London Special Event Guide 2011

Famous for traditional, long-standing successes and contemporary productions, London's West End is hard to beat when it comes to musicals. Nearly every street in central London's Theatrel and boasts its own performance venue, so choice isn't an issue here. Listed below are some of our current faves. There's something to suit every kind of taste.
Forthcoming Events for the month of March 2011!

 

Kew Gardens: Tropical Extravaganza
(Upto 6 March)

Kew boasts one of the oldest and most comprehensive orchid collections in the world. The Princess of Wales Conservatory is home to hundreds of brightly coloured orchids.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew was part of the worldwide celebrations of 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity, and is one of more than 300 UK organisations, charities and groups supporting this global awareness campaign.

This year's Tropical Extravaganza is the culmination of Kew's 2010 programme to celebrate biodiveristy. 

Prices:

Adult: From £13.90
Child: Free
Concession: From £11.90
Times: 08 Feb - 06 Mar 2011 Daily 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

St Patrick's Day in London
(13 March to 17 March)

Everyone loves the traditional celebrations that make up St Patrick's Day. This event celebrates all things Irish, with laughter, fun. St Patrick's Day is on 17 March but you'll find special events taking place throughout the week.

London's St Patrick's Day Parade involves marching bands, floats, street theatre and more. All 32 Irish counties are represented, dressed in their traditional county colours. Other parade participants include members of London's Irish community and other Londoners. 

The parade begins at Piccadilly at 12pm and travels along:

  • Piccadilly
  • Lower Regent Street
  • Pall Mall East
  • Trafalgar Square
  • Whitehall

Various venues

Maslenitsa Russian Festival
(6 March)

After two successful years at Potters Field Park near London Bridge, in 2011 Maslenitsa Russian festival moves to Trafalgar Square in Central London.

It's is a fun day that marks the Russian pre-Lent celebration of Maslenitsa.

This free, family friendly event promises an entertaining mix of music, song and dance performances as well as giving attendees the chance to sample some delicious Russian cuisine such as "blini" (pancakes), a traditional favourite.

There will also be a performance by the renowned Moscow State Ensemble of Dance "Russian Seasons" and the children's marquee will feature performances by the award winningTheatre Chudaki

Rowing: The Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race
(26 March )

The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race on the Thames is one of the world's longest running sports events, and one of the most popular on the London sports calendar.

As one of the few free sporting spectacles in London, The Boat Race creates a festival atmosphere on the banks of the River Thames.

Up to 250,000 people flock to the river each year to join in the celebrations and watch the Oxford and Cambridge University crews as they race over the famous four-and-a-quarter mile course from Putney to Mortlake.

This year, there'll be special Boat Race in the Park events from12-6pm at Bishop's Park in Fulham and Furnivall Gardens in Hammersmith. The riverside parks will offer a great view of the race, along withbig screensbeer tentsfoodfamily fun and live music.

You can find a place to watch on either side of the river along the full length of the course, but particular areas to note are:

  • Putney Bridge, Putney Embankment and Bishop's Park (at the start)
  • Hammersmith and Barnes (mid-course)
  • Duke's Meadows and Chiswick Bridge (at the finish)
Dates: 26 March 2011
Venue: Putney Bridge
Pancake Day in London
(8 March)

Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday falls between 2 February and 9 March, depending on the date for Easter. 

As well as eating pancakes, there's a long tradition of pancake races in London. Participants have to toss pancakes in a frying pan while completing the course. The races often raise money for charity.

Places to Eat Pancakes in London

You don't have to make your own pancakes - there's plenty of places in London to pick up a posh pancake or two!

  • Langtry's restaurant will be serving pancakes all week - with a glass of fizz if you fancy it! Fillings include fresh blueberries and Canadian maple syrup and smoked salmon with lemon and chive cream. 7-13 Mar
  • Pimp your pancake at Giraffe who will be serving stacked American pancakes with your choice of indulgent toppings including marshmallows, caramel sauce and Baileys. 8-11 Mar
  • Tuck into a delicious crêpe at The Botanist in Chelsea. Choose from caramelised apple with vanilla ice creme or caramelised banana with chocolate crepe. 8 Mar
The Enchanted Palace
Kensington Palace
(Upto 30 June 2012)

A u unique exhibition at Kensington Palace, featuring the work of top fashion designers Vivienne Westwood, William Tempest and Stephen Jones. As you walk around the palace, each room tells a story about one of its former Royal residents, complete with sound effects, interactive exhibits and quirky artworks.

Where: Kensington Gardens W8 4PX
Tickets £12.50 Adult
Nearest Tube Kensington

London's Burning
(Upto 31 Aug)

Explore the Great Fire, the most famous disaster in London's history, and find out how it shaped the city we know today. transported back to September 1666, with interactive displays and a wide range of objects, including archaeological finds and 17th century fire-fighting equipment and see the Great Fire through the eyes of those who survived it.
Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM; Sun 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Where: Museum of London
Nearest Tube St Paul's
Tickets FREE

Prince William's Marriage to Kate Middleton in London
(29 Apr 2011)

Prince William will marry his long-term girlfriend Catherine (Kate) Middleton at London's Westminster Abbey in spring 2011.

Prince William is The Queen's grandson and second in line to the throne after his father Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.

The Dean of Westminster will conduct the wedding service but the couple will be married by theArchbishop of Canterbury. The address at Westminster Abbey will be given by the Bishop of London.

Royal Wedding Procession Route

The wedding ceremony takes place at 11am at Westminster Abbey. Kate Middleton will travel along The Mall from Buckingham Palace to the abbey by car.

At around 12pm, after the ceremony, the newlyweds will return to Buckingham Palace in a grand carriage procession along a route that goes through: 

  • Parliament Square
  • Whitehall
  • Horse Guards Parade
  • The Mall

The final public appearance of the day is likely to be on the Buckingham Palace balcony at around 1.30pm when the couple kiss for the cameras!

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