London Events and Festivals Guide 2012
The list of London's festivals and events is forever growing, and it would be impossible to name them all! However, some of the best are listed here to help you plan your London trip. Whenever you decide to come to London, you will always find a party nearby.
Chinese New Year Celebrations – Year of the Dragon … 23 February 2012
The London Chinatown Chinese Association holds celebrations along Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, China town and Shaftesbury Avenue.
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race … 7 April 2012
A predicted 250,000 spectators will fill the banks of the Thames to witness the 156th boat race between England's rival universities.
Boat Race
London Marathon … 22 April 2012
The celebratory sporting event with participants from professional athletes to charity runners in fancy dress.
London Marathon
Chelsea Flower Show … 22 - 26 May 2012
This prestigious show takes place in the ground of the Royal Hospital. Enjoy the creative flower displays, buy plants and even get gardening advice from the experts.
Chelsea Flower Show
Trooping the Colour … 16 June 2012
Trooping the colour is a traditional military parade to mark the Queen's official birthday taking place on Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall. Tickets must be applied for in advance, or you can watch from St. James's Park.
Trooping the Colour
City of London Festival … 24 June – 27 July 2012
This three-week festival has a varied programme featuring music, visual arts, film, walks and talks, with both ticketed performances and free outdoor events.
City of London Festival
Wimbledon … 25 June – 8 July 2012
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship is recognised as the world's favourite tennis tournament and is still an important British tradition.
Wimbledon.
Notting Hill Carnival … 26 - 27 August 2012
The Afro-Caribbean carnival that began in 1966 has continued to get bigger and more vibrant over the years. Today it is made up of five main disciplines - masquerade bands, steel bands, calypso music and static and mobile sound systems.
Notting Hill Carnival
The Proms … 13 July – 8 September 2012
Known as 'the proms', the BBC Henry Wood Promenade Concerts are a series of classical music concerts performed at the Royal Albert Hall. The last night of the proms is always a highlight.
The Proms
The Mayor's Thames Festival ... 8 – 9 September 2012
The festival takes place between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge. With fireworks, performances, singing and dancing, eating and drinking, sailing on the Thames and other activities, visitors are encouraged to join in the party.
Thames Festival
Christmas in London 2012
If you're spending Christmas in London, you will be spoilt for festive things to do. There's the famous West End Christmas Lights, the huge Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, and various Festive Fairs around the city. Have a skate on one of the many London ice rinks, go to Carol Concert or a Christmas Pantomime, or do a bit of Christmas Shopping.
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