The next week is dominated by the Zurich Film Festival but there’s some comedy, a great day for keeping it local, help for Ukraine and two gigs from two fantastic, but very different, bands.

Thursday: Lights, Camera Action. Zurich Film Festival Kicks Off  (Scroll ⬇️to find out more.)

Friday: Salad Is Good For You. Funk Band Lettuce Play Bogen F

Saturday: Let's Keep It Local. A Day Of Urban Production

Saturday: Another Comedy Kiss. This Time Monty Franklin Stars

Sunday: Zentralwascherei Hosts A Day For Ukraine

Tuesday: Get Ready To Rock. Nova Twins Hit Zurich (Scroll ⬇️to find out more.)

Lights, Camera, Action. Tonight sees the start of the Zurich Film Festival with screenings and events all over the cities cinemas. There is some truly extraordinary stuff, particularly the ZFF Masters series which features, Dakota Johnson, Russell Crowe, Claire Foy and Benedict Cumberbatch to name but a few.

Another tip is the IFMC Cinema in Concert which the soundtracks of the three finalists of the International Film Music Competition will be played live.

But it’s a film festival so check out the comprehensive programme which features a whole raft of films from dramas to documentaries and comedies to thrillers. I’m looking forward to watching the documentary, Downhill Skiers which follows, (amongst others,) Switzerland’s own Marco Odermatt in his quest to excel.

Thurs 25th - 5th Oct, Zurich Film Festival, Various Locations

Finally, we have a visit to Switzerland from Nova Twins, the UK rock duo consisting of singer/guitarist Amy Love and bassist Georgia South. Their sound fuses hardcore with heavy rock riffs and effected vocals, and they’re promoting their brand-new album (released just over three weeks ago), Parasites & Butterflies. They’ll be hitting the stage at Komplex 457 on Tuesday for what is sure to be a high-energy gig.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Komplex 457, Hohlstrasse 457, 8048

When does Autumn begin? I guess it depends on whether you are a meteorologist or an astronomer. I’m neither, but 1st of September, (the start of meteorological autumn,) seems way to early so i’m going with the astrological which is 22nd September. It’s easy to think of Autumn as that dead time between swimwear and ski gear but Autumn in Switzerland has a lot to offer. Here’s my bucket list of things you should do in Autumn.

The people of Switzerland go to the polls again this weekend with votes on tax breaks for property owners and the controversial E-ID plan. At local level there is an initiative to offer public transport from 1 FRANC PER DAY! (I hope that passes!) Also car owners might be affected to changes to the blue zones. And if, (like me,) you hate the scourge of petrol leaf blowers at this time of year, there may be some good news coming your way. Click the the button to read my super succinct summary.