Influential Financial City
What's on in London
Year round events in London:
London has a continuous stream of events and festivals across the capital throughout the year and below is some of the principle ones, ranging from the posh Royal Ascot to the bustling Notting Hill Carnival, plus a few peculiarities like Horseman's Sunday. Even though it covers a wide variety of interests, this list is by no means exhaustive. London tends to have an endless list of ceremonies and special shows so for the most up to date information it is best to check out Time Out or the Evening Standard.
January 1
London Parade: With nearly one million spectators, this parade kicks off the New Year by winding its way from Parliament Square through the centre of London to Berkeley Square. The parade starts at noon and includes floats, marching bands, clowns, American cheerleaders and classic cars all collecting money for charity. Grandstand seats in Piccadilly require an admission fee, otherwise the event is free. For further information phone +44 (0)20 8566 8586; www.londonparade.co.uk.
Late January
London International Mime Festival: During the last two weeks of January, this annual mime festival attracts some very big names in mime, animation and puppetry. The festival is held on the South Bank and other trendy venues throughout London. For further information phone +44 (0)20 7637 5661; www.mimefest.co.uk.
Late January/Early February
Chinese New Year Celebrations: An entertaining and vibrant celebration of the Chinese New Year, Chinatown in Soho buzzes with excitement as dancing dragons and firecrackers go off, and the streets and restaurants are packed to capacity.
March
Head of the River Race: A fun river race from Mortlake to Putney, 400 crews set off at ten-second intervals, chasing after the other. Although not as well known as the Oxford and Cambridge race, this is a good day out nonetheless.
Nearest hotels :
Late March/Early April
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race: A four-mile, upstream course from Putney to Mortlake. This race began in 1845 and has the two rowing teams of Oxford and Cambridge universities going head to head. Pubs in the vicinity with prime views pack out early, as this is as much a social event as a sporting one. TV is an alternative if you do not manage to get a good spot. The sponsor's website www.aberdeen-asset.com is the best source of information.
Third Sunday In April
London Marathon: The London Marathon is 26.2 miles starting from Greenwich Park all the way through the City of London to Westminster Bridge. It is the world's most popular city marathon and has 35,000 runners, many of whom are raising money for charity. The majority of the runners are club runners or flab-fighters and only a handful are world-class athletes. For more information phone +44 (0)20 7620 4117 or visit www.london-marathon.co.uk.
May Bank Holiday Weekend
IWA Canal Cavalcade: Little Venice (near Warwick Avenue) hosts this celebration of the city's inland waterways. Decorated narrowboats, Morris dancers and lots of children's activities are planned for the weekend. Phone +44 (0)20 98874 2787 for further information.
Sunday Nearest To May 9
May Fayre and Puppet Festival: In 1662, diarist Samuel Pepys, first recorded the sighting of a Punch and Judy show. This festival is held in St Paul's Church garden in Covent Garden and is bursting with puppet booths commemorating the show.
Mid-May
FA Cup Final: Played at Wembley Stadium to a full house, this is the culmination of the football (soccer) year. It is almost impossible to get tickets to this premier football game, unless you are an affiliated supporter of one of the two clubs competing. Tickets can be purchased on the black market but at over inflated prices. Thankfully the game is also shown on TV. For further information phone +44 (0)20 8902 0902.
Third Or Fourth Week In May
Chelsea Flower Show: The Royal Hospital grounds in Chelsea are transformed during the four days of the Chelsea Flower Show, the world's finest horticultural event. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, this event sees approximately 50,000 gardening gurus and amateurs daily. An event truly for the bourgeois, the general public are only allowed to enter on the last two days of the show and they are charged an exorbitant fee to do so. Information phone +44 (0)20 7834 4333; www.rhs.org.uk.
May 29
Oak Apple Day: The founder of the Royal Hospital, Charles II, is honored by the Chelsea Pensioners on this day. They dress up in their posh uniforms and adorn his statue with oak leaves to commemorate the oak tree in which the king hid in 1651 after the Battle of Worcester. For more information phone +44 (0)20 7730 5282.
Late May/Early June
Beating of the Retreat: Over three evenings, on Horse Guards' Parade, the old military custom of drumming the troops back to base at dusk is displayed. This is a colourful, very British ceremony of soldiers on foot and horseback followed by the Massed Bands of the Queen's Household Cavalry performance. For further information phone +44 (0)20 7739 5323.
