10 best annual events
#1 – Notting Hill Carnival
The Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s biggest street party with more than a million people in attendance. You get live music, colourful costumes and plenty of Caribbean culture held over a sunny summer bank holiday.
#2 – Trooping the Colour
See some British pageantry at the Trooping of the Colour, held to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday in June. Assemble at Horse Guards to see one of her Household regiments present themselves admist the flag-waving, parades and pomp.
#3 – Last night of the Proms
The Prom concerts boast some of the best classical music in the world. They are held over July and August in the Royal Albert Hall. The famous ‘Last Night’ draws tremendous crowds, as does the sister show in Hyde Park.
#4 – Lord Mayor’s Show
The Lord Mayor’s procession takes place in November, when the newly-elected Lord Mayor of London rides his coach from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice and takes his oath of allegiance. It is followed by a huge firework display.
#5 – Chelsea Flower Show
The gardening event of the year is held in May, around the grounds of Christopher Wren’s Royal Hospital in Chelsea. The Queen’s green fingers usually make an appearance on one of the days, so you can even rub your shoulders with royalty!
#6 – State Opening of Parliament
The State Opening of Parliament takes place in November, when the Queen rides her state coach down The Mall to Parliament Square. She then enters the House of Lords to read the government’s speech.
#7 – Chinese New Year
Don’t miss Chinese New Year in late January/early February. Huge papier-mâché dragons dance through the streets of Chinatown with smoke and fire-crackers banging loudly on the pavement.
#8 – Remembrance Day Parade
The annual war memorial service and veteran’s parade. The Queen, Prime Minister and leading politicians from all political parties are always in attendance, laying wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
#9 – University Boat Race
The annual University Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge has become a national institution. It takes place in April between Putney and Mortlake, and people tend to line the pubs along the route.
#10 – Flora London Marathon
You don’t have to take part, but if you’re feeling athletic then check out the London Marathon in April. 35,000 runners compete in one of Europe’s largest road races from Greenwich Park to Buckingham Palace.
