London Festivals
...What's on when you're in London?

London Festivals Quick Links

Jump straight to London Festivals month of your choice:

January - March
April - June
July - October
November - December

Insider Tip: Many London Festivals are held amidst popular tourist sights of London. In most cases you can attend a festival and another tourist attraction at the same time.

London Festivals January - March

New Years Day

If your lucky enough to be in London over NYE you can welcome in the New Year in London Style! 10,000 musicians and street performers are led through central London by the mayor of Wistminster. Pick your vantage point between Parliament Sq and Berkeley Sq and enjoy the lively parade!

International Boat Show

For the boating enthusiast this is a must-see event. London's Excel Centre hosts the annual event at the city's Docklands. If it floats in water or has anything to do with boating, you'll find it here. Latest addition: Watersports Action Pool - A lot of aquatic fun under one roof!
www.londonboatshow.com

London Art Fair

Now one of the largest art fairs in Europe. During January more that 100 galleries take part in this contemporary art fair. You'll find theme based exhibitions, works from emerging artists and special events. Warm up your winter days and nights with some incredible art!
www.londonartfair.co.uk

Chinese New Year

London's already bustling and exciting Chinatown is the epicenter of Chinese New Year celebrations in London. In late January, early Feburary Soho (that's where Chinatown is) is treated to dragon parades, dancers, music and even more delectable foodie delights!
www.chinatownlondon.org

Pancake Races

One of London festivals more silly occasions is held on 'Shrove Tuesday' in late Feburary. You can watch pancake races and other shenanigans in various venues around London. Notably there will be festivities at Spitalfields and Covent Garden. Each of these are London Attractions in themselves so why not combine them with a bit more London fun!

Head Of The River Race

One of London's premiere boat races thats been running for over 80 years. Join the colorful festival and crowds of people on the banks of the River Thames between Mortlake and Putney. Over 400 crews compete on the 7km course for the glory of 'Head of the River'.
www.horr.co.uk

London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

LLGFF runs this London festival from late March through to early April and is one of the biggest gay and lesbian film festivals in the world. The national theatre will play hundreds of independant films from around the world. This event is in very high demand so make sure you check out the website and book ahead of time. Action!
www.llgff.co.uk

London Festivals April - June

London Marathon

The London festival for runners! Over 35,000 crazed runners take part in the London Marathon - the worlds biggest road race. Held annually in April you can get front row seats along the scenic London city course and cheer on the runners. London loves the marathon and it's a great time to be out enjoying the city and soaking up the atmosphere. Jog on!
www.london-marathon.co.uk

Clerkenwell Easter Parade

London's 'little Italy' is ready to party at Easter time. The incredible, colorful parade runs from Exmouth Market to Clerkenwell Road's Italian Cathedral. Grab your Easter eggs and get your self a vantage point to enjoy the festivities of the 'Virgin' being carried through the streets of London

Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

This London festival draws big crowds along the banks of the River Thames. Two of the UK's most prestigious universities battle it out on this course annually. The race is held on a different date each year so check out the website for the latest details.
www.theboatrace.org

Royal Windsor Horse Show

If you fancy mixing with some royalty, this is a great opportunity. Attendees from all walks of life enjoy this prestigious event that runs for 5 days. One of the best parts is the festivities are held in the Queen's private garden - for most people the only chance to see it.
www.royal-windsor-horse-show.co.uk

Chelsea Flower Show

Well heeled socialites, flower lovers and horticulturists love the Chelsea flower show. It's the biggest of it's kind in the world and a great place to meet with friends to relax and enjoy a day in beautiful surroundings. Bring your green thumb!
www.rhs.org.uk

Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition

This annual showcase runs from June through to August and showcases works from artists all around Britian. Generally there is around a thousand artworks on display that have been picked as the best from many more entries.
www.royalacademy.org.uk

Beating The Retreat - Horses Guards Parade

The Queen's birthday is a big deal in the UK, especially London. This festival is a warm up for the big day and includes all the royal pomp you would expect including horses, marching bands, beating drums and more. Pledge your allegiance for the day and get involved.
www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/retreat

Trooping The Colour- Horses Guards Parade

Now that we've had the warm up, we're ready to celebrate the Queen's birthday. She was actually born in April, but the weather isn't as nice and since she's the Queen, she can celebrate when ever she likes. Expect funfare, flyovers, parades and gallantry.
www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk

Architecture Week

In late June you can explore London's cityscape in more ways that usual. Many of the prominant buildings are open for visitors to admire. There's also various architecture events on for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Popular buildings book out so book ahead to avoid missing out.
www.architectureweek.com

Wimbledon Tennis Championship

Two weeks of grand-slam tennis bliss! In late June, early July the sleep suburb of Wimbledon (SW19) has the sporting worlds eyes focussed on it. The best players in the world will battle it out to be crowned the Wimbledon Champion. I must for sports fans or those looking for fun in the sun - strawberries and cream included!
www.wimbledon.org

London Festivals July - October

City Of London Festival

Visit some of London's finest churches, squares and buildings in the financial district and party. There will be dancers, theatre and quality music for you to enjoy. Running from late June to early July - enjoy the warm weather and have a great time with London Locals.
www.colf.org

Pride

A favourite festival of gays from around the world. London's Pride festival is a colorful, fun and exciting parade. You'll find side cellebrations all throughout the city. A fantastic time to be had by all - London is tolerance, get involved and have fun!
www.pridelondon.org

