Calendar of Events
London never rests, and on any given day there will be dozens of events or activities going on throughout this teeming metropolis. From the springtime reawakening of the Royal Parks and their open air concerts and theatre, through the summer fairs, sporting events, and street festivals, the autumnal fireworks displays and processions, and the winter celebrations of a white Christmas and a drunken new year, London will always have something on for you to enjoy.
Key Events
January
- 1 January - London Parade, from Parliament Sq to Berkeley Sq, via central London. Join a million others.
- January - New Year Sales; madness around the UK, as prices are slashed. Check out the Harrods sale in particular.
- Early January - International Boats Show, Earls Court. The latest in boating technology and water sport innovation.
- Early January - Twelfth Night at the Globe. A Midwinter Festival of dancing, mulled wine, and the crowning ceremony of King Bean and Queen Pea!
- Mid January - Adventure Travel & Sports Show at London Olympia. For those that enjoy getting active on their holidays.
- Late January - Charles I Parade from St. James Palace to Banqueting House, commemorating the only English monarch to have been executed.
February
- Early February - The Destinations show at Olympia has hundreds of exhibitors and travel experts on hand to show us dedicated travellers what's on offer this year.
- 6 February - Accession Day - Gun Salute.
- February to March - Six Nations Rugby Championship. See England at Twickenham (hopefully blowing another Grand Slam).
- Mid February - Chinese New Year in Soho; music, parades, cookery, and martial arts demonstrations. Starts 12 noon.
- February - Pancake Races, Covent Garden. Say no more.
March
- March - Ideal Home Show, Earls Court. The latest in domestic design and innovation, this show is always a big crowd-puller.
- Mid March - Classic Motor Show for motoring buffs.
- Late March - Druid Order Spring Equinox Celebration, Tower Hill. Watch men in white robes get mystical.
April
May
June
- Early June - Bank Holiday.
- Early June - Trooping The Colour, Horse Guards. Horses, marching bands, soldiers, and - of course - the Queen, more info
- Early June- Beating The Retreat, Horse Guards Parade. Horsey goings-on, more info here
- Early June - Derby Day, Epsom. One of racing's biggest days.
- June - Fleadh Music Festival, Finsbury Park.
- June to August - Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, Piccadilly.
- Late June - Royal Ascot Races. Racing goes posh; the Queen will be there too, naturally.
- Late June-Early July - Wimbledon Tennis Championships.
- Jun to Aug - Kenwood Lakeside Concerts, Hampstead Heath. Bring your blanket and bubbly.
July
August
September
- Early Sep - Great River Race, from Ham House to the Isle of Dogs. Mad boats, mad contestants.
- Sep - Chelsea Antiques Fair, Chelsea Old Town Hall.
- Sep - Last Night of the Proms, Royal Albert Hall. Land of Hope and Glory etc for the Yah set to get all misty-eyed about. More info.
- Mid Sep - Open House Weekend. Stick your nose in where it (normally) isn't wanted.
- Late Sep - Soho Jazz Festival. From jazz legends to street performers.
October
November
December
- Early Dec - The Black Rock Masters (Tennis) at the Royal Albert Hall. Check out where the legends play.
- 25th - Christmas, of course.
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29th to 3rd January - Hogmanay, Scotland's New Year knees-up.
- 31 Dec - New Year's Eve, Trafalgar Square.
Note: All reasonable care has been taken in compiling this list, if you feel something should be added or there are missing links, let us know - [email protected] - updated June 2007.
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