June 28 - July 4 global agenda: Tour de France kicks off in Rotterdam

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Next week's selection comprises the launch of the Tour de France, the best-known and most prestigious cycling event, a break from the World Cup in Johannesburg with the Africa Fashion Week, the future of cloud computing will be discussed in London, pop and rock music lovers will gather in Roskilde, Denmark while jazz aficionados will head to Montreux in Switzerland, among other events.

Cloud Computing World Forum
June 29-July 1
Olympia Conference Centre
London, UK

The second annual Cloud Computing World Forum is a three-day conference and event focused on the future of cloud computing. Over 100 senior representatives from global corporations such as HP, British Airways, Lloyds TSB, BBS, Microsoft, Virgin, Google, Amazon and Orange will speak at the event on subjects such as cloud computing deployment strategies, integration techniques, and cloud computing security and privacy issues. The Cloud Computing World Forum is co-located with CloudCamp London and the Green Enterprise World Forum.
http://www.cloudwf.com/

"Close Examination: Fakes, Mistakes and Discoveries"
June 30-September 12
The National Gallery
London, UK

Close Examination: Fakes, Mistakes and Discoveries is an exhibition that examines the relationship between science and the study of Old Master paintings housed within the National Gallery. It details the ongoing scientific research conducted within the gallery and investigates some of the advanced technologies employed to conserve priceless artworks. Close Examination: Fakes, Mistakes and Discoveries paints a picture of "some of the most intriguing stories behind paintings in the Gallery" while highlighting how scientific progress has facilitated the ongoing investigation of a painting's physical properties and origins.
http://www.royalacademy.org.uk

Africa Fashion Week
June 30 - July 3
Johannesburg, South Africa

Just days before the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, Africa Fashion Week will kick off, presenting the best of the continent's design. The four-day event will feature almost 30 designers from Nigeria, Uganda, Botswana, Ghana, Somali, Tunisia, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among them are some of Africa's biggest fashion stars, such as David Tlale or Marianne Fassler.
http://www.africanfashioninternational.com

Roskilde
July 1 - July 4
Roskilde, Denmark

Among the largest European music festivals, Roskilde attracts more than 80,000 concertgoers and more than 180 performing bands. The Prodigy and Patti Smith headline in 2010, joined by Gorillaz, Muse, Them Crooked Vultures, Alice in Chains, Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, and Pavement. The 2010 festival will take place from July 1 to 4, with the campground opening for warm-up events that run from June 27 until the start of the festival.
http://www.roskilde-festival.dk/uk

Goodwood Festival of Speed
July 2-4
Goodwood, United Kingdom

Billed by organizers as the "world's largest car event," the Goodwood Festival of Speed brings together cars of all types from all countries. From current Formula 1 racers and 200 mph supercars to steam-powered carriages of the 19th century, the event is part show, part race and a must-see event for car buffs.
http://www.goodwood.co.uk/

Montreux Jazz Festival
July 2-17
Montreux, Switzerland

One of the most prestigious jazz festivals in Europe and worldwide, the Montreux Jazz Festival attracts 200,000 to the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva. The festival's 44h edition will welcome Gil Scott Heron, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Youssou N'Dour, and Quincy Jones, plus more than 50 other acts covering a range of musical genres. Pop and rock artists performing include Massive Attack, Tori Amos, Norah Jones, Elvis Costello, Billy Idol, Ben Harper, Phil Collins, and Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.
http://www.montreuxjazz.com

97th Tour de France
July 3-25
Netherlands, Belgium, France

This year, the 20-stage tour starts in the Netherlands and Belgium before crossing into northeast France. Descending into more central areas and the famous Burgundy region, it then traces a route around the Alps, southern France, and the Pyreneés before the penultimate stages in and around Bordeaux. As is tradition, the final stage finishes in Paris, on the Champs Élysées. There are no admission fees, so arrive early to snag a good spot - seasoned spectators bring stepladders.
http://www.letour.com