International Bench Day for 2008 is 13th September, put it in your diary!

International Bench Day occurs on the second Saturday of September each year (it used to be first Thursday, but no-one turned up - I blame the late night shopping in Oxford Street). On this day we will see the dedication of City of Benchist Heritage. This city will hold the title for twelve months, passing on the mantle to its successor in September 2009. The city has yet to be selected from a 'longlist' of 35 34 candidates.

The governments of the world were, during last years festivities, invited to nominate a city (or cities) for consideration. Unfortunately, many countries either didn't respond, protested that the Movement was Euro-centric and by its nature 'colonial' (although the invitation they received was intended to broaden the Movements catchment). Alas, some were unable to locate a city which met the criteria of the invitation, whilst others were excluded on health and safety grounds.

Due to so many territories getting arsey over the criteria the International Bench Committee cancelled all entries and decided to fall back on last years nominees.

The 35 34 cities on the longlist are;