|
Note: TBC=Dates To be Confirmed. As well as our listings
below, we also recommend you visit www.whatsonwhen.com
for additional London events.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Season (4th May-7th October)
A faithful reconstruction of the Globe which originally stood on Bankside in 1613, the theatre was
the inspiration of the late Sam Wannamaker - an American actor with a passion for historical
drama. Each spring the Globe forms its own theatre company, with a season of plays taking place
throughout the summer. A wonderfully atmospheric setting combined with first-class performances
make a visit here a must.
Chelsea Flower Show 2007 (22nd-26th May)
Held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this prestigious event not only includes lavish plant and
flower displays, but ornamental and themed gardens, furniture and gardening equipment. Very much a
social gathering too, which is covered - in-depth - by both television and
newspapers. For more information visit: www.rhs.org.uk.
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (TBC)
Contemporary art exhibition that showcases the work of living artists, sculptors and architects.
Many exhibits are offered for sale, while prizes are also offered for the best works
displayed. For more information visit: www.royalacademy.org.uk
Derby Day 2007 - Epsom Racecourse (1st-2nd June)
As the most prestigious date in the UK's flat racing calendar, the Epsom Derby draws huge crowds
from all over the country. Dating back over 200 years, the event is also attended by Her Majesty
and a royal party who traditionally mark their entrance by driving down the course at 1pm. Of
course, top horses attract top prize money, while those attending range from occasional punters and
corporate guests to professional socialites. For more information visit: www.epsomderby.co.uk.
Spitalfields Festival (5th-22nd June)
An eclectic mix of music, educational events, walks and talks with the BBC Singers being among those appearing. For
information visit: www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk.
Stella Artois Grass Court Championship 2007, Queen's Club
(11th-17th June)
Although traditionally seen as the warm-up to Wimbledon, the Stella Artois Championships
nonetheless attracts top players from around the world. Played at Queen's Club, Kensington, the
action takes place amidst an exclusive atmosphere where the quality of Champagne and canapés
are every bit as important as the tennis. For more information visit: www.queensclub.co.uk
and www.stellaartoistennis.com.
Trooping the Colour (16th June)
The Queen's Official Birthday Parade takes place at Royal Horseguards. A colourful part of British
pageantry, the ceremony sees Her Majesty salute and inspect troops from the Household Division
before they march their way on to Buckingham Palace. Although the main event is by invitation only,
members of the public line The Mall to watch the formal procession take place.
Royal Ascot York 2007 (19th-23rd June)
For
more details visit Ascot's official website at: www.ascot-authority.co.uk.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships 2007 (25th June-8th July)
The most prestigious tennis tournament in sees the world's top stars battle it out on Centre Court
in the hope of being crowned All England Champion. Watched by thousands of adoring fans (who year
after year camp out to get prized Centre Court tickets) Wimbledon fortnight is made complete by
strawberries, cream and of course, lashings of English rain! For further
information visit: www.wimbledon.org.
City of London Festival (22nd June-12th July)
The 43rd City of London Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever with world music, art,
drama, classical music and jazz events taking place within the heart of London's financial
district. For more information visit: www.colf.org.
Henley Royal Regatta 2007 (4th-8th July)
As the most prestigious social event in England, the Royal Regatta is very much an occasion to sit
back and enjoy bucks fizz, cream teas and picnics along the riverbank. With scores of beautiful
folk, famous celebrities dropping by and more gossip than even Hello magazine can cope with, you
could almost be forgiven for thinking it was a sporting event! For more
information visit: www.hrr.co.uk.
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2007 (3rd-8th July)
It's not surprising that the largest flower show in the world not only boasts a huge array of
floral displays, but some amazing show and water gardens and master classes from TV personalities
and well-known horticulturists. Of course, among the marquees and pavilions you can pick up the
very latest gardening tools together with specialist plants, flowers, hanging baskets and window
boxes. Tickets are now on sale. For more information
visit: www.rhs.org.uk.
BBC Proms (13th July-8th September)
With seventy orchestral concerts, chamber music, poetry and lectures, the BBC's Promenade Concert
series is among the most important of London's classical music events. Held at the Royal Albert
Hall, Kensington from mid-July to mid-September, at least one "Prom" takes place each evening, with
TV and radio coverage throughout the 2007 season. Booking for the Proms opens in mid-May
2007, with
further information available from: www.bbc.co.uk/proms
State Rooms at Buckingham Palace (28th July-25h September)
Hugely popular temporary exhibition as Her Majesty the Queen allows the general public to view
Buckingham Palace's State Rooms for a limited period. With part of the exhibition also devoted to
State gifts received over the years, it's a unique and impressive visit for anyone interested in
the pomp and pageantry of British royalty. For further information visit: www.royalcollection.org.uk.
Notting Hill Carnival (26th-27th August)
An annual event which has blossomed since its introduction in 1964, the Notting Hill Carnival
brings together over 1.5 million people for a two-day celebration that includes house
parties, street performances, floats, food stalls and live music. The event is also covered on
London radio, with broadcasts featuring top DJ acts and bands.
Brick Lane Festival (TBC)
Established to help promote and celebrate the ethnic diversity of London's East End communities,
the event annually attracts over 40,000 people to the area around Brick Lane (now also known as
Bangla Town) which takes centre stage. For further information visit: www.bricklanefestival.com.
