London - Annual Events guide

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Annual Events

Ceremonial events which occur annually.

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Pearly Kings & Queens Festival (5th October)

Forget Dick Van Dyke and his dubious cockney accent and come and see the real thing! Scores of genuine Pearlies in their sequined outfits gather for their annual church service. Although you won't be allowed inside the church, there'll be fine photo opportunities when the Pearlies line up on the steps before and after the service.

State Opening of Parliament (23rd November)

The actual dates of the Opening vary according to the political landscape, but this remains the most colourful event in the ceremonial calendar. Unfortunately most of the pageantry takes place within the Palace of Westminster, but good views of the procession can be had en route from Buckingham Palace to Parliament.

Punch and Judy Festival (1st Sunday in October)

In May 1662, Samuel Pepys the famous diarist watched a Punch and Judy show in Covent Garden and was later to pen what is now believed to be the first written record of the phenomenon. This festival draws the finest puppeteers together with a host of Punch and Judy booths setting up near the Punch and Judy pub in Covent Garden.

Harvest of the Sea Festival (10th October)

Annual Harvest service where the produce offered consists entirely of fish. In fact, to prove this is no normal harvest service, the walls of the church are covered in fish of all types! St. Mary-at-Hill ...

Quit Rents (end of October)

One of the most mysterious ceremonies in the London calendar, the exact origins of this event have now been shrouded in the mists of time. The Queen's Remembrancer arrives at the courts with his attendants dressed in a long wig and 17th century garb and is paid token rents by the City Solicitor as payment to the Crown for properties which have long since disappeared.

Trafalgar Parade (21st October or nearest Sunday)

One of England's greatest heroes is Admiral Lord Nelson who won numerous splendid naval victories during the 19th century. The finest of these, the Battle of Trafalgar where the combined Spanish and French fleets were utterly routed, proved to be his last.

London to Brighton Car Run (1st Sunday of November)

First run in 1905, no cars built after 1904 are allowed to take part and it is well worth bracing the cold to catch a glimpse of these pioneers of the road. It starts from Hyde Park and ends at the seafront in Brighton.

Guy Fawkes Night (5th November)

In 1605 the Catholic Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the King and the Houses of Parliament. His plot was foiled and the traitor was burned at the stake for his misdeeds. To this day millions of people across the nation light fireworks and burn effigies of Guy Fawkes (known as 'guys') on bonfires.

Installation of the Lord Mayor (8th November)

The new and old Lord Mayors and livery companies process from The Mansion House to Guildhall for the official transfer of office. Guildhall Yard Tel: +44 (0)20 7606 3030  

Lord Mayor's Show (2nd Saturday in November)

Her Majesty the Queen is not allowed to enter the City (that is, the square mile in the very centre of London) without specific permission from the Lord Mayor of London. This gives you an idea of the power and importance of the Lord Mayor and the procession to mark his year in office is suitably grand.

Items 31 to 40 of 43 - Page: 1 2 3 4 5