Top 10 London Annual Events
September 24, 2007
1. New Year’s Day Parade
With over 10,000 performers parading across the streets of West London, the New Year celebration in London is the biggest of its kind in the world! The parade begins at the Parliament Square and ends at the Green Park. Along the way the parade passes through some of the worlds best known locations – White Hall, Trafalgar, Regent Street and Piccadilly to name a few. The ‘Borough Entry’ competition, in which all of London’s 32 boroughs take part in, is a treat for tourists and Londoners alike. The celebration also acknowledges the heroes from each borough during the New Year parade. The tradition began in 1987 as The Lord Mayor of Westminster’s Big Parade and 20 years later, it has become an integral part of the London’s cultural scene. This festive extravaganza is definitely the crown jewel of all events in London.
2. Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
Every year, as the spring arrives, the Thames bares witness to one of the most popular sporting events in London. The Oxford University Boat Club and the Cambridge University Boat Club in their blue paddle boats set the river on fire as they try to out row each other. The race tests the resolve and endurance of the rowers as they paddle upstream along the mighty Thames. This occasion is watched by around 120 million people across the world! This, glorious tribute to the human spirit, is indeed one of London’s most celebrated events.
3. London Marathon
The London Marathon, held in April, is London’s largest socio-sporting event. A total of around 30,000 runners participate in what has now been officially recognized as worlds largest fund raiser! Last year’s collection was estimated to be a total of £315 million. The 42.195 km course begins at Blackheath and ends at The Mall. Many a historical monuments are traversed along the race course including the Houses of parliament and Buckingham Palace. Although this is serious athletic event involving big prize money, a bit of humour is also thrown in once in a while by enthusiastic runners wearing interesting costumes. For athletic buffs who wish to test their limits, the London Marathon is for sure the Holy Grail.
4. Chelsea Flower Show
In May, people from many distant reaches of the globe converge to appreciate the subtle floral beauty of unparalleled elegance. From its humble beginnings in 1911, this event has now become one of the most extensively covered events in London. Many have remarked that it is like the Paris Fashion Week, but for plants! If you are a person who likes to experience nature in all its splendour, the Chelsea Flower Show is the place to be.
5. Wimbledon Tennis
What can I say? The Wimbledon is the Mecca of Tennis! Held between June and July, the Wimbledon is the third grand slam event. The whole championship usually lasts for two weeks but it may be prolonged due to rain. Despite the extent to which the event is covered by the media, the tournament is still a great crowd puller. This year’s highlight was the Men’s singles finals between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The two men fought with great determination but in the end Roger Federer came out the victor. For those who witnessed this clash of the titans, the moments would have been forever frozen in their minds!
6. Great British Beer Festival
Dubbed as the “biggest pub in the world” the Great British Beer Festival or GBBF is the Woodstock of beer guzzlers around the world. The Earls Court, London has been the venue for this event since 2006. During the five days of festivity, over 450 British breweries along with 200 foreign breweries flood the court with a variety of ales! Approximately 1000 volunteers render their honorary services to organize this grand event. The announcement of the Champion Beer of Britain award is also made during the GBBF.
7. Notting Hill Carnival
What began as a gesture to bring communal harmony between the various races in London in 1959 has now become a cultural Lollapalooza. This carnival, led by the Caribbean community, is distributed over two days – Sunday and the following Monday. The Sunday morning carnival, held on Children’s day, is a miniature version of the grand carnival held the following day. Over 300,000 people dressed in elaborate costumes turn the streets of Notting Hill into a cultural paradise. The magnificence of the Carnival can only be fully experienced in person. So next time you get a chance to visit London, be sure to time it right.
8. Opening of Parliament
The ceremony of Opening of Parliament is held in either October or November. The pomp and fervour associated with this occasion is unlike anything seen before. As in all the ceremonies, the opening of the parliament also involves some impressive theatrics like searching the parliament to prevent an imaginary Gunpowder plot, taking a hostage to ensure the safety of the monarch etc. A host of other associated practices can be seen as the reigning monarch declares the commencement of a session of Parliament. For all its vigour, the opening of the parliament epitomises the importance of democracy over autocracy and this is the final message behind this majestic affair.
9. London Film Festival
The London Film Festival, currently in the golden jubilee year, is the largest public film event in London. Roughly 300 movies from 60 countries are screened every year. The movies are selected to accommodate the tastes and styles of the multitude. Unlike other events of such kind, the public involvement in the LFF is what strikes out. Believe it or not directors, actors, stunt men etc actually encourage the audience to ask them questions relating to the film making process! Many awards and laurels are also awarded during the fest – the Sutherland Trophy being the most prestigious. Well, if you don’t fall in the category of filmmakers, you can obviously hit the streets for some good old entertainment.
10. Christmas Lighting Ceremonies
Well clichés apart, Christmas does come early in London! The spirit of Christmas shines bright from early November as the whole of London is set ablaze by a range of lights and ornamentations. Everywhere from Bond Street to Covent Garden, the splendid display of lights will dazzle you. For every beholder the nocturnal landscape of the entire city is transformed into a picturesque portrait whose magnificence will never be forgotten!