First Or Second Saturday In June
Derby Day: The country's premier flat race, the Derby is run at Epsom racecourse in Surrey. The winning horse is instantly worth millions. This is an event attended by the nobility and ticket prices reflect the closeness of the horses. If you cannot attend the event, you can watch it live on TV. For information phone +44 (0)20 1372 726311; www.epsomderby.co.uk.
Early June To Mid-August
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: One of the city's finest galleries displays thousands of prints, paintings, sculptures and sketches, primarily by amateurs and most of them are for sale. Information Phone +44 (0)20 7300 8000; www.royalacademy.org.uk.
June
Fleadh: Pronounced 'flaa', this rowdy Irish music festival is held in Finsbury Park, North London. Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and even the reformed Sex Pistols have all performed at the Fleadh. Information phone +44 (0)20 8963 0940; www.meanfiddler.com.
June
Spitalfields Festival: For a fortnight or so in June, classical music recitals can be heard in the parish church of Spitalfields, the Hawksmoor's Christ Church, and at other venues in and around the old Spitalfields Market. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7377 0287; www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk.
Second Saturday In June
Trooping of the Colour: Massed bands, gun salutes, fly-pasts and crowds of tourists along side patriotic Brits celebrate the Queen's official birthday (21 April is her real one). To get tickets to the ceremony you will need to apply for them well in advance (limited to two per person). Phone +44 (0)20 7414 2479. The free alternative is to join the royal procession along the mall or see the rehearsals on the two preceding Sundays, without the Queen of course.
Nearest hotels:
Mid-June
Royal Ascot: This high-profile event takes place at the Ascot racecourse in Berkshire and is a highlight of the social calendar. The Queen and various members of the royal family ride in open carriages and complete a lap of the track prior to the opening races. Famed for its fashion statements, the TV coverage is on the races and the outrageous headgear women are sporting, especially on Ladies Day. Information Phone +44 (0)20 1344 622211; www.ascot.co.uk.
Year round events in London:
London has a continuous stream of events and festivals across the capital throughout the year and below is some of the principle ones,
Mid-August
Summer Rites: An annual festival for gays and lesbians.
Last Bank Holiday Weekend In August
Notting Hill Carnival: The Notting Hill Carnival is the longest-running, best-known and largest street party in Europe. For two-days in August, this free carnival attracts huge crowds with its assortment of creatively decorated floats, eye-catching costumes, live bands and great food. Information Phone +44 (0)20 8964 0544; www.nottinghillcarnival.net.uk.
Saturday In Early September
Great River Race: A number of weird and wonderful boats are rowed or paddled down the Thames from Ham House in Richmond to Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs. The staggered starts provide a good view of all the boats. Information Phone +44 (0)20 8398 9057.
Third Sunday In September
Horseman's Sunday: A priest on horseback blesses around a hundred horses at the Hyde Park church of St John & St Michael. This eccentric ceremony takes place at 11:30am and is followed by the horses then parading around the neighbourhood before galloping through the park. Later on, they then take part in show jumping. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7262 1732.
Third Weekend In September
Open House: Approximately 400 buildings throughout London open their doors to the public, for a once-a-year opportunity to peek inside. For the more popular places you will need to book in advance. Information Phone +44 (0)20 891 600061; www.londonopenhouse.org.
Late September/Early October
Soho Jazz Festival: A week-long celebration of Soho's famous jazz culture, headed by famous Ronnie Scott's. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7437 6437.
First Sunday In October
Costermongers' Pearly Harvest Festival: At around 3pm at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, the Pearly Kings and Queens attend the festival in their traditional pearl-button studded outfits. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7930 0089.
Late October/Early November
State Opening of Parliament: Accompanied by the Household Cavalry and gun salutes, the Queen arrives at the Houses of Parliament by coach, at 11am. Inside the House of Lords, the ceremony takes place to mark the start of the parliamentary session. It also takes place when a new government is sworn in. The ceremony is televised. Phone +44 (0)20 7219 3000; www.parliament.uk.
November
London Film Festival: The National Film Theatre and some of the West End venues host a three-week celebration of cinema with numerous new international films being screened. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7928 3232; www.bfi.org.uk or (nearer the time) www.lff.org.uk.
Early November
London Jazz Festival: London's jazz venues, large and small, hold a large ten-day Jazz Festival. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7405 5974.
