Listings for Major Events
and Traditional Celebrations in London May
2007 -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: http//www.rhs.org.uk .
-Museum & Galleries Month(Exhibitions & Other Events)
1st - 31st May
June 2007
-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
canap's 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.
July 2007
-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.
-Gay Pride Day, 5th July
-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
August 2007
-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.
-Trafalgar Square Art Festival 1st-31st August
September 2007
-Thames Festival, 13th and 14th September
-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.
-London Fashion Week
-London Design Festival
-London Open House, 20th-21st September
-Regent Street Festival 1st-30th September
-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.
October 2007
-London BFI Film Festival 15th-30th October
-Nelson's Victory - Trafalgar Parade & Service
November 2007
-Lord Mayor's Show & Fireworkds Display, 8th November
-World Travel Market, Excel London Centre 8th-13th November
December 2007
-London Sales From 26th December
-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.
-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
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