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London

Capital of the UK, famed for Big Ben, the Thames, and a rich historical tapestry blending monarchy, culture, and modern urban dynamism.

Tips from the community

London Pride: TBA Pride in London is “about the people, for the people.” This year’s theme is  #PrideJubilee, remembering fifty years of activism, protests and victories that have made the movement what it is today. The parade kicks off at Portland Place at 12pm, moving down Oxford Circus, along Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Pall Mall and then passing Trafalgar Square before finishing on Whitehall. London Pride recommends that spectators avoid busy locations, like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, and notes that the parade will fill the whole afternoon until around 5:30pm.
Looking for real-time London Pride updates? Download their app and have everything from updates to information right at your fingertips. Pride advocate with limitations or anxiety? Book a Grandstand seat and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action (and a great place to take a breather if you need one).

leah 4 years ago

Chinatown in London is always great fun, but during new year it ignites and takes the stage as the biggest Chinese New Year festival in Europe with hundreds of thousands of people attending every year. Extending to Trafalgar Square, you can enjoy stage performances all day, which include vibrant musical and theatre shows extending through the West End theatre district. There are hundreds of street food stalls to choose from and the festivities conclude with a huge dragon parade. It takes fifty teams manning the floats and controlling the huge dragon and lion figures that snake through the city to the sound of gongs, music, and cymbals. While you are in London, check out our guide of other great ways to enjoy London in the winter.

booksandbao 4 years ago

YAM Carnival 2022: August 27th, 2022 YAM Carnival is new to the festival scene, but they’re already making huge waves. The organizers from AfroNation are behind this one too, but aim to make the experience completely immersive. Beyond music, the celebration will bring together African cultures from around the world–think Curry and Jerk from the Caribbean, a Latin American pop up inspired by Brazil, New Orleans creole cuisine, and a continental African experience served from a makeshift Nigerian danfo bus.  For another twist on the traditional music festival, YAM promises masquerade performances honoring the centuries-old indigenous traditions of the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. On the music front, YAM’s lineup has included well-loved Afrobeat artists like Davido, WizKid, and Mr.Eazi.

briari 4 years ago

From Peckham Rye Park to the photography-famous backstreet of Kynance Mews, wisteria blooms erupt onto the city’s scene from the end of April through May, and it’s everything you could dream of in a London scene. And then some. Cobblestone streets lined by mews-style houses with colorful doors, all drenched in wisteria blooms, make it like a scene from your favorite romantic comedy. Explore to your heart’s content, but please, remember that people live in these homes before you set up an elaborate photoshoot plan. Avoid the awkwardness when someone comes down in their PJs to grab the mail.

sarahlempa 4 years ago

When: April 20th, 2021 Where: Hyde Park, London, England The UK’s biggest smoke-out, 420 Hyde Park, reached new heights in 2019 with thousands of attendees and well-organized stages for speakers, panels, live music, and peaceful protests. While there is often a strong police presence, last year, the cops’ primary focus wasn’t even weed. “We are not like the French police going in hard,” one sergeant told the Daily Mail, “I am more concerned for their health because there are a lot of pasty white people out here today.” Word.

leah 6 years ago

If you are looking for a sophisticated yet utterly mad festival in the UK, Lord Mayor’s Carnival is the one. Lord Mayor’s Carnival signifies 804 years of tumultuous history in London. 
When: November 9th Look forward to: Parades with marching bands, carriages, military detachments, giant contraptions, dance troops, and ceremonial displays. Tips:  Plan your travel ahead of time! It can be difficult to get around via car during the carnival time as most of the city shuts down.

booksandbao 6 years ago

London Experiences