FESTIVALS AND EVENTS - London - page 344

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
LONDON PARADE
January 1 www.londonparade.co.uk .
At noon, a procession of floats, marching bands, cheerleaders and clowns wends its way
from Parliament Square to Green Park. Admission charge for grandstand seats in Piccadilly,
otherwise free.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
late January/early to mid February www.chinatownlondon.org .
Soho's Chinatown, Leicester Square and even Trafalgar Square all erupt in a riot of dancing
dragons and firecrackers - expect serious human congestion. Free.
OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE BOAT RACE
late March/early April www.theboatrace.org .
Since 1845 rowers from Oxford and Cambridge universities have battled it out over four
miles from Putney to Mortlake. The pubs at prime vantage points pack out early. Free.
LONDON MARATHON
Third or fourth Sunday in April www.virginlondonmarathon.com .
The world's most popular marathon, with around 40,000 masochists sweating the 26.2-mile
route. Most of the competitors are running for charity, often in some ludicrous costume.
Free.
IWA CANALWAY CAVALCADE
May Bank Holiday weekend www.waterways.org.uk .
Lively three-day celebration of the city's inland waterways, held at Little Venice, with scores
of decorated narrow boats, Morris dancers and lots of children's activities. Free.
STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT
early May www.parliament.uk .
The Queen arrives by coach at the Houses of Parliament at 11am accompanied by the
Household Cavalry and gun salutes. The ceremony itself takes place inside the House of
Lords and is televised; it also takes place whenever a new government is sworn in. Free.
BEATING RETREAT
early June www.army.mod.uk .
Annual military display on Horse Guards' Parade over two consecutive evenings, marking
the old custom of drumming and piping the troops back to base at dusk. Tickets must be
booked in advance.