9% currently in a relationship answered they’d “ignore Valentine’s Day if they could be sure their partner would agree with the decision”.

On average, British consumers will dole out £22.58 (€26.14), £26 (€30) in London, with 23% of this year’s total Valentine’s expenditure – around £163 million (€188 million) – spent be on dining out.

In the US, the annual survey released last week by the National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts total consumer spending on Valentine’s Day will hit $18.2 billion (€16.87 billion), down $1.5 billion last year, ending a decade-long Valentine’s Day trend.

According to the NRF, American consumers will spend an average $136.57 (€126.62), compared to last year’s “record-high” $146.84 (€136.15).

“Valentine’s Day continues to be a popular gift-giving occasion even if consumers are being more frugal this year,” commented NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “This is one day of the year when millions find a way to show their loved ones they care regardless of their budget.”

There are no official statistics about how Valentine’s Day is observed in Monaco but Heli Air is offering couples a romantic weekend in Monaco from €181 per person.

Highlights of the lower-priced package include a night in a double-room at a three-star hotel in the Principality with breakfast, a shuttle service between the heliport and the hotel, a romantic welcome with rose petals, sweet treats and half a bottle of champagne, plus a six-minute helicopter flight in Monaco. For a little extra, the deluxe package features a return Nice-Côte d’Azur airport-Monaco shuttle and an upgrade to a classic double-room (€275/pp).

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Diana Krall, the Canadian jazz singer, will be performing in Monaco in October, SBM has announced.

The three-time Grammy Award-winner released her latest album – Wallflowers – in February 2015, containing very personal reinterpretations of California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & the Papas and Elton John’s Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.

After performing at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival in July 2003, Diana Krall once again performed at the Opéra Garnier as part of the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival 2012.

It was at the Monaco Red Cross Gala in 2014 that the singer and pianist took the stage at the Salle des Etoiles and interpreted her album Glad Rag Doll.

Tickets for the performance at the Salle des Etoiles start at €100.

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On Sunday, Children & Future and the M.A.D centre are organising the 9th edition of “NFL Danse” at Rainier III Auditorium.

NFL Danse is the second major annual event organised by Children & Future after No Finish Line®, the 1370-metre circuit open 24-hours a day over eight days in November in Monaco, with more than 13,000 participants racking up in the kilometres in 2016.

In the spirit of a friendly but professional dance competition, NFL Danse invites the public to come be entertained by hundreds of dancers in jazz, hip-hop, classical and contemporary dance competing for the top prize, and in support of disadvantaged or sick children, with all ticket sales being donated to the Children & Future association.

A regular date on the Monaco calendar since 2009, this year’s NFL Danse will host 14 competing schools, representing all styles of dances and levels, and 26 different choreographies. The schools come from the Gard, Var, Cote d’Azur and Italy.

The three and a half hour competition starts at 5 pm February 11, showcasing three levels of competition – beginner, intermediate and advanced – and at 8:30 pm, numerous awards, including the Grand Prix NFL Danse 2017, will be presented by a jury of professionals, the President of the Children & Future association, as well as a government representative.

Tickets at the door €15 adults and €10 for children under 10 or from FNAC, Carrefour, Géant, or Intermarché.

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