London - Annual Events guide

Home | Information | Events | Annual Events

Annual Events

Ceremonial events which occur annually.

Items 1 to 10 of 43 - Page: 1 2 3 4 5

Court of Common Council Service

The Lord Mayor of London and his attendants walk from The Guildhall to the church of St. Lawrence Jewry for a service before the year's first meeting of the Common of Common Council (the body which governs the City of London).

Opening of the Courts of Oyer & Terminer (early January)

Ancient and colourful ceremony opening the Central Criminal Courts for the new year. Rare chance to see Queen's Justices in full bottomed wigs and the Lord Mayor in his 18th century robes and ostrich plumed hat.

Royal Epiphany GIfts Service (6th January)

Each year the Epiphany ceremony of the offering of gold, frankincense and myrrh on behalf of The Queen by officers of the Royal court takes place during Eucharist. The music is sung by the scarlet-coated choirboys of the Chapels Royal.

Charles I Commemoration Ceremony (27th January)

Splendid procession to Trafalgar Square from St. James's Palace on the anniversary of the execution of Charles I in 1649. The marchers are from the King's Army (English Civil War Society) and in full 17th century regalia.

Clowns' Service (1st Sunday in February)

Holy Trinity in Dalston, East London is known as the Clowns Church and houses a huge collection of clown artefacts. Every year a special service drawing hundreds of clowns from around the country ...

Blessing the Throats (3rd February)

Church service where throat sufferers are given special blessings in remembrance of St. Blaise who saved a child that was choking on a fish bone. St. Ethelreda's Church, Ely Place Tel: +44 (0)20 ...

Pancake Races (Shrove Tuesday)

Traditional races take place across London. The tradition dates from the time when people would use all the ingredients left in their pantries to make a pancake before the fasting of Lent began. Now, races are held where the competitors flip pancakes in frying pans as they run, endeavouring to be the first to cross the line.

Cakes and Ale Sermon (Ash Wednesday)

Members of one of London's livery companies, the Worshipful Company of Stationers (founded 1403) process from Stationer's Hall on Ave Maria Lane to St. Paul's Cathedral for a sermon. They are then presented with copious amounts of cake and ale for their troubles! St.

Oranges' and Lemons' Service (28th March)

The ancient children's rhyme is brought to life once a year when a service commemorating the restoration of the bells at St. Clement Dane church '...oranges and lemons say the bells of St. Clemet's.

The Boat Race (late March or early April)

World famous race between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge which traditionally marks the start of the London 'Season'. A quarter of million watch from the banks of the Thames and it is broadcast ...

Items 1 to 10 of 43 - Page: 1 2 3 4 5