London - as one of the biggest European cities - offers plenty of things to consider during your stay there. Besides an array of different events throughout the year listed below, try visiting theatres, cinemas, exhibitions and other cultural and entertaining events in the city. To see a musical during your visit to London is a must, you can choose from the "classic" ones like The Phantom of the Opera or more modern ones like Avenue Q. Seeing a play in one of London's theatres is also a fulfilling experience since many big names usually star in them. And if you are a silver screen lover, do not hesitate seeing a film in an IMAX theatre. Visit http://www.visitlondon.com/events/ for further information.
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| New Year's fireworks from London Eye |
This extremely popular event started in 1987, and since then has donated more than 1 million pounds to various charity institutions in London. The parade route is two miles long; it starts from Parliament Square when Big Ben strikes noon and finishes at Berkeley Street at three in the afternoon. More than 10,000 performers from twenty countries entertain some half a million spectators and 200 million viewers. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
This contemporary art fair is one of the largest in Europe, with more than hundred prominent art galleries present, various exhibitions and events on which the best artists and new names are represented. Find out more on www.londonartfair.co.uk.
Founded in 1977, this festival of innovative visual theatre is the largest of its kind in the world. There are numerous performances in different venues across the town, such as South Bank Centre, Royal Opera House and the ICA, with audience of around 16,000 people. Find out more at www.mimefest.co.uk.
Those interested in everything French, from dishes, fashion and lifestyle to buying a French chateau, could visit the Olympia's France Show, held every January. For detailed information, visit www.thefranceshow.com.
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| Hundreds of New Year's ornaments in China Town, London |
This colorful event is based on the lunar and solar calendar, so its date varies from late January to mid-February. It’s the biggest annual festival in the Chinese community, with traditional Chinese dishes served, and lots of fireworks, drums, gongs and cymbals that follow the dancers through the streets in order to chase the evil and bad luck away. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
These silly races are traditionally held on Shrove Tuesday, which can fall between 2nd of February and 9th of March. The aim is to run as fast as possible, while tossing pancakes in frying pans. There are several pancake races, one of them even with competitors from political parties from the Houses of Commons and Lords. It is a great fun, but heavily covered by the media, so try to be early and find a good spot to see the race properly. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
British antique dealers exhibit in Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, from 6th to 9th of March, with intention to attract younger generations to antiques. In that manner, the offered antiques are mixed with modern art and artifacts that are not so old, but nevertheless attractive to potential buyers. Find out more at www.aztecevents.co.uk, or at www.penman-fairs.co.uk.
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| St. Patrick's Day is one of rare days when one can see leprechauns everywhere |
This annual event is held at Southbank's Royal Festival Hall, in honour of black British women and their contribution to society. It is divided into two parts, with the second part committed to men, with numerous singers and other artists as guest stars. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
More than 120 galleries are represented on this event, held from 13th to 16th of March in Battersea Park, near Sloane Square underground station. The artworks include paintings, sculptures, photographies and prints, none of which exceed the price of L3,000 (approx $5,800). Find out more at www.affordableartfair.co.uk.
St. Patrick's Day is held on 17th of March, but since one day is not nearly enough, London celebrates St. Patrick's Day Festival Week! On St. Patrick's Day you can see a parade, with marching bands from the UK, Ireland, and USA. There are also lots of other street performances in central London, like theater shows, which should be a great fun. All things Irish are offered - food, crafts, music, and of course, beer. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
This processional river race is the world's largest continuous rowing event; the race is 6,800m long, from Mortlake to Putney. The best view is from the north side of the Hammersmith Bridge, and from the Surrey bank, above Chiswick Bridge. Find out more at www.horr.co.uk.
This free fashion event was held in 2008 from 21st to 25th of April in Crispin Place, Brushfield St, and featured daily fashion shows, followed with live contemporary jazz. You’ll see the most original and innovative collections of lots of new designers - more than sixty of them present their works every year. Visit Daily Fashion Market, where you can buy clothes and all sorts of accessories. Find out more and get the exact date at www.alternativearts.co.uk.
