England, United Kingdom — Events
Changing of the Guard
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. The handover is accompanied by a band from one of the five Foot Guard regiments who play anything from traditional military marches to pop tunes.
West End Shows
Famed for its musicals, the West End in the center of London boasts some of the best theater in the world, from musicals to comedy and drama. There are ongoing shows that have been running for years, such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Lion King and Blood Brothers and new shows are added to the lineup regularly.
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is celebrated every year in London’s Chinatown, which is located in Soho. As the Chinese calendar is based on lunar and solar movements, this festival takes place on a different date every year. The festival consists of numerous parades, which often snake their way through to Covent Garden. The celebrations give rise to a variety of food stalls in the area, serving Chinese cuisine, and visitors and tourists are always welcome to watch and participate.
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
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 River between Putney and Mortlake. Thousands of people gather at various vantage points along the riverbank, many of them conveniently close to pubs, to watch the famous four-and-a-quarter mile race that marks the beginning of the English social season.
London Marathon
The Flora London Marathon is a 26.2 mile (42km) race from Greenwich Park to the Mall, via 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 has a very festive atmosphere.
Brighton Festival
Since 1966, this entertaining arts festival has featured talented local and international contributors to the world of art, theater, music, dance and literature. The Artists Open House allows visitors into artists’ homes to view and purchase their work, while live performances and other exhibitions take place throughout the city during the month.
FA Cup Final
The cherished FA Cup is football’s oldest tournament and has a special place in the hearts of fans around the world. What separates this tournament 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 in the tournament.
Eurocultured
The city of Manchester hosts a celebration of European Culture throughout the city with an array of live performances over two massive days. DJs from all over Europe descend on the city to entertain the tens of thousands gathered all night long while a variety of other live music performances, including cabaret and dance, captivate during the day.
Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show is an annual event organized by the Royal Horticultural Society and since its inception in 1913, has been recognized as the foremost show of its kind in the world. An immensely popular event, the show draws crowds of thousands every year with its colorful 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.
Bath International Music Festival
Showcasing a range of exciting events with everything from orchestra and ballet to jazz acts and other musicians, the Bath International Music Festival is one of the main highlights on the social calendar and one that has gained international reputation. The program takes place mainly in city venues and also includes free-to-the-public outdoor events.