The Mayor's Thames Festival (15th-16th September)
Bringing Londoners together by using the Thames as a backdrop certainly seems to have paid
dividends over the past few years. Indeed, the festival, which sees the river and Victoria
Embankment take on a unique atmosphere, consists of floats, river races, funfair rides, live music,
craft stalls, carnival art and a fireworks display for the grand finale. For further
information visit: www.thamesfestival.org.
(No Details as yet).
(No Details as yet).
Christmas Tree Lights - Trafalgar Square
As a token of appreciation for efforts made by the British in WWII, the
Norwegian government send over a giant spruce (usually 70ft in height and 50-60
years old) which is then lit up with white lights at the start of December. Carols are also sung on various evenings (from 5pm-9pm) until Christmas Eve.
Somerset House - Christmas Ice Rink at Somerset House
Now a permanent fixture on London's winter calendar, the courtyard of Somerset House will
once again be turned into a 700 sq. meter open-air ice rink for 2007/2008. Continues until
the end of January. For more information visit:
www.somerset-house.org.uk/icerink.
Festive Good Food Show 2007 (TBC*)
Taking place at Earls Court, the BBC's Festive Good Food Show brings together 12
celebrity chefs (in the past including Ainsley Harriott, Gordon Ramsay, Rick Stein, Gary Rhodes, Jamie Oliver, Raymond Blanc,
and Antony Worrall Thompson) with over 250 exhibitors to provide a one-stop-shop
for yuletide inspiration and all your Christmas shopping needs! For further
information visit: www.festivebbcgoodfoodshow.co.uk.
Spitalfields Winter Festival (TBC*)
An eclectic mix of music, educational events, walks and talks with a gospel
choir, carol services and the BBC singers being among those appearing. For
information visit: www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk.
Olympia Show Jumping Championships (TBC*)
Five days of world-class show jumping, plus special events that include a team
of international dressage horses performing The Celtic Dance, the Shetland Pony
Grand National and a Dog Agility competition. For further information visit: www.olympiashowjumping.com.
Christmas Service at Westminster Abbey (24th December)
A festive service of seven lessons and carols at 4pm on
Christmas Eve, with singing by the choristers of Westminster Choir. For further
details visit: Westminster Abbey Website.
New Year's Eve Celebrations - Trafalgar Square
Currently, it is not known if any official events are planned. For full New
Year's listings visit: www.whatsonwhen.com,
while ticket's for parties at clubs/restaurants in London that same night, can
be purchased at: www.toptable.co.uk.
New Years Day Parade - Parliament Square
Thousands of performers from all around the globe take part in this annual
spectacular, with marching bands and dance troupes from the United States, Japan and Continental Europe
all performing alongside speciality acts from the UK. For more information visit: www.londonparade.co.uk.
London International Boat Show 2008 (TBC*)
With the 54th annual boat show being staged at ExCel in London Docklands, it
promises to be bigger and better than ever with over 800 exhibitors showcasing products ranging in price from £300 to over £2
million. A fantastic spectacle and one for all the family to enjoy. For more information visit: www.londonboatshow.net.
The Daily Telegraph Destinations Show 2008 (TBC*)
If you've got the travel bug, then Destinations 2005 at Olympia covers everything from short breaks
to dream holidays on far flung shores. Music, dance and celebrity appearances will bring world
cultures to life, while representatives from overseas tourist boards will be on call to offer
advice and useful information. For further information visit: www.destinationsshow.com.
Chinese New Year Celebrations (7th February)
Taking place in and around Gerrard Street, Soho's Chinese community will be celebrating their
traditional New Year with festivities that include dancing dragons and other spectacular
entertainment. And for those who don't know, 2008 is the year of the rat. For
more information visit: www.chinatownchinese.com.
International Tourist Guide Day (TBC*)
Annual event at which the public can participate in guided walks, talks and tours (free of charge)
in major towns and cities around the UK. Also known as "Blue Badge Day". For further
information visit: www.aptg.org.uk/itgd.html.
The Spring Olympia Fine Art & Antiques Fair
(TBC*)
The Spring Fine Art & Antiques Fair appeals not only to amateur bargain hunters, but
designers, collectors and antiques dealers. As well as the usual loan exhibition, there's also
lively discussion including lectures arranged during the Fair. For further information visit: www.olympia-antiques.com.
St. Patrick's Day (17th March)
Although Dublin is undoubtedly the best place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day (with 4 day's worth of
special events), pubs in and around London will be doing their best to make the festivities, and
Guinness, flow as smoothly as possible. Guaranteed a good night out if you're wise enough to find a
decent Irish pub in Kilburn!
Annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race 2008 (29th
March)
Kicking off from Putney Bridge, the 151st annual Oxford/Cambridge University Boat Race sees the two crews
tackle a 4 mile course down to Chiswick Bridge (Mortlake). A hugely popular sporting event which
has taken place on the Thames since 1829, the action is livened up even more when there's a sinking
(the last one being in 1978). For more information visit: www.theboatrace.org.
Flora London Marathon 2008 (TBC*l)
Not just a serious competition but a hugely important fundraiser for UK charities, the London
Marathon has become one of the biggest events of its kind in the world. With over 30,000 entrants,
a wheelchair race and a mini-marathon for children aged between 11 and 17, it's also a huge TV draw
for the BBC who cover the event each year. Starting from Greenwich Park, the course winds its way
through Docklands before following the Thames down to Westminster, Birdcage Walk and the finishing
line along The Mall. Official website at: www.london-marathon.co.uk.
|