First Sunday In November
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run: This rally was started in 1896, when Parliament abolished the Act that required cars to follow someone waving a red flag. There was such excitement within the community that the rally was established to mark the special occasion and now, over a century later, it's still going strong. Only Classic cars built before 1905 are allowed to enter and they must travel at a maximum speed of 20mph from Hyde Park to Brighton. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 1753 681736.
November 5
Bonfire Night: This event is in memory of Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up King James I and the Houses of Parliament. He was executed in 1605 for his Gunpowder Plot. To this day, bonfires, fireworks and fairs are held across the country representing his defeat. For one of the best views in the city, visit Parliament Hill in Hampstead. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7971 0026.
Second Saturday In November
Lord Mayor's Show: It all begins at Westminster, around 9am, when the Lord Mayor commences his or her day of investiture and heads for Guildhall. Led by the 1756 State Coach, a large ceremonial procession sets off on its journey from Guildhall to the Law Courts in the Strand, at 11:10am. The Lord Mayor pledges allegiance to the Crown at the Law Courts and then makes his way back towards Guildhall followed by approximately 140 floats, arriving at 2:20pm. A firework display is held later in the day from a barge between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges. There is also a small fun fair by St Paul's, Cathedral at Patemoster Square. Information Phone +44 (0)20 7606 3030; www.corpoflondon.gov.uk.
Nearest Sunday To November 11
Remembrance Sunday: Commemorating the dead and wounded from the two world wars and other conflicts, this is a day of national ceremonies. The primary ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall and is attended by the Queen, other royals and the Prime Minister. It is kicked off with a march-past of veterans, followed by a one-minute silence at 11am.
Christmas
Every year since the end of World War II, a grand spruce tree stands in the centre of Trafalgar Square, from early December until Christmas Eve. This tree is a gift from Norway to show their gratitude to Britain for helping to liberate them from the Nazis. The tree is beautifully decorated and becomes the focus for carol singing and other Christmas activities.
New Year's Eve
Trafalgar Square, home to one of the world's most famous New Years party, sees thousands of people singing Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight. Free transport is provided all night by London Transport, sponsored by various companies.
Year round events in London:
London has a continuous stream of events and festivals across the capital throughout the year and below is some of the principle ones, ranging from the posh Royal Ascot to the bustling Notting Hill Carnival, plus a few peculiarities like Horseman's Sunday. Even though it covers a wide variety of interests, this list is by no means exhaustive. London tends to have an endless list of ceremonies and special shows so for the most up to date information it is best to check out Time Out or the Evening Standard.
January 1
London Parade: With nearly one million spectators, this parade kicks off the New Year by winding its way from Parliament Square through the centre of London to Berkeley Square. The parade starts at noon and includes floats, marching bands, clowns, American cheerleaders and classic cars all collecting money for charity. Grandstand seats in Piccadilly require an admission fee, otherwise the event is free. For further information phone +44 (0)20 8566 8586; www.londonparade.co.uk.
Late January
London International Mime Festival: During the last two weeks of January, this annual mime festival attracts some very big names in mime, animation and puppetry. The festival is held on the South Bank and other trendy venues throughout London. For further information phone +44 (0)20 7637 5661; www.mimefest.co.uk.
Late January/Early February
Chinese New Year Celebrations: An entertaining and vibrant celebration of the Chinese New Year, Chinatown in Soho buzzes with excitement as dancing dragons and firecrackers go off, and the streets and restaurants are packed to capacity.
March
Head of the River Race: A fun river race from Mortlake to Putney, 400 crews set off at ten-second intervals, chasing after the other. Although not as well known as the Oxford and Cambridge race, this is a good day out nonetheless.
Nearest hotels :
Late March/Early April
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race: A four-mile, upstream course from Putney to Mortlake. This race began in 1845 and has the two rowing teams of Oxford and Cambridge universities going head to head. Pubs in the vicinity with prime views pack out early, as this is as much a social event as a sporting one. TV is an alternative if you do not manage to get a good spot. The sponsor's website www.aberdeen-asset.com is the best source of information.
Third Sunday In April
London Marathon: The London Marathon is 26.2 miles starting from Greenwich Park all the way through the City of London to Westminster Bridge. It is the world's most popular city marathon and has 35,000 runners, many of whom are raising money for charity. The majority of the runners are club runners or flab-fighters and only a handful are world-class athletes. For more information phone +44 (0)20 7620 4117 or visit www.london-marathon.co.uk.
