BRITMANIA is an outstanding new event dedicated to British culture. It will take place in Florence on March 6th, 2009 at Saschall theatre.

Five of the best British-inspired bands will perform on the main stage (Vox Power "Beatles tribute", Robbie Williams tribute band, Queenmania, Rent and Her), while the Florence International Theatre Company will perform the piece "Betrayal" by H. Pinter.

Off the main stage there will be a number of British clothing and paraphernalia stalls in the typical “Camden Town” style selling items from the U.K. or inspired by British design (in collaboration with Penny Lane Shop Florence).

An open discussion dedicated to British culture will take place with the participation of writers, journalists, and enthusiasts.

Two exhibitions will also take place during the festival: a collection of vintage “Minis” from the Miniemotomaniaci Club Firenze, and a selection of “British Custom” Lambrettas from the Lambretta Club Firenze.

Britmania supports the restoration of the English cemetery and has invited Ms. Julia Holloway to present her extensive research, portraits, documents and stories related to the historical cemetery in Piazzale Donatello.

Britmania will take place from 5:00 pm until midnight inside the theatre and will be followed by an after-party at Michael Collins Pub in Piazza Signoria with an explosive Brit-karaoke session.

A free shuttle service between Piazza del Tribunale and Saschall will be available throughout the evening.

PROGRAM: TEATRO SASCHALL – Firenze, Via Fabrizio de Andrè-Lungarno Aldo Moro 3 ore 17: OPENING MINI AND LAMBRETTA EXPOSITION, “NEW AND VINTAGE” MARKET, BRITISH ARTISTS EXPOSITION ore 17,15-18,00: RENT in concert (Brit pop) ore 18,00 - 18,30: "All about the “English” Cemetery", presented by Julia Bolton Holloway ore 18,30 - 19,30: HER in concert (winner of Maggio Off) ore 19,30 - 20,00: OPEN FORUM / first part: introducing “L’Ecologist” + Vinyl DJ set by Buddy Holly ore 20,00 - 20,25: performance FLORENCE INTERNATIONAL THEATRE ("A betrayal" from Harold Pinter) ore 20,30 - 21: OPEN FORUM / second part “Firenze & U.K.: a long relationship” + Vinyl DJ set by Buddy Holly Dalle 19,00 alle 21,00 Aperitivo offered by Viander (drinks are not included) ore 21,00 - 21,45: VOXPOWER (Beatles tribute band) in concert ore 22,00 - 22,45: ROBBIE WILLIAMS TRIBUTE BAND in concert ore 23,00 - 23,45: QUEENMANIA in concert ore 23,45 - 0,00: JAM SESSION and closure. AFTERPARTY : @ MICHAEL COLLINS PUB, piazza Signoria