European language fest

European day of languages is a celebration of the many languages spoken in the EU. Check out the events taking place in your country in the week leading up to 26 September.

The idea is to promote interest in languages and language learning for adults and children. So whatever your age and whatever your interest in language, there should be something for you among the 300+ events (over 50 in the UK and Ireland alone).

Activities range from the light-hearted to the serious – from games and quizzes to literary evenings and round-table discussions on language policy.

If you’re in central London on 25 September, drop in on the language stand at Victoria station and enter a competition to win an Italian course. Or find out more about language courses for adults at events dotted around the UK.

In Brussels and Luxembourg – the EU commission’s main sites – events will include a conference and press event on early language learning with multilingualism commissioner Leonard Orban (24-25 September).

All day on 25 September there will be storytelling, singing, language games and other activities for children.

Finally, there’s still time for EU secondary schools to register for this year’s 'Juvenes Translatores' translation contest. The registration deadline is 20 October and the contest will be held on 24 November.