1. Trump’s Presidency
What will Trump being president mean for the US and the rest of the world? There are many questions to be answered:
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Will Trump erect a wall (or fence) between the USA and Mexico? Although the construction would temporarily provide jobs, the long term effects of building a wall between the two countries remain unknown – and are not likely to be positive. If Mexico is forced to pay the costs, what will the effect be on its economy?
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How will Trump deal with the threat of ISIS? To what extent will he collaborate with Russia in the process (and in other matters too)? During his campaign he threatened to defeat Daesh “very, very quickly” but what he has up his sleeve is still unclear.
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How will Muslims be treated under the Trump presidency? Despite backtracking on his original plans after the election, Trump stated following the Berlin terror attack that he was “100 per cent correct” in wanting to ban Muslims from entering the States. Would this and his plan to establish a Muslim registry serve to stoke further tension and resentment in US society?
2. French Presidential Election
Alongside Trump and Brexit, the far right is gaining support in France. Since taking over the Front National from her father six years ago, Marine Le Pen has worked to “credibilise” and “normalise” the party, in other words make it more electable. Her focus on immigration, the EU and Islamic fundamentalism has resonated across France – a country which has suffered terror attacks, economic hardship and racial segregation.
In comparison to her father whose views were more extreme, Marine seems to have been “softening” the party’s line in order to become part of the political mainstream. She supports the euro and, despite promising a referendum on France’s EU membership, desires the renegotiation of France’s sovereignty over a direct “Frexit”.
It is uncertain whether Marine will win the election, but a terror attack or upsurge in the migrant crisis could swing the vote in her favour. Marine being elected, or even just gaining a record share of the vote, would mark another worrying victory for the far right in Europe.
3. Nobel Peace Prize
In a world with increasing tension between peoples and nations, the coveted Nobel Peace Prize seems more important than ever. Last year’s winner was Juan Manuel Santos for his “resolute efforts to bring the country’s more than 50-year-long civil war to an end”. Two of last year’s potentials who could still be in with a chance this year are:
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Angela Merkel – her humanitarian refugee policy has been praised by many, but worries about integration and pressures on the labour market in Germany may reduce her chances of winning
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Pope Francis – no pope has ever won the Nobel peace prize before, but he been particularly praised for his advocation of welcoming refugees, fighting climate change and tackling the divide between rich and poor
4. World Championships in Athletics
This year these will be held at the former Olympic Stadium – why not take the opportunity to head down to London to watch the action live? This championship is to be Usain Bolt’s last, marking the end of an era in international athletics. Long-distance runner Mo Farah, who has been awarded a British record of nine global titles, also plans to end his track career this summer. Don’t miss out on the chance to watch the most successful athlete in British athletics history.
Applications to be a runner at the championships have now closed, but there is still opportunity to volunteer for other 2017 events including the London Anniversary Games and the Grand Prix Birmingham. Head to this website to apply: http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/competitions/event-volunteers-registration/.
5. Release of “Beauty and the Beast” and Other Films
Starring internationally acclaimed actors such as Harry Potter’s Emma Watson (Belle) and Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens (Beast), this remake of Disney’s 1991 animated film is set to be a blockbuster. The two-minute trailer was viewed a record number of times on the first day of its release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXfEc4wG208
The soundtrack will feature a duet by Ariana Grande and John Legend as well as a sweet singing debut on the part of Emma Watson. Emma Thompson and Ewan McGregor have been casted too, the latter also starring in the much-awaited T2 Trainspotting. To be released at the end of January, this black comedy film by Danny Boyle will follow on from the original 1996 film with more drugs, crime and drama.
What’s more, February will see the release of Fifty Shades Darker – let’s just hope it has more to praise than the theme song by “Zayn” and Taylor Swift…
6. Lollapalooza in Paris
Since being founded in the US in the 1990s, Lollapalooza has spread from its Chicago base to other cities throughout the world including Santiago and Berlin. The 2016 event welcomed the likes of Radiohead and Major Laser to Germany’s capital.
This year, Paris will host Lollapalooza for the first time at the Hippodrome de Longchamp. Some of the headline acts include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Weeknd, Imagine Dragons and Lana Del Rey.
With temperatures reaching the mid twenties in the height of summer, Paris will be the perfect place for a warm and (hopefully) sunny festival experience. Check out the lineup and buy your tickets here: https://www.lollaparis.com/en/.
7. Oasis Reunion
Keeping with the music theme, it is rumoured that Oasis may reunite this year. Alan McGee, who first signed Oasis to Creation Records in 1993, believes that a reunion would most likely include Liam Gallagher (who is, incidentally, to perform at Lollapalooza) but not his brother Noel (http://www.nme.com/news/music/oasis-1195-1189401).
Rumour has it, however, that the brothers have made amends and that a rock band (Ride) has been booked for a potential reunion tour. A return of 90s Britpop, of which Oasis were leading figures, would most probably make fans stop crying their hearts out at the 2009 split. Watch this space!
8. The New Bake Off
Great British Bake Off fanatics were devastated at the news that the series would no longer include expert baker Mary Berry and presenters Sue and Mel who bring life to the show with their endless puns and innuendos.
Due to the BBC’s contract with GBBO creators Love Productions, it may be that the new broadcaster Channel 4 has to wait until 2018 before airing the eighth series. According to the Radio Times, however, there will be a Channel 4 charity special in aid of Stand Up to Cancer later this year (http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-12-26/when-will-the-great-british-bake-off-be-back-on-tv).
Let’s see how baker Paul Hollywood fares as the last man standing alongside a new setup and crew in the autumn charity special. See this Telegraph article for predictions on who else may be on the show: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/when-does-the-great-british-bake-off-start-on-channel-4-plus-all/.
9. Royal Family
Alongside baking and those infamous “soggy bottoms”, a part of British culture to keep an eye on this year is the royal family. 2017 marks 20 years since the death of Princess Diana.
According to the Telegraph, a charity founded to preserve her legacy will organise events targeted at children to raise awareness of the inspirational princess. The Diana Award has also planned a year of celebrations of her life and promotion of her values.
In March, the charity will promote a national Kindness Day in commemoration of her compassion. See this article for more information: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/12/princess-dianas-values-shared-new-generation-20th-year-since/.
10. And finally…the launch of the Brexit process
Will Theresa May invoke Article 50 as promised by the end of March? Does anyone know what is going to happen to the UK? Question Time may provide some useful information http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t1q9, but watching this political debate show can sometimes leave you feeling more confused than you were before (especially when MPs are involved).
Let’s see what 2017 has in store for the UK.