Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In memory of Guy Fawkes - who tried to blow up King James I and the Houses of Parlia-
ment in 1605 - effigies are burned on bonfires all over London, and numerous council-run
fires and fireworks displays are staged. Free.
LORD MAYOR'S SHOW
second Saturday in November
www.lordmayorsshow.org
.
Big ceremonial procession from the Law Courts on the Strand to the Guildhall of some 140
floats, military bands and even the odd piece of military hardware, followed by the new
Mayor in his gilded coach and a whole train of liverymen in carriages. After dark, there's a
fireworks display on the Thames. Free.
NEW YEAR
New Year's Eve
www.london.gov.uk
.
New Year is welcomed by thousands of revellers who get to enjoy a spectacular firework
display centred on the London Eye. TfL runs free public transport all night, sponsored by
various public-spirited breweries. Free.
Public holidays
You'll find all banks and offices closed on the following days, while everything else
pretty much runs to a Sunday schedule (except on Christmas Day when everything shuts
down): New Year's Day (January 1); Good Friday (late March/April); Easter Monday
(late March/April); Spring Bank Holiday (first Monday in May); May Bank Holiday
(last Monday in May); August Bank Holiday (last Monday in August); Christmas Day
(December 25); Boxing Day (December 26). Note that if January 1, December 25 or
December 26 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday falls on the following weekday.