May Bank Holiday Weekend
IWA Canal Cavalcade: Little Venice (near Warwick Avenue) hosts this celebration of the city's inland waterways. Decorated narrowboats, Morris dancers and lots of children's activities are planned for the weekend. Phone +44 (0)20 98874 2787 for further information.
Sunday Nearest To May 9
May Fayre and Puppet Festival: In 1662, diarist Samuel Pepys, first recorded the sighting of a Punch and Judy show. This festival is held in St Paul's Church garden in Covent Garden and is bursting with puppet booths commemorating the show.
Mid-May
FA Cup Final: Played at Wembley Stadium to a full house, this is the culmination of the football (soccer) year. It is almost impossible to get tickets to this premier football game, unless you are an affiliated supporter of one of the two clubs competing. Tickets can be purchased on the black market but at over inflated prices. Thankfully the game is also shown on TV. For further information phone +44 (0)20 8902 0902.
Third Or Fourth Week In May
Chelsea Flower Show: The Royal Hospital grounds in Chelsea are transformed during the four days of the Chelsea Flower Show, the world's finest horticultural event. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, this event sees approximately 50,000 gardening gurus and amateurs daily. An event truly for the bourgeois, the general public are only allowed to enter on the last two days of the show and they are charged an exorbitant fee to do so. Information phone +44 (0)20 7834 4333; www.rhs.org.uk.
May 29
Oak Apple Day: The founder of the Royal Hospital, Charles II, is honored by the Chelsea Pensioners on this day. They dress up in their posh uniforms and adorn his statue with oak leaves to commemorate the oak tree in which the king hid in 1651 after the Battle of Worcester. For more information phone +44 (0)20 7730 5282.
Late May/Early June
Beating of the Retreat: Over three evenings, on Horse Guards' Parade, the old military custom of drumming the troops back to base at dusk is displayed. This is a colourful, very British ceremony of soldiers on foot and horseback followed by the Massed Bands of the Queen's Household Cavalry performance. For further information phone +44 (0)20 7739 5323.
First Or Second Saturday In June
Derby Day: The country's premier flat race, the Derby is run at Epsom racecourse in Surrey. The winning horse is instantly worth millions. This is an event attended by the nobility and ticket prices reflect the closeness of the horses. If you cannot attend the event, you can watch it live on TV. For information phone +44 (0)20 1372 726311; www.epsomderby.co.uk.
Early June To Mid-August
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: One of the city's finest galleries displays thousands of prints, paintings, sculptures and sketches, primarily by amateurs and most of them are for sale. Information Phone +44 (0)20 7300 8000; www.royalacademy.org.uk.
June
Fleadh: Pronounced 'flaa', this rowdy Irish music festival is held in Finsbury Park, North London. Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and even the reformed Sex Pistols have all performed at the Fleadh. Information phone +44 (0)20 8963 0940; www.meanfiddler.com.
June
Spitalfields Festival: For a fortnight or so in June, classical music recitals can be heard in the parish church of Spitalfields, the Hawksmoor's Christ Church, and at other venues in and around the old Spitalfields Market. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7377 0287; www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk.
Second Saturday In June
Trooping of the Colour: Massed bands, gun salutes, fly-pasts and crowds of tourists along side patriotic Brits celebrate the Queen's official birthday (21 April is her real one). To get tickets to the ceremony you will need to apply for them well in advance (limited to two per person). Phone +44 (0)20 7414 2479. The free alternative is to join the royal procession along the mall or see the rehearsals on the two preceding Sundays, without the Queen of course.
Nearest hotels:
Mid-June
Royal Ascot: This high-profile event takes place at the Ascot racecourse in Berkshire and is a highlight of the social calendar. The Queen and various members of the royal family ride in open carriages and complete a lap of the track prior to the opening races. Famed for its fashion statements, the TV coverage is on the races and the outrageous headgear women are sporting, especially on Ladies Day. Information Phone +44 (0)20 1344 622211; www.ascot.co.uk.
Year round events in London:
London has a continuous stream of events and festivals across the capital throughout the year and below is some of the principle ones,
Mid-August
Summer Rites: An annual festival for gays and lesbians.
