London, England
2009 Festivals & Events
March 25 - April 8 London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival
The largest Festival of it's kind in Europe. Based at the National Film Theatre and attracts an audience of over 22,000 people each year, who come to see film premieres, as well as shorts, masterclasses and interviews.
March 29 Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
Since 1829, England’s two most ancient universities have competed on the river, turning it into a big social event.
April 13 London Harness Horse Parade
An impressive procession of dray and cart horses round Battersea Park in an event dating from 1885.
April 26 Flora London Marathon
Marathon from Greenwich to Westminster with more than 30,000 participants, some professional, others in fancy dress.
May 10 May Fayre and Puppet Festival
A celebration of the first Punch and Judy show, in the churchyard of St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden.
May 13 - 16 Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo
A celebration through music, words and action of the Army’s contribution and commitment to the Nation’s Defence, International Security and Stability.
May 19 - 23 Chelsea Flower Show
Possibly the world’s most prestigious celebration of the art of gardening, in the grounds of the Royal Hospital.
June 2 Anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation in 1953
A 41 Gun Royal Salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Hyde Park at noon and a 62 Gun Royal Salute by the Honourable Artillery Company at Gun Wharf, Tower of London at 1pm.
June 3 - 4 Beating the Retreat
Annual tattoo on Horse Guards’ Parade celebrating the return of the troops back to barracks.
June 8 - 9 Spitalfields Festival
Baroque, gospel and classical music recitals in Christ Church Spitalfields and other venues in the area.
June 10 Birthday of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
A 41 Gun Salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Hyde Park, near Park Lane at noon and by the Honourable Artillery Company (62guns) at Gun Wharf, Tower of London at 1:00pm.
June 13 Trooping the Colour
Ceremonial celebration of the Queen’s official birthday, carried out by her personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with the Queen herself attending and taking the salute.
June 19 - August 7 City of London Festival
The Festival animates the unique buildings and outdoor spaces of the City with an extensive artistic program ranging across many kinds of music, visual arts, film, walks and talks.
June 22 - July 5 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships
The world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournement.
June 25 - 28 Greenwich and Docklands Festival
Vibrant and very successful arts festival featuring traditional markets, music, dance, theatre and fireworks. This year’s festival is water-themed.
July 4 Pride London - Parade and rally
Annual parade, festival and march through Central London includes comedy, theatre, arts, sports and community events.
July 17 - September 12 BBC Henry Wood Promenade Concerts
‘The Proms’ are a an annual classical music festival comprising over seventy concerts held at the Royal Albert Hall.
August 23 - 24 Notting Hill Carnival
What began in 1966 as a small celebration of local Afro-Caribbean culture has exploded over the years into the biggest street carnival in Europe.
September 12 - 13 Thames Festival
Vibrant celebration of London and its river with amazing open air arts, pyrotechnics, illuminations, river events, street theatre, massed choirs and more.
September 19 - 20 London Open House
A celebration of the city’s architecture and rare opportunity to see inside more than 400 buildings, most not normally open to the public.
November 14 Lord Mayor’s Show
Massive procession of pewterers, basketweavers, big bands and lots of charity floats led by the newly invested Mayor in his State coach, from the Guildhall up Fleet St and back along the river, with fireworks on the Thames between Blackfriars and Waterloo bridges.
December 24 Christmas Service at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey has a service of lessons and carols at 4pm on Christmas Eve, led by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, and with singing by the choristers of Westminster Choir.