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| London Book Fair at Earls Court |
This annual event with more than 35,000 participants starts from Greenwich Park. If you want to see the runners, have in mind that Greenwich Park is usually very crowded, so try to be early. Another nice spot is on the Tower Bridge, but expect crowds there as well. The official web site is www.london-marathon.co.uk.
This famous race, with its history going back to 1829, is held in late March or early April on the Thames River. It starts at the Putney Bridge and finishes at Mortlake (Chiswick Bridge). You can find your place to watch on both sides of the river, but some of the places that are said to be particularly good spots are: Putney Bridge, Putney Embankment and Bishops Park (the start), Hammersmith and Barnes (mid-course), Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Bridge (the finish). Find out more at www.theboatrace.org.
This annual event is held from 14th to 16th of April at Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road. It hosts numerous publishers and authors. Find out more at the official web site: www.londonbookfair.co.uk.
This is a nice occasion for golf enthusiasts to try a wide range of the latest of golf equipment, and visit one of the largest indoor range in the world. You can talk to the professionals, or get fantastic deals on clubs & clothes. Find out more at the official website: www.londongolfshow.com.
The East End Film Festival is a weeklong event where one can see works of the best young talents from the UK, and of some of the most prominent filmmakers as well. The festival features short films and special events, all of which are centered around London’s East End. You can get a festival pass for all the screenings, events and parties at email eastend@towerhamets.gov.uk.
This is the world's biggest event of its kind, which takes place throughout May every year. Hundreds of museums and galleries offer various kinds of events. A part of these events is Museums at Night Weekend, and Discover London Trails, a joint initiative by the Mayor's Office and Campaign for Museums. There are eleven different trails that cover a broad field of interests - from botany and biology to Victorian era, contemporary art, and other subjects. The idea is to offer possible new outlooks on London. Find out more at www.london.gov.uk or try www.24hourmuseum.org.uk.
Vaisakhi is one of the most important Sikh festivals. It takes place on Trafalgar Square each year, featuring traditional Sikh music and dance. There is no admittance fee. Find out more at www.london.gov.uk.
This colorful event takes place in London's East End, in celebration of the Bengali New Year. It gets bigger every year, with lots of musicians, dancers and various street performers. Find out more at www.baishakhimela.org.uk.
Here's your chance to see Mr Punch, a character introduced by the British puppeteers in the 17th century, as well as various shows and street artists, followed by the sounds of folk music. Find out more at www.alternativearts.co.uk.
Visit another open festival that takes place on Trafalgar Square each year, celebrating the culture of Africa, and the influence of its communities on London. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
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| Get in all out there at the World Naked Bike Ride |
This open-for-all festival, held on various dates during a number of weekends in the summertime, is held on the South Bank between the National Theatre and Tate Modern. It features street performances, craft workshops, children’s workshops, as well as food and drink stalls. For detailed information check at www.coinstreet.org.
Something completely different! The notion of this annual event is to protest against climate changes and all the worse traffic congestion. More than thousand participants are naked or barely clad, sometimes only in body paintings. The motto is “go as bare as you dare”. Feel free to join! Find out more at www.worldnakedbikeride.org.
This event will be equally interesting to random visitors as to enthusiasts. There some 250 prominent art galleries from the UK and around the world - among these exibits everyone will find something for themseleves. It is held at Earls Court and Olympia Exhibition Centres. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
This is a totally different event. Don’t mix it with the above mentioned and come nude. In order to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday, a parade of the Foot Guards and calvary takes hold up and down the roads around St. James’ Park. You’ll be able to see shining troops of various military orders, with the Queen ahead of them. Find out more at www.army.mod.uk/events/ceremonial/1066.aspx.
This is a rich musical festival, with a diverse musical programme, and free street entertainment. Those interested in classical music will have their chance to hear London Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, and various other performances. For further details, check out the festival website at www.colf.org.
Head to Olympia for the biggest celebration of the Islamic culture. Beside offered traditional foods and various entertainments, you’ll be also able to attend numerous debates about religion, position of Muslims and their relation to modern British society, as well as listen to a number of bands and musicians on weekend. For further information, check out www.islamexpo.com.