Last Bank Holiday Weekend In August
Notting Hill Carnival: The Notting Hill Carnival is the longest-running, best-known and largest street party in Europe. For two-days in August, this free carnival attracts huge crowds with its assortment of creatively decorated floats, eye-catching costumes, live bands and great food. Information Phone +44 (0)20 8964 0544; www.nottinghillcarnival.net.uk.
Saturday In Early September
Great River Race: A number of weird and wonderful boats are rowed or paddled down the Thames from Ham House in Richmond to Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs. The staggered starts provide a good view of all the boats. Information Phone +44 (0)20 8398 9057.
Third Sunday In September
Horseman's Sunday: A priest on horseback blesses around a hundred horses at the Hyde Park church of St John & St Michael. This eccentric ceremony takes place at 11:30am and is followed by the horses then parading around the neighbourhood before galloping through the park. Later on, they then take part in show jumping. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7262 1732.
Third Weekend In September
Open House: Approximately 400 buildings throughout London open their doors to the public, for a once-a-year opportunity to peek inside. For the more popular places you will need to book in advance. Information Phone +44 (0)20 891 600061; www.londonopenhouse.org.
Late September/Early October
Soho Jazz Festival: A week-long celebration of Soho's famous jazz culture, headed by famous Ronnie Scott's. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7437 6437.
First Sunday In October
Costermongers' Pearly Harvest Festival: At around 3pm at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, the Pearly Kings and Queens attend the festival in their traditional pearl-button studded outfits. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7930 0089.
Late October/Early November
State Opening of Parliament: Accompanied by the Household Cavalry and gun salutes, the Queen arrives at the Houses of Parliament by coach, at 11am. Inside the House of Lords, the ceremony takes place to mark the start of the parliamentary session. It also takes place when a new government is sworn in. The ceremony is televised. Phone +44 (0)20 7219 3000; www.parliament.uk.
November
London Film Festival: The National Film Theatre and some of the West End venues host a three-week celebration of cinema with numerous new international films being screened. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7928 3232; www.bfi.org.uk or (nearer the time) www.lff.org.uk.
Early November
London Jazz Festival: London's jazz venues, large and small, hold a large ten-day Jazz Festival. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7405 5974.
First Sunday In November
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run: This rally was started in 1896, when Parliament abolished the Act that required cars to follow someone waving a red flag. There was such excitement within the community that the rally was established to mark the special occasion and now, over a century later, it's still going strong. Only Classic cars built before 1905 are allowed to enter and they must travel at a maximum speed of 20mph from Hyde Park to Brighton. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 1753 681736.
November 5
Bonfire Night: This event is in memory of Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up King James I and the Houses of Parliament. He was executed in 1605 for his Gunpowder Plot. To this day, bonfires, fireworks and fairs are held across the country representing his defeat. For one of the best views in the city, visit Parliament Hill in Hampstead. Information Phone:+44 (0)20 7971 0026.
Second Saturday In November
Lord Mayor's Show: It all begins at Westminster, around 9am, when the Lord Mayor commences his or her day of investiture and heads for Guildhall. Led by the 1756 State Coach, a large ceremonial procession sets off on its journey from Guildhall to the Law Courts in the Strand, at 11:10am. The Lord Mayor pledges allegiance to the Crown at the Law Courts and then makes his way back towards Guildhall followed by approximately 140 floats, arriving at 2:20pm. A firework display is held later in the day from a barge between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges. There is also a small fun fair by St Paul's, Cathedral at Patemoster Square. Information Phone +44 (0)20 7606 3030; www.corpoflondon.gov.uk.
Nearest Sunday To November 11
Remembrance Sunday: Commemorating the dead and wounded from the two world wars and other conflicts, this is a day of national ceremonies. The primary ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall and is attended by the Queen, other royals and the Prime Minister. It is kicked off with a march-past of veterans, followed by a one-minute silence at 11am.
Christmas
Every year since the end of World War II, a grand spruce tree stands in the centre of Trafalgar Square, from early December until Christmas Eve. This tree is a gift from Norway to show their gratitude to Britain for helping to liberate them from the Nazis. The tree is beautifully decorated and becomes the focus for carol singing and other Christmas activities.
New Year's Eve
Trafalgar Square, home to one of the world's most famous New Years party, sees thousands of people singing Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight. Free transport is provided all night by London Transport, sponsored by various companies.
