London is home to many famous annual events that attract visitors from around the world. In the opening paragraphs, I will answer some key questions about the major events held in London each year.
What are the most famous annual events in London?
Some of the most famous annual events held in London include:
- The London Marathon – A long distance running event held in April
- Trooping the Colour – The Queen’s birthday parade held in June
- Wimbledon – The championship tennis tournament held in June/July
- Notting Hill Carnival – A multicultural street festival held in August
- Guy Fawkes Night – Bonfire night/fireworks displays held in November
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Fireworks display along the Thames on December 31st
When is the London Marathon held?
The London Marathon is held annually in April. The exact date varies each year, but it is usually held on a Sunday in mid to late April. In 2023, the London Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 23rd. It is one of the world’s largest and most popular marathon events, with around 40,000 participants each year.
When does Trooping the Colour occur?
Trooping the Colour is an annual military parade held each June to mark the Queen’s official birthday. It is always held on a Saturday in June, usually the second Saturday. In 2023, Trooping the Colour will occur on Saturday, June 10th. It features marching bands, cavalry regiments, and a flypast by the Royal Air Force. Large crowds gather along The Mall to watch the parade.
What are the dates for Wimbledon 2023?
Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. It is held each year at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London. For 2023, the Wimbledon Championships are scheduled to run from Monday, June 26th through Sunday, July 9th. The tournament lasts for two weeks and features the world’s top tennis players competing on grass courts.
When is the Notting Hill Carnival?
The Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s biggest street festival. It takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend each year. In 2023, the Notting Hill Carnival will be held from Saturday, August 26th to Monday, August 28th. The carnival features vibrant parades, live music, food stalls, and sound systems playing music across multiple streets in the Notting Hill area of London. It attracts over 2 million visitors annually.
What date is Guy Fawkes Night in 2023?
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, is annually held on November 5th to commemorate the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Since November 5th falls on a Sunday in 2023, the main celebrations and fireworks displays will likely occur on Saturday, November 4th instead. However, events are often held over the weekend before and after November 5th as well.
When are the New Year’s Eve fireworks in London?
London rings in the New Year with a major fireworks display along the River Thames and London Eye. The New Year’s Eve fireworks display is set off at midnight on December 31st to welcome the start of the new year. For 2023, the London New Year’s Eve fireworks will take place on the night of Sunday, December 31st, 2023. It is a hugely popular event with ticketholders and spectators gathering along the Thames.
What other annual events take place in London?
In addition to the major events above, London also hosts many other annual happenings, including:
- The Lord Mayor’s Show – Held in November to inaugurate the new Lord Mayor of London
- The Boat Race – A rowing race between Oxford and Cambridge universities in March/April
- Chelsea Flower Show – A prestigious flower show held in May
- New Year’s Day Parade – A parade through central London on January 1st
- The Proms – An eight-week summer season of daily classical music concerts
- London Fashion Week – A fashion industry event held twice a year in February and September
The following table summarizes some of London’s most famous annual events and their typical dates:
| Event | Month |
|---|---|
| London Marathon | April |
| Trooping the Colour | June |
| Wimbledon | June/July |
| Notting Hill Carnival | August |
| Guy Fawkes Night | November |
| New Year’s Eve Fireworks | December |
Where are the major event locations in London?
The locations of London’s major annual events include:
- London Marathon – Starts in Blackheath and passes many London landmarks, finishing near Buckingham Palace
- Trooping the Colour – The Mall and Buckingham Palace area
- Wimbledon – The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon
- Notting Hill Carnival – Streets in the Notting Hill area, especially Ladbroke Grove
- Guy Fawkes Night – Various parks and open spaces across the city
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Along the River Thames near the London Eye
Other event locations include:
- The Lord Mayor’s Show – Route progresses from Mansion House to Royal Courts of Justice
- The Boat Race – On the River Thames from Putney to Mortlake
- Chelsea Flower Show – At the Royal Hospital in Chelsea
- The Proms – Primarily at the Royal Albert Hall
- London Fashion Week – Somerset House and other venues
Key London Marathon Locations
Some key spots along the London Marathon route include:
- Start Line – Blackheath, Greenwich
- Cutty Sark – Greenwich
- Tower Bridge
- Canary Wharf
- London Bridge
- Tower of London
- Finish Line – The Mall by Buckingham Palace
Prominent New Year’s Eve Fireworks Viewing Spots
Some of the best viewing areas for the New Year’s Eve fireworks include:
- Victoria Embankment
- Waterloo Bridge
- Southbank Centre
- Golden Jubilee Bridges
- Westminster Bridge
- North Bank between Hungerford and Westminster Bridges
What transport is available to events in London?
