Big nights in Berlin

Berliners are being invited to a party thrown by the EU in its own honour, and reportedly setting the bloc back about 1.7m €.

This month's party celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which laid the foundations for the EU. A highlight will be an all-night clubbing extravaganza, in which ravers can hop between 35 Berlin nightclubs for an EU-subsidised 12 €. There will also be free bratwurst and beer, and museums will open all night.

"We want to create a party atmosphere and awaken curiosity in Europe," said a German government official. "It's a public celebration and we want to remind people of the big idea."

The general public will be treated to a free open-air concert near the Brandenburg Gate by bands from all over Europe. They include veteran English rocker Joe Cocker, Scottish folk band The Unusual Suspects, and Outlandish, a Danish-Moroccan trio, which has a wide Muslim fan base.

Good to hear that Sheffield born Joe is still around to wow the crowds.