London Events

1. London Marathon

In 1979, hours after having run the New York Marathon, the former Olympic champion Chris Brasher wrote an article for The Observer which began: "To believe this story you must believe that the human race be one joyous family, working together, laughing together, achieving the impossible. And from there the London Marathon was born,

interest has been even greater for 2005 with a record 98,500 UK ballot applicants seeking places, a 20 percent increase over the previous highest figure. Brasher’s vision was realised on March 29th 1981, with the inaugural London Marathon proving an instant success. More than 20,000 people applied to run: 7,747 were accepted and 6,255 crossed the finish line on Constitution Hill as cheering crowds lined the route.

2. Chelsea Flower show

Every year, for five days during May, the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea are transformed into a plant paradise with thousands of glorious blooms, a selection of spectacular show gardens and the finest examples of horticultural excellence in the world. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the catwalk of the gardening world; it sets the latest trends, attracts worldwide media attention and, as plant breeders’ favourite place to unveil new plants, provides the first glimpses of the newest horticultural specimens. The annual event acts as a showcase for the world’s most talented garden designers and show gardens at Chelsea are always special. Top designers from around the world apply to create gardens at the show and only the very best designs are selected.

3. The Proms
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7
From mid-July through mid-September, the traditional BBC Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, launched in 1895, attract music aficionados from around the world. The promenade Concerts are so called as the central concourse of the hall is cleared of seats and the concertgoers there stand (they are not allowed to sit). The idea was that by making room for many more the prices for that section could be kept to a minimum. The great tradition of the last night when, during the second part, the orchestra plays traditional patriotic songs and the audience are swept away with much flag waving. This is all tongue-in-cheek and all nationalities are invited to join in and wave their own national flags. This concert is sold out months in advance though the intrepid can queue for a standing ticket, but the queue usually starts the night before. (See also Proms in the Park in September's listings)
Call +44 (0) 207 5898212 for more information.

4. Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis Championships, 26th June – 9th July 2006
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship, one of the four grand slam championships, started in 1877, draws crowds, often including royalty, along with tennis fans from far-flung corners. For Centre and Number One Courts it is advisable to book well in advance for this very popular event though tickets are available for those who are willing to queue. Please note that the queues can be extremely long. For sustenance, strawberries and cream is the order of the day.
If you were lucky enough to attend the 2003 Wimbledon Championships you could be seeing yourself on the big screen in Working Title's new romantic comedy Wimbledon. The film stars Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man, Bring It On) and Paul Bettany (Master and Commander, A Beautiful Mind) and directed by Richard Loncraine (Richard III,The Gathering Storm).
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is now operating behind-the-scenes tours on a daily basis. Highlights of the tour include Centre Court, No.1 Court, Henman Hill, the Millennium Building and Press Interview rooms.
Trains: Waterloo (journey time approx. 16 minutes. There is a shuttle bus service between the station and the ground.
Call (0181) 946-2244 for more information.

5. Trooping of the Colour 17th June 2006. From around 10.30 am
Horse Guards Parade / The Mall / Buckingham Palace
The official birthday of the sovereign is observed at Horse Guards Parade in Whitewall as the reigning monarch inspects regiments parading their colours from the vantage point of a horse-drawn carriage. Trooping the Colour is carried out by fully trained and operational troops from the Household Division (Foot Guards and Household Cavalry) on Horse Guards Parade, watched by members of the Royal family, invited guests and members of the public. During the ceremony, The Queen is greeted by a Royal salute and carries out an inspection of the troops. After the massed bands have performed a musical 'troop', the escorted regimental colour is carried down the ranks; the Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry then march past The Queen, and the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, rank past. The Queen rides in a carriage back to Buckingham Palace at the head of her Guards, before taking the salute at the Palace from a dais. The troops then return to barracks.
There is a gun salute in Green Park at 12.30 and a fly-past at 13.00.
Call +44 (0) 207 414-2479 / 2271 for more information.
Tubes: Victoria / Green Park / Charing Cross

6. Chinese New Year

Heralding renewal after winter, London marks China’s traditional celebration with firecrackers, music, bustling street markets, drums and paper dragons. Call (44) 9068-663-344 for more information. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival arrived in London many years ago. It is organized by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, and they do a great job. The celebrations to mark the start of the Chinese New Year take place in London Chinatown, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square in February each year. For the first time a Grand Parade was staged at the start of the celebrations, this included 150 costumed performers from Beijing, China, dragon dancing teams, and a children’s parade. An amazing free London show.

7. Party in the Park, Hyde Park London

Party in the Park, a huge open-air pop festival to benefit the Prince’s Trust, takes place on the first Sunday of July, featuring big name acts on one ticket. Call 44 (800) 333-958 for more information. Thousands of music fans gathered in London's Hyde Park for a charity fundraising concert, involving some of the biggest names in pop and rock. A crowd of 100,000 attend the concert, known as Party in the Park, in aid of the Prince's Trust.

The show is run by CapitalFM, London’s radio station and tickets are like gold dust, but if you can go then do, it is a special event.

8. Notting Hill Carnival

Caribbean rhythms arrive in West London, with steel drums, floats, colorfully attired dancers, rap, reggae and Red Stripe beer. The parade route covers Chepstow Road, Westbourne Grove, Ladbroke Grove and Kensai Road. Call (020) 8964-0544 for more information. The annual Notting Hill Carnival may no longer be Europe's biggest street party but it still London's greatest and the hope of many for expressing an inclusive multicultural vision of a town that wishes to be known as a great global host. Expect a much less crowded festival that will joyfully attempt to combine and unite all da people in a creative celebration of the harmony and diversity of 21st century London.

9. Great British Beer Festival

Sometimes stretching into August, this gigantic suds festival features more than 200 British beers, plus another 200 imports, and assorted food stalls. Organized tastings offer opportunity to sample award winners. Call (44) 1727-867-201 for more information. The Great British Beer Festival is back, at London's Olympia Grand and National Halls. Anyone attending this legendary event will no doubt find themselves encountering scores of Hooray Henrys, the odd White Bishop, and probably someone raving on about the Hobson's Choice from Cambridge. Don't be surprised if your fate is sealed by the Umpire's Finger.

10. Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

Cambridge and Oxford crews race along a 4.25 mile stretch of the Thames River, between Putney Bridge and Mortlake. Call (020) 7234-5800 for more information. Sunday 2 April has been chosen as the date for the 2006 Boat Race, the 152nd in the series. Oxford won the 2005 Boat Race, by two lengths in 16:42. They came home six seconds ahead of Cambridge in the third fastest time ever. The Dark Blues made a strong start and whilst Cambridge drew back into The Race, Oxford made the decisive move as they approached Chiswick Steps. The Oxford victory - their third in four years - narrows down Cambridge"s overall series lead to 78-72 in an event which dates back to 1829.