London has a vast public transport network that provides convenient access to the city’s major events. Key transport options include:
- The London Underground – London’s metro/subway system, known as “the Tube.” Connects to all event locations.
- Buses – A network of buses covers all of London.
- National Rail trains – Such as overground and commuter rail services.
- The Emirates Air Line cable car – Connects Greenwich Peninsula to Royal Docks.
- River bus services – Travel by boat along the Thames.
- Walking/cycling – London is reasonably walkable and cyclable.
- Taxis/ride hailing – Black cabs and services like Uber widely available.
Specific transport options for key events:
| Event | Closest Tube Station(s) | Other Transport |
|---|---|---|
| London Marathon | Blackheath, Greenwich, Canary Wharf | Rail to Greenwich or Blackheath. Buses. |
| Trooping the Colour | Green Park, Hyde Park Corner | Buses |
| Wimbledon | Wimbledon, South Wimbledon | Rail to Wimbledon station |
| Notting Hill Carnival | Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove | Buses |
| New Year’s Eve Fireworks | Westminster, Waterloo, Embankment, Blackfriars | River bus, walking |
What are some tips for attending events in London?
If you plan to attend any major events in London, here are some useful tips:
- Purchase tickets well in advance – Many events sell out quickly.
- Use public transport to avoid road closures and traffic.
- Arrive early to claim a good vantage point for parades/fireworks.
- Be prepared to stand for long periods if you don’t have seating.
- Pack food, water, and supplies for the day.
- Check the weather and dress appropriately.
- Allow extra time when traveling due to crowds.
- Have patience and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Book accommodations early if visiting during major events.
- Consider visiting another London attraction first if an area will be very crowded.
Tips for Viewing the New Year’s Eve Fireworks
- Book a riverside restaurant with a viewing terrace well in advance for the best views.
- Arrive by mid-afternoon to claim a good spot along the Thames walkways.
- Dress very warmly and bring hand warmers.
- Pack snacks, water, and a thermos of hot drinks.
- Be prepared for large crowds everywhere near the fireworks.
- Have backup transport options planned in case the Tube is too crowded after the show.
- View from both sides of the Thames for different vantage points.
Staying Safe at Large Events and Crowds
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Keep valuables secured and out of sight.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Travel in groups when possible.
- Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Move away from any disturbances or crush situations.
- Follow police/event staff instructions.
- Have a meetup point if separated from your group.
What is there to do in London outside of major events?
Beyond its famous annual events, London offers endless sights and attractions to visit year-round:
- Historic Sites – The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, etc.
- Museums & Galleries – The British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern/Tate Britain, Victoria & Albert Museum, etc.
- Parks & Gardens – Hyde Park, Regents Park, St James’s Park, Kew Gardens, etc.
- Markets – Borough Market, Camden Market, Columbia Road Flower Market, Old Spitalfields Market, Portobello Road Market, etc.
- Entertainment Venues – West End theatres, The O2 Arena, Wembley Stadium, Royal Albert Hall, etc.
- Shopping Streets – Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden, Carnaby Street, Harrods, etc.
- Food & Drink – Pubs, restaurants, cafes, street food, afternoon tea, etc.
- Boat Tours – River Thames cruises, ride a clipper ferry, rent a boat, etc.
There are also day trips from London to places like Windsor, Cambridge, Stonehenge, Bath, and more. London has something for everyone to enjoy all year long!
Conclusion
London hosts an incredible array of famous annual events that attract participants and spectators from around the globe. From major sporting events like Wimbledon to cultural celebrations like the Notting Hill Carnival, London’s annual calendar is packed with exciting happenings. The city’s world-class public transport system makes it easy for visitors to move around and experience these events. Beyond its well-known annual affairs, London offers endless historical sites, museums, parks, markets, entertainment, and other attractions to explore any time of the year. London’s famous events help give the city its vibrant energy and reputation as a must-visit world capital.