What’s on in London

London Marathon

21 April 2024

Starts in Greenwich Park and ends in the Mall.

Commonly known as simply the London Marathon, the Virgin Money London Marathon is a 26.2 mile (42km) race from Greenwich Park to the Mall which passes by many famous London landmarks including the Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben.

Around 30,000 professional and amateur runners compete every year, many dressed in fancy dress to raise money for charity. The route is lined with spectators and the race has a very festive atmosphere. As it is an extremely popular marathon, it is worth booking as far in advance as possible.

Website https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com/

Chelsea Flower Show

21 — 25 May 2024

Show grounds at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea

The Chelsea Flower Show is an annual event organised by the Royal Horticultural Society and, since its inception in 1913, has been recognised as the foremost show of its kind in the world. An immensely popular event, the show draws crowds of thousands every year with its colourful and beautifully sculptured displays. Experts from the Royal Horticultural Society are on hand, ready to impart gardening advice to the show's many visitors. Tickets can be bought via the website and visitors are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

Website www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show

Trooping the Colour (King's Birthday Parade)

15 June 2024

Horse Guards Parade

The ceremony of the Trooping the Colour (or Queen's Birthday Parade) takes place each year on the Queen's birthday and dates back to the time of Charles II in the 17th century. Although the Queen was actually born on 21 April, her official birthday is celebrated in the summer, when the weather is better. The parade begins with one of the Foot Guard regiments of the Household Division escorting their regimental colour, before giving the Queen a salute in front of Buckingham Palace, and is followed by a march of the Massed Bands before the Queen is escorted back home by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment on their magnificent black chargers.

Website www.royal.gov.uk

Wimbledon Tennis Championships

1 July — 14 July 2024

All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club

The Wimbledon Championships are the highlight of the year's tennis calendar, bringing together the world's leading tennis professionals in a battle for glory. The first championship event at Wimbledon dates back to 1877, but the first Ladies' Singles championship was only introduced in 1884. Since then the tradition of strawberries and cream on centre court has been enjoyed by thousands of fans from around the world. The Wimbledon Championships are the most famous of the four tournaments known as the 'Grand Slam' and many fans of the sport make the pilgrimage to London to watch their favourite players battle it out on the famous grass courts.

Website www.wimbledon.com

Notting Hill Carnival

24 — 26 August 2024

Notting Hill

The first Notting Hill Carnival took place in 1964 when London's Caribbean community introduced the carnival to ease racial tensions. Since then it has become a popular and colourful annual event celebrated by more than two million Londoners of all backgrounds. It is said to be the world's second largest street party after the Rio Carnival held in Brazil. The carnival consists of costume parades, a steel band, jazz and reggae performances, and countless street vendors selling exotic Caribbean food, as well as a rollicking street party which attracts people from all walks of life.

Website www.thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com

Lord Mayor's Show

9 November 2024

Central London, between Mansion House and Aldwych

The Lord Mayor's Show is an annual event held in the City of London when the mayor makes their way from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice to swear allegiance to the crown. Earmarked by each Lord Mayor since 1215, the journey has grown into a rich pageant.

Held through war and plague, the parade has proven extremely resilient. It's now one of the world's most beloved processions, attracting about half a million people, and is watched on the BBC by millions the world over.

Website www.lordmayorsshow.london

Changing of the Guard

Usually alternates daily throughout the week

Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade

This is one of the oldest and most familiar of all royal ceremonies. Every other day, a throng of tourists gather outside Buckingham Palace to watch the exchange of duty between the Old Guard and the New Guard.

The Foot Guards wear their traditional uniforms, complete with bearskins, but carry modern weapons as their role is practical as well as ceremonial. A band from one of the five Foot Guard regiments accompanies the handover, playing anything from traditional military marches to pop tunes.

Guard Mounting also takes place daily at the same time at Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. The Changing of the Queen's Life Guards involves the handover of duty between the two mounted regiments, the Blues and Royals, and the Life Guards.

It is more flamboyant when the Queen is in residence (most weekdays), with the Captain of the Guard and trumpeter leading the procession. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place daily at 11.30am between April and July, and on alternating days the rest of the year.

It is always best to check the calendar for the exact times of the changing of the guard because adjustments are sometimes made to the schedule.

Website www.changing-the-guard.com

Reading Festival

21 — 25 August 2024

Reading

One of the English summer's great festivals of music, the Reading Festival boasts many of the biggest names in Pop/Rock/Indie/Folk and Comedy. The event is increasing in popularity each year and tens of thousands make their way to the fields to enjoy the finest in popular and world music. The festival normally falls on the bank holiday weekend in August. Over the same weekend, a sibling festival is held in Leeds. Headliners like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Arcade Fire, Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, Blur, the Kaiser Chiefs, Bonnie Tyler, Muse and Eminem have drawn massive crowds.

Website www.readingfestival.com

Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

30 March 2024

Thames River from Putney Bridge to Chiswick Bridge.

An annual tradition since 1829, the rowing race between two of Britain's oldest university sides creates a festival atmosphere along the banks of the Thames between Putney and Mortlake. Thousands of people gather at various vantage points along the riverbank, many of them conveniently close to pubs.

From here, spectators can watch the famous four-and-a-quarter mile race that marks the beginning of the English social season. This famous sporting event is a huge thrill to witness and also a big party for spectators. Naturally, the students of Oxford and Cambridge come out in force to support their teams and the rivalry is epic, though good-natured.

Website www.theboatrace.org

BBC Proms

19 July — 14 September 2024

Royal Albert Hall

The Proms claims to be the 'greatest classical musical festival in the world', and every summer it presents a wide range of music, from symphony orchestras to operas and contemporary music. Performances take place in one of the capital's most majestic venues, the Royal Albert Hall, and visitors to London during the summer months would be foolish to miss it. Soloists and ensembles among the greatest in the world are on show during the Proms, and visitors are sure to find the experience enriching. For more information regarding the programme and ticket prices check out the official website listed below.

Website www.bbc.co.uk/proms

West End Shows

Various dates throughout the year

Famed for its musicals, the West End in the centre of London boasts some of the best theatre in the world, from musicals to comedy to drama, featuring many famous actors. There are always new shows, as well as ongoing productions such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Lion King, Wicked, and Chicago.

There is plenty on offer for the whole family and catching a show on the West End is an iconic London experience for travellers. For information on what's showing and ticket prices, check out the official website listed below.

Website www.londontheatre.co.uk

FA Cup Final

25 May 2024

Wembley Stadium

The cherished FA Cup (The Football Association Challenge Cup) is football's oldest tournament and has a special place in the hearts of fans in the UK and all around the world. What separates this tournament, first held in 1871, from many of the others is that it champions the underdog, as lower division teams have a chance to play the Premier League teams, and often heroes are created before the tournament has run its course. The supporters of local teams lower down in the official pecking order relish the chance to challenge the top dogs. The dates below are for the final match; for fixtures for the whole tournament and other details check out the official website listed below.

Website www.thefa.com/thefacup

BFI London Film Festival

2 — 13 October 2024

Various

Film-fever spreads all across London for two weeks during the British Film Institute sponsored London Film Festival. It is the most important film festival in the UK and features premieres, short films, experimental pieces, world cinema jewels and a healthy programme of classics. Many famous British actors and filmmakers attend and a fair amount of celebrity-spotting can be indulged in. For details on what's showing check the official website listed below.

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