London is not just the capital of the United Kingdom, it is a centre of world culture, and there is a lot to see and do throughout the city. Here is a guide to what is going on in the capital this summer. The city has many iconic landmarks, none more so than Buckingham Palace. The Queen lives here and is opening up the palace to visitors from 26th July. This year to mark the 60th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth there is a special exhibition at the palace, showing the relationship between monarch and the 1.8 billion citizens in the Commonwealth. Trafalgar Square has a new art installation from Antony Gormley, where people stand on a pillar for one hour and become the art. These people entered a competition and were lucky enough to be selected. They rotate and bring their own flair to London.
Cricket arrives at Lord’s Cricket Ground for the second Ashes test. The Ashes are fought for every two years between England and Australia, and England are fighting back after losing the previous Ashes series 5-0 last time out. The Ashes are being screened across London and it is free to go to these screenings. If you aren’t into cricket but would like to feel the great atmosphere there are nearby restaurants, bars and shops. Screens are at Cardinal Place, New Street Square and Bankside Mix. The final test match of the series is also in London, coming from The Oval. It could be a tense finale and not one to be missed!
Covent Garden Food Market is on every Thursday, sampling British food and drink is a must for all tourists! Also Covent Garden has public entertainers in the streets and music to entertain all year round. There is a Beer Festival at Earl’s Court from 4th to 8th August, and another at the historical Hampton Court Palace, former seat of King Henry VIII there is a beer festival from 27th to 31st August. Every year Notting Hill hosts a spectacular carnival and this year is no different. With acts coming not just from the country but from throughout the world this is a truly international event and is on over 30th to 31st August.
Following the death of Michael Jackson, Madame Tussauds the waxworks museum has unveiled a new waxwork of the legend. It is possible to buy a joint ticket between Tussauds and the London Eye which makes seeing both landmarks more affordable.
Musically London is offering a lot over the summer. The BBC Proms are on between 17th July and 12th September playing a wide range of classical music, culminating in the famous ‘Last Night of the Proms.’ U2 and Oasis are playing gigs in London this summer. If you are after plays, the selection this summer includes Lion King, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, Chicago and Grease. Many of the plays have been based in the West End for years and do not go on tour, so if you miss out you may have to wait many years.
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