Meltdown
14 June to 24 June 2013
From 14 June to 24 June, Southbank Centre will feature cultural icon Yoko Ono, former wife of the late Beatle John Lennon! It will be Meltdown festival’s 20th anniversary and is expected to be full of collaborations celebrating Ono’s success in music, visual art, and passion for peace. The theme for this year’s festival is “activism” and many other artists will be joining Ono in the ongoing fight for international peace. Immortal Technique, Patti Smith, Savages, and Iggy & The Stooges, are few of many talented musicians from around the globe that will be present. Ono also plans to perform with her band, Plastic Ono band. This will be a one of a kind festival full of an eclectic line-up and must-see talent!
Wimbledon
24 June 2013 to 7 July 2013
Looking for some outdoor entertainment? The Wimbledon Championships are just 2 weeks away! Players such as Andy Murray, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams are lacing up to play in the worlds most prestigious tennis tournament. Centre court tickets can be pricey, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Grab a few friends and a picnic basket to watch the action on an outdoor screen! There are several in the London area but some of the best include:
Bankside Mix, Southwark Street
Cardinal Place, Victoria Street
Henman Hill/Murray Mound, Wimbledon
If you get there with plenty of time, you’ll have a great view of the games free of charge. Remember to pack some strawberries, cream, and a little bubbly to properly engage in tradition!
Show your Pride
29th June 2013
One of the biggest parades held in the streets of London is the London Pride Parade. The parade has been happening since 1972 and aims to give visibility to the fight against discrimination against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. This is a great event and gives people you a chance for people from all walks of life and have to have a truly great time. The parade begins at Baker Street and concludes at Trafalgar Square so head on over and show your support!
City of London Festival
23rd June to 28th July 2013
The City of London Festival was originally an event intended to inspire London’s city workers with arts from different disciplines and interesting walks, talks and much more. But this event is not only available to the residents and workers or the city. It’s open to all people! This year’s festival will be looking at the themes Conflict and resolution, City walls and Trees. The festival will encompass such a wide range that you could pick one interesting thing a day and be entertained for the month. This is a must see!
Open Garden Squares
08th to 09th June 2013
The Open Garden Squares weekend is a great event which allows the general public access to some of the greatest garden shaped wonders in London including some rarely seen sights. In fact, the Number 10 Downing Street garden is part of this list. Don’t get too excited though. You need to take part in a public ballot to access THAT particular garden but no matter. There are plenty others just like it that you can see as part of this great event! Perhaps it will give you some sneaky tips for your OWN garden!
May Flowers for the Chelsea Flower Show
21st to 25th May 2013
In January, London experienced fashion week, however, at the end of May, fashion week takes on the plants with the annual Chelsea Flower Show. This year the Chelsea Flower Show (hosted by the Royal Hospital in Chelsea) is celebrating their 100th anniversary. Throughout the past 100 years, this event has been a must see for flower lovers across the world and has even been a Royal Family favourite.
The World on Regent Street
12th May 2013
People tend to refer to London as the ‘international city of the world’, and on May 12th that comes to life on Regent Street! The high-end London shopping street will be transformed literally into a street of the world with this global-themed festival which turns the busy street into a traffic-free zone, to enable shoppers to enjoy fantastic music, arts, food, fashion, and more. Visitors can come and ‘travel the world’ without having to break the bank.
Vaisakhi Festival in Trafalgar Square
05th May 2013
Every May, the notable Trafalgar Square, is transformed in a colourful celebration to welcome in the Sikh New Year known as ‘Vaisakhi’. Vaisakhi is the holiest day of the calendar for Sikhs, celebrating the birth of Sikhism in 1699. The event will feature contemporary and traditional Asian music, dance, DJ sets and fun activities for children and the event is free to all!
Ellen Gallagher comes to Tate Modern
01st May to 01st Sep 2013
The most visited art gallery in London, Tate Modern, is no stranger to works of art. The gallery holds the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day, as well as international modern and contemporary art. With over 70,000 artworks by over 3,000 artists including Monet, Dalí, Picasso and more, there always promises to be a treat for the eyes.
Cheese and Wine Festival
26th to 28th April 2013
As the sun starts to make its way into London, the parks begin to be filled with all types of picnic goers. For those that enjoy their picnic with a side of cheese and wine, then the Cheese and Wine Festival is the perfect place for you! Located in the Southbank Centre Square, on the 26th-28th of April, this festival is dedicated to the promotion of high quality, and not to mention delicious, produce and wine.