Greenwich and Docklands International Festival

If you love dance, theatre and music you will love this London festival. Running every weekend in July you can see performances with the River Thames as the backdrop.
www.festival.org

Soho Festival

As if Soho isn't already lively enough! This is a festival in a city areas that's a festival everyday already. There's waiters races, spaghetti eating contests, music, dance and more food stalls than you can poke a stick at. Soho is a fantastic part of London and festival or no festival you'll love it!
www.thesohosociety.org.uk

BBC Proms

The BBC Proms is a program of classical concerts/ perfomances that run from mid July. They are increasingly popular and of the highest quality. The majority of performances are held in prestigious theatres such as Royal Albert Hall. Check out the schedule on the website.
www.bbc.co.uk/proms

Rise: London United

Rise: London United is put on by the Mayor of London to promote anti-racism in the nation's capital. Every year big name headline acts get involved for this good cause. There's a variety of venues and activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Notting Hill Carnival

Bank holidays in London mean it's party time and at Notting Hill Carnival you WILL party and there will be 2 million others that want to join in the fun. This is Europe's biggest street festival and it started 50 years ago. If you're in London over the August bank holiday, this is a must.
www.thenottinghillcarnival.com

Great British Beer Festival

I think you know what this festival is all about. Yep, you got it, Beer! Not just any beer though, REAL ale, real British ale that is. Thousands of beer lovers flock to Earls Court to sample beers from all around the land. There's various other festivities to enjoy but in all honesty, the beer is the crowd pleaser here!
www.gbbf.org

The Mayors Thames Festival

Without the River Thames, London wouldn't exists and many agree that it is London's most important asset. A great reason to celebrate! Held in september each year you can expect fun for the whole family - fairs, fireworks, food, river races and a spectacular Lantern Procession.
www.thamesfestival.org

Great River Race

Dragon boats, viking longships and barges are the order of the day. The 35km course (Ham House - Isle of Dogs) is home one of London's most popular and enjoyable boat races. If you think you've got what it takes to win, go ahead, join in with your own boat and crew!
www.greatriverrace.co.uk

London Open House

You've seen all of London's great buildings from the outside and now for one week 500 of them will open the doors to the public. Tickets to the gig buildings in Central London go first, however there is some gems in the suburbs that are well worth a look. Happy house/building hunting!
www.londonopenhouse.org

Dance Umbrella

Held throughout October and early November this annual festival of contemporary dance runs for five weeks and has performance by the best British and international dance troops. I suggest you get your dancing shoes on and make your way to the website for further details!
www.danceumbrella.co.uk

Trafalgar Day Parade

In 1805 Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson led the Royal Navy to victory over combined French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar. Each October the battle is commerated with a laying of a wreath at Nelsons Column in Trafalgar Square.

London Film Festival

This is a biggie in terms of London film festivals. Each October big name actors and film makers descend on London to mix it with locals and attend specially organised events. You'll have the opportunity to watch more 100 British and international films prior to release and take part in talks and Q&A sessions.
www.lff.org.uk

London Festivals November to December

London To Brighton Veteran Car Run

Car lovers, start your engines! Every year in early November hundreds of pre-1905 vintage cars line up at dawn in London's Hyde Park for the start of the London to Brighton Car Run. It's a great setting to browse the vintage rides and be part of the fun London festival atmosphere.
www.vccofgb.co.uk

State Opening Of Parliament

Not everyone's cup of tea but a very important day on the UK's political calendar none the less. The Queen visits parliament to much pomp and ceremony to welcome back MPs from thier summer recess. And make no mistake, she'll be wearing the crown and showing the pollies whos boss. The State Opening Of Parliament is held at the House of Lords, Westminster in late October or Early November.

Bonfire Night

Bonfire night is the celebrations of Guy Fawkes' failed attempt to blow up Parliament in 1605. It's grown to become one of London's favourite traditions. Fireworks and celebrations are help all across the city, some othe most popular places include Clapham Common, Crystal Palace, Battersea Park, Highbury Fields and Alexandra Palace. Mark your calendar - 5th of November!

Lord Mayors Show

Float's, boats, fireworks and funfare are the order of the day at this London festival. The Lord Mayors Show is centered on the Lord Mayor travelling in state coach from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice to pledge alligiance to the Crown. Join in the festivities along the journey!
www.lordmayorsshow.org

Remembrance Sunday

On the nearest Sunday to the 11th of November Londoners take part in Remembrance Sunday ceremonies at the Cenotaph, Whithall to mark their respects for those who fought and died in WW1 and WW2. A sombre and moving experience.

Lighting Of The Christmas Tree And Lights

At Christmas time (Late Nov, early Dec) Oxford, Regent and Bond st are lit up with an amazing array of Xmas lights while Trafalgar Square it treated to a huge Nowegian spruce as a thank you gift from Norway for Britain's for support during WWII. a Lucky celeb often has the honors of flicking switch on the lights and details will be all over the press closer to the time!

New Years Eve

Perhaps the London festival to top all parties! New Years Eve in London goes off! No matter where you are there will be crowds gathering to celebrate the end of another year. Hot spots are Trafalgar Sq and any where along the River Thames in view of the London Eye. Expect music, fireworks and Champagne! An added bonus, free public transport!

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