Museum of London invites you all to this free event, which will give you an outlook on history through various sports, games, tours and other activities. You’ll be given an opportunity to make your own medieval ice skates or a gladiator painting, free to take home with you, or have a look at medieval bowmen showing off and accidentally shooting some tourists (just kidding). For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
This two-week annual festival is commited to various arts, ranging from music to literature, fashion, drama, even puppetry and roller skating. Find out more at www.spicefestival.com.
This free festival takes place from July to September, featuring street performances in which musicians, acrobats and comedians from all over the world participate. This annual event takes place on Theatre Square, and has earned the title of one of the biggest and most dynamic street festivals in the UK. For further details, check www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/wts.
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| Experience one of the liveliest European festivals - the Notting Hill Carnival |
This two-day festival in Regent’s Park features live music, Morris dancing, food stalls, tombola, and funfair rides. This is one of London’s top summer events, fun for all, especially children. Find out more at www.innocentvillagefete.com.
This annual festival of Latino culture takes place in Burgess Park, with more than 100,000 spectators. You’ll see an amazing procession of exotic costumes, dancers and musicians who represent all the Latino countries where parties and celebrations are a way of life. On numerous stalls you’ll be offered refreshments, arts and crafts from various Latin American and Caribbean countries. Find out more at www.carnavaldelpueblo.co.uk.
Another open-air festival will bring you a taste of the South Asian culture, with wide range of music, dance, film and fashion events, funfair, craft stalls as well as a big selection of food and drink offered. The place is Gunnesbury Park, Ealing. For the exact date and other details, check out www.londonmela.org/map.aspx.
Each year the Horniman Museum welcomes the best jerk chefs on this event of excellent food, entertainment, and music featuring jazz, Latin and African artists. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
Before the Notting Hill carnival takes off, come to Alexandra Palace to take a peak at the colorful costumes that will be paraded on a carnival a week later. There will be prizes awarded for four age groups for the king and queen of carnival, and best male and female costume. Also, you can watch face painting, making of masks, musical and dance performances. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
Don’t miss the biggest carnival in Europe! There is around a million of people there each year, enjoying in more than hundred colorful floats that blast out calypso, soca and steel band music, followed with dancers in simmering costumes. The range of music will satisfy each and every taste, be it ska, reggae, funk, soul, hip-hop, house or something else. You can get an official map that will show you where your favourite stuff is, or just wander around and make your pick. There are lots of big name musicians who play for free. Have in mind that the whole area will be packed, so take the tube or a bus. One of the most popular sound systems at the festival is Sancho Panza, with some 10,000 participants who try to be as close as possible to their speakers. Each year they also have an amusing and elaborately themed stage, such as giant washing machine or similar. To find out more, check at www.nottinghillcarnival.biz.
Another open-air and free for all festival on Trafalgar Square will show you the best of British and international street performances. Each year the festival has a different theme - in 2008 it was China, so a number of performances were commited to Chinese tradition of celebration and street arts. For detailed information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
Visit a weekend of outdoor concerts at Marble Hill House near Richmond. Each year there is a number of big names performing, and this great weekend ends with dazzling fireworks. For detailed information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
Also known as the London Cultural Olympiad, this festival merges sports and arts; you’ll be able to see bike ballet, extreme cycling, but also hear the Royal Philharmonic and watch the English National Ballet on the stage. For additional info, check out the festival website at www.shoreditchfestival.org.uk.
Trafalgar Square again! And of course, the event is free for all. It promotes the rights of disabled people, with disabled artists of various talents performing. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
This annual gathering is committed to the London’s Scottish community. In two days of celebrations, you’ll be able to enjoy Scottish music, try their food and have a peek at Scottish literature. The music performances range from classical artists to folk, pop and rock. For additional information, check at www.thelondongathering.com.
On this traditional boat race you’ll see all kinds of vessels, from skiffs, Chinese dragon boats, Viking boats, to Hawaiian war canoes and much more. The race is held on the Thames River, starting at Richmond, below Ham House, to finish at Island Gardens, just opposite the Cutty Sark. For additional information check at www.greatriverrace.co.uk.
