London Events

There is always something happening in London, and special events to go to. These are some of the best known festivals and events. And most of them are free!

• January
  New Year Sales. Not a festival as such but a celebration of shopping! Lots of bargains as well as opportunities to 'window shop'.
• February
  Chinese New Year Celebrations. See the dragon dancing and sample the food in London's Chinatown, near Piccadilly Circus.
• March
  St Patrick's Day Parade. You don't have to be Irish to celebrate St Patrick's Day! Watch the parade then listen to Irish music and sample the famous Guinness!
• March /April
  Easter Parade. This takes place in Battersea Park, South London and includes food and craft stalls and other entertainments. Or what about watching the Oxford/Cambridge Boat Race? See the teams from the rival universities race along the River Thames.
• April
  London Marathon. One of the biggest marathons in the world. You can watch the runners (many in fancy dress costume) from any part of route.
• May
  Chelsea Flower Show. Not free, but the biggest gardening event in the UK. A must for garden enthusiasts.
• June
  Wimbledon Tennis Tournament. Again, not free, but worth every penny. The most famous tennis championship in the world. Go to see your favourite tennis stars and soak up the atmosphere.
• July
  BBC Proms. This amazing concert season lasts until September. Standing tickets can be bought on the day and are really cheap. The concerts include classical music, jazz, and world music.
• August
  Notting Hill Carnival. The largest street festival in Europe! Salsa dancing, wonderful costumes, music, food, steel bands, and processions.
• September
  Brick Lane Festival. World music, street entertainment, food, crafts, rickshaw rides.
  London Open House. Your chance to see inside famous buildings not usually open to the public.
• October
  The Mayor's Thames Festival. This celebrates the river & takes place near the famous Oxo Tower. Outdoor entertainment, street theatre, river events, circus, food, crafts, music, night carnival & fireworks.
• November
  One of the busiest months of the year in London!
  London to Brighton Car Run. Go to Hyde Park early to see an amazing procession of vintage cars setting off for the annual drive to Brighton.
  Bonfire Night. Lots of firework displays to celebrate Guy Fawkes' unsuccessful attempt to blow up Parliament in 1605.
  Lord Mayor's Show. There has been a Lord Mayor of the City of London for 800 years. Every year the new Lord Mayor holds a procession to celebrate being elected. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display over the River Thames. British pageantry at its best.
  State Opening of Parliament. The Queen usually opens the new session of Parliament in November every year. You can watch her ride from Buckingham Palace in the royal coach to the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament).
• December
  Christmas Lights. The main lights in Regent Street & Oxford Street are turned on at the beginning of December & stay on until January 6th^.
  Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree. This enormous tree is put up in Trafalgar Square at the beginning of December. Every day different choirs hold free carol concerts under the tree.
  New Year's Eve. Huge celebrations for the New Year take place all over central London, especially near Big Ben. Usually the underground stays open all night and travel is free.