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Befitting a city of its stature, London offers a broad range of activities. Sports, leisure, and culture intertwine seamlessly in an annual slate of events that celebrates an already-vibrant city. The year begins with the International Boat Show, whose enviable water craft entice attendees. In March, the Thames is commandeered by rowing teams from Oxford and Cambridge, who race for victory against, wind, wave, and each other. The London Marathon also tests physical endurance for 30,000 participants. May’s Chelsea Flower Show, held for nearly a century now, is world-renowned for its botanical displays, and when the weather warms, Shakespeare’s works are performed in the open-air Globe Theatre. At the height of summer, Wimbledon pairs heart-stopping tennis matches with society events, and Trooping the Colour celebrates the Queen’s birthday with a grand parade. Plus, The Proms are a summertime tradition for fans of classical music. In late August, Notting Hill Carnival inundates the neighborhood with steel-drums, spicy food, and colorful floats. Finally, come December, Trafalgar Square gets a Christmas tree, and London is swept up in a wash of color, music, and holiday revelry.
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New Year's Day Parade |
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(Events - Best of the City) |
January 1, 2010
Central London route, London |
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Description:
To properly ring in the New Year, Londoners head out to watch the spectacular New Year's Day parade that traverses two miles and includes 10,000 people from across the globe. You're sure to enjoy lively marching bands, dance groups and other talented performers ringing in the New Year with style. |
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The Big Dance |
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(Events - Best of the City) |
January 2010
Various venues, London |
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Description:
This week long dance celebration culminates in a two-day extravaganza - an attempt at the world record for mass choreography with the most styles performed to one musical track. Other events include a Brazilian carnival in Clerkenwell, Cuban conga in Hackney and Tango Al Fresco in Regent's Park. Anyone can join, so grab your dancing shoes and let loose. |
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London Boat Show |
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(Events - Best of the City) |
January 8 - January 17, 2010
• 20-7069-5000 |
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Description:
Folks who love maritime pursuits – or just dream about them – adore this annual display of watercraft. The show exhibits a wonderful variety of boats (from luxury vessels to sailboats), and indoor watersports pit athletes against each other in windsurfing, dinghy, wakeboard and canoe polo competitions. You'll also be exposed to the latest in boating technology and have the chance to buy accessories, gear and apparel. Even better, a waterside pub invites socializing over a pint or two. TUBE: Docklands Light Railway connects to a variety of tube lines. |
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London Art Fair |
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(Events - Best of the City) |
January 13 - January 17, 2010
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Description:
Held in January for over 20 years, this art fair celebrates modern British artwork. Approximately 100 top galleries showcase the best in contemporary art, and over 21,000 visitors attend. |
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London Fashion Week |
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(Events - Best of the City) |
February 21 - September 22, 2009
Various venues, London |
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Description:
Don the black, slip on a pout and be sure to pack that credit card. Fashion Week is here, dahling! The fashionistas take over London, throwing a range of events, mainly in aid of the industry. Some, however, are open to Jill Public, such as exhibitions, gallery and store events, plus the final sale of up-and-coming designers. |
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St. Patrick's Day Parade |
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(Events - Best of the City) |
March 2010
Hyde Park to Whitehall, London • 020 7983 4000 |
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Description:
About 4000 participants march from Hyde Park to Whitehall to celebrate St Patrick's, the national day of Ireland. The whole of central London goes Gaelic for 24 hours. A Trafalgar Square main stage features traditional and contemporary Irish music. Leicester Square hosts a storytelling fair, children's artists and street performances, while Covent Garden boasts a weekend food market. |
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Country Living Magazine Spring Fair |
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(Events - Best of the City) |
March 24 - March 28, 2010
52 Upper St N1 0 |
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Description:
Discover the cottages and quaint pursuits of the country set in this exposition of rural lifestyles. Sample English wines and regional gourmet delicacies. Demonstrations and seminars cover subjects like gardening, flower arranging, home decorating, crafts and cooking, or enjoy afternoon tea. Country Living magazine hosts the fair – they also host a Christmas crafts fair. |
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Easter Funfair |
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(Events - Best of the City) |
April 2 - April 12, 2009
Alexandra Palace Way Wood Green, London N22 7AY • 020 8365 2121 |
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Description:
"Ally Pally" hosts eleven days of wholesome family fun over the Easter holidays. The fair includes amusement rides – from the gentle to hold-the-edge-of-the-seat terrifying – with games, food stalls and fruit machines en route. Take time to explore the 1873 palace with its soaring glass enclosures, as well as the lush parklands. |
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Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race |
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(Events - Best of the City) |
April 3, 2010
Thames River between Putney and Mortlake Bridges, London |
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Description:
The rivalry between these two legendary schools often elicits deep-seated displays of loyalty from alumni and fans. They're in full evidence at this springtime race. Crews take to the Thames for a 20-minute competition that covers 4-1/4 miles of watery territory. Athletes train for months to get a leg up on the event, and spectators (up to 250,000) line the river, tossing out cries of support to their favorite teams. The race has been held since 1829, and along with being a great social event, it's a terrific occasion to enjoy a pint or three, thanks to many waterside pubs. TUBE: District line to Putney Bridge in Zone 2 (where race starts) or Hammersmith (middle). To reach the end, it's easiest to take a bus or overland train to Mortlake. |
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Spring at Kew |
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(Events - Best of the City) |
April 10 - April 13, 2009
Kew Rd Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, LONDON • +44 (20) 8332 5655 |
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Description:
On Easter Sunday the Easter Bunny hippety-hops through the tulips, daffodils and cherries, as children scramble for chocolate eggs in the undergrowth. The long weekend of family fun also includes egg-painting, storytelling, a petting zoo and traditional carvery lunch. Other attractions popular with families include Climbers and Creepers, a botanical play zone, and the Conservation Area with its badger tunnels and stag beetle loggery. |
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* All distances are
approximate "straight-line" distances.
See Directions for "travel distances." |
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