This is one more event centered on the Thames River, with parades, funfairs, street performances, live music, art installations, a lantern procession, and fireworks. The main event is the riverside lantern procession held on the last night, when lanterns and floats with giant figures are let down the river. The parade runs along Victoria Embankment, across Blackfriars Bridge and west along Upper Ground to the Royal National Theatre. On the Riverside Bazaar you’ll find a funfair and numerous attractions, together with food and craft stalls. For additional information visit the festival’s web page at www.thamesfestival.org.
No cars are allowed on this event, when musicians, street artists and carnival parades occupy Maritime Greenwich. The best action you’ll find at Cutty Sark Gardens, King Willian Walk, and College Approach. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
This festival is held annually at Old Billingsgate Market, and its name says all; you'll find all the beer you can drink, plus live music and traditional comedy moustaches, hats and wigs. Find out more at www.londonbierfest.com.
This prominent Hindu festival of light is held annually, marking new beginnings and commitment to family values. Various performances, food and drink stalls, floating candles in the fountains and colorful saris make this occasion worth visiting. Find out more at www.diwaliinlondon.com.
Held annually at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, this harvest celebration presents ancient seasonal customs mixed with theatre; it begins at the Bankside near Shakespeare's Globe and ends among the food stalls of Southwark's Borough Market. For additional information, check at www.thelionspart.co.uk.
This is another annual event at Trafalgar Square, a big Muslim celebration of the Ramadan end, with live performances, exhibitions and stalls. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
This annual event is committed to the role of black people in British history, their influence on society. For additional info, check out the official web page at www.black-history-month.co.uk.
Although the British are more prone to celebrating November 5th bonfire night (commemorating Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605), Halloween is becoming more and more popular every year. There are number of places specially opened for those in search of thrills and fears:
For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
This event starts in November, and lasts through January. It is the biggest exhibition of jewelry in Europe, held annually at the National Theatre in London. The offered jewelry is made from a wide range of materials, such as gold, silver, semi-precious stones, but also wood, plastic, feathers, and many other materials. Find out more at www.dazzle-exhibitions.com/dazzle.
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| Bonfire and fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night |
Held each 2nd Saturday in November, this show is held so that Lord Mayor can give his pledge to the Crown. The highlight of the event (literally!) is an amazing fireworks display, which can be seen from almost any place in the city - they are launched from a barge on the Thames River, between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridge. The best spots for viewing it are Victoria Embankment, Blackfriars Bridge (reserved for disabled and families with small children), Waterloo Bridge, or any spot between the Tate Modern and the National Theatre. For additional information, check at www.lordmayorsshow.org.
Traditional British substitution to Halloween, this fireworks and bonfire night is held each November 5th in remembrance of the man who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament, together with King James. He failed, and was executed shortly after. Kids make a 'Guy' from old clothes which they fill with newspapers, to be burned on a bonfire. They go around collecting money from adults, wheeling the 'Guy' around in prams or wheelbarrows. The money used to be spent on fireworks, but since nowadays they are banned for sale to children, they will find some other way to celebrate. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
This event attracts thousands, in celebration of the oncoming festive season. Here’s your chance to see the best of British crafts, jewelry and clothing, and try homemade food and drinks. There are more than 400 exhibitors each year, so this is an excellent place to find gifts that differ from the ones offered in ordinary shops. It is held in Business Design Centre, Upper Street. For additional info, check at www.countrylivingfair.com.
In the rooms of the Geoffrye Museum you can enjoy in decorations of the British homes as they were in the past. The programme includes traditional food and drinks, concerts by candlelight, workshops, and storytelling. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
If the thought of yet another trip to Santa's Grotto makes you wish Christmas was over, then try an alternative setting - under the sea at the London Aquarium. For additional information, check the London’s website at www.london.gov.uk.
Try out open-air gliding at the banks of the Thames. From the ice rink you'll have beautiful views of the Queen's House, the Greenwich Observatory and the lights of Canary Wharf on the other side of the Thames River. This is one of London's most popular ice rinks; for additional information, check out www.greenwichicerink.com.
