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A LONDON CALENDAR 2008
8. July 2008
 
Londoners head out to open spaces in July, with flower shows, festivals and fun runs all hitting the streets and the suburbs. Indoors, there's the start of London's best classical music series, and the summer opening of Buckingham Palace.
 
LondonTown.com | Article imageHenley Royal Regatta 2008

Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2LY

2nd July 2008 - 6th July 2008

Henley Regatta is set in a riverside village that has hardly changed in the last two centuries, bringing some serious competition to the water in one of the world's most physically challenging sports. It has been running since 1839, and has grown from a local event into one of the biggest meetings in rowing, attracting crews of international quality to an array of Challenge Trophies. The draw is still conducted on a knock-out basis with only two boats racing in each heat. Nineteen events take place over the five days including six classes of races for Eights and aces for Coxless Pairs and Double Sculls. Come and admire one of the country's loveliest areas and some of the toughest sports stars in the world.

Venue: Henley-on-Thames
Address: Oxfordshire, RG9 2LY
Phone: 01491 572 153
Date: 2nd July 2008 - 6th July 2008
Time: To be confirmed
Pricing: To be confirmed
Nearest Station: Henley-on-Thames Rail


Henley Royal Regatta 2008 - Information
LondonTown.com | Article imageGuilfest

Stoke Park, GU1 1HB

4th July 2008 - 6th July 2008

We're not absolutely sure when this happened, but at some point this sleepy jazz and folk festival in London's least fashionable suburb turned into an absolutely kicking live event. For one weekend every summer Guilfest takes over Stoke Park as music fans set up camp. In spite of some pleasingly naff sponsors (Radio 2 and The Surrey Advertiser both hosted stages in 2007) and performers (Uriah Heep anyone?), they now also attract some brilliant musicians and DJs. This festival is most famous for its role in showcasing all the best of the past rather than the latest craze - though it's always very varied don't expect much ground-breaking stuff. 

Venue: Stoke Park
Address: Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1HB
Phone: 0871 424 0050
Date: 4th July 2008 - 6th July 2008
Time: To be confirmed
Pricing: To be confirmed
Nearest Station: Guildford Rail


Guilfest - Information
LondonTown.com | Article imageBig Dance 2008

Various,

5th July 2008 - 13th July 2008

Dance is the fastest-growing artform in the capital, and the reason is visible everywhere you look. London is perhaps the most multi-cultural city in the world, and the traditional, popular, artistic and religious dances of dozens of cultures have made our city a paradise for anyone who loves to tap their toes, shake their bootie, or just stroke their chins (in the case of 'contemporary dance' fans). The scale of Big Dance is huge. Suffice to say that you should not be surprised if - when venturing into any public space in London during this period - it turns out to have a troupe of female Morris dancers, a posse of head-spinning hip-hoppers, or a whirlwind of spinning capoeiristas girating around.  More than half the events offer participation or free classes, so if you're a closet groover this is your chance to strut your stuff.

Venue: Various
Phone: To be confirmed
Date: 5th July 2008 - 13th July 2008
Time: Various
Pricing: Free
Nearest Station: Various


Big Dance 2008 - Information
LondonTown.com | Article imageDolly Parton

The O2 Arena, SE10 0AX

5th July 2008 - 6th July 2008

Country music goddess and cosmetic surgery supremo Dolly Parton arrives in London as part of a rare UK tour. She is so big in the US that the singer-cum-songwriter-cum-actress has her fingers in just about every pie, with her own restaurant, theme park and even a literacy programme. But you don't manage four decades in the music business without a bag of talent and she'll wow the crowds with highlights from her broad repertoire. Hits like 'Nine to Five', 'Jolene' and 'I Will Always Love You' have survived the test of time nearly as well as Dolly's body.

Venue: The O2 Arena
Address: Greenwich, SE10 0AX
Phone: 0871 984 0002
Date: 5th July 2008 - 6th July 2008
Time: Doors 18:30
Pricing: £50-£75
Nearest Station: North Greenwich Tube


Dolly Parton - Information
LondonTown.com | Article imagePride London 2008

Trafalgar Square, WC2H 7BP

5th July 2008

For the past few years London's Pride Parade has been growing in scale and ambition. Now increasing numbers of straight folk are also turning up to join in the heady mix of fun and politics in what has become one of Britain's biggest street parties. This year around half a million gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight people will flood into Oxford Street and Regent Street for the parade. Entertainment is provided by 80 floats and more than 200 costume groups and walking bands. The serious stuff takes place in Trafalgar Square, where community stalls and music support a rally, with major speakers celebrating a year of successes for the Gay Rights movement. Soho and Leicester Square host more frivolous activities, with cabaret and bands in the square, and a huge market and food festival in  Soho. The hundreds of lesbian and gay bars and clubs in the area will, of course, keep the celebrations going all night long.

Venue: Trafalgar Square
Address: Westminster, WC2H 7BP
Phone: 020 7437 4370
Date: 5th July 2008
Time: Parade from Marble Arch 12:00
Pricing: Free
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus Tube


Pride London 2008 - Information 
LondonTown.com | Article imageThe British 10K London Run

Start - Hyde Park Corner | Finish - Whitehall, SW1X 7TA

6th July 2008

Now in its seventh year this huge annual fundraiser has made the first Sunday in July all its own. Thousands of participants gather together at Hyde Park Corner to run the course which heads down Piccadilly and Pall Mall to Trafalgar Square, along the Embankment to the City, taking in St. Paul's and Tower Bridge, and finally back to Whitehall, looping around the London Eye on the way. The runners are joined by a bunch of celebrities and athletics champions. Both Steve Cram and Haile Gebrselassie have participated in previous races. Ten kilometres is a fair old click but by no means impossible even if you're not really in shape. If you fancy the challenge of racing against 35,000 fellow Londoners, drop them a line or visit www.theBritish10klondon.co.uk.

Venue: Start - Hyde Park Corner | Finish - Whitehall
Date: 6th July 2008
Time: Race starts 9:35
Pricing: £29.50 (participants)
Nearest Station: Hyde Park Corner Tube


The British 10K London Run - Information
LondonTown.com | Article imageHampton Court Palace Flower Show

Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU

8th July 2008 - 13th July 2008

Henry VIII built one of the finest gardens in the world at Hampton Court Palace, so it is only fitting that the world's largest horticultural show should take place there. The show includes displays from over 150 specialist nurseries. Some are beautiful, complex works of living art, filled with rare blooms and water features. However, many are on a smaller, more English scale, and should give you ideas for improving your own garden. The Festival of Roses is Britain's largest annual display of roses in full bloom; the sweet scent is overwhelming, as is the sight of thousands of stunning roses blooming all under one roof. The Inspiring Spaces show gives visitors tips on how best to utilise those difficult spaces and tricky corners. Water gardens reflect the event's beautiful location beside the River Thames. During the final afternoon many of the exhibitors sell off their plants at bargain prices - you can bet the gardening gloves come off for this free-for-all.

Venue: Hampton Court Palace
Address: Kingston-Upon-Thames, KT8 9AU
Phone: 0870 906 3790
Date: 8th July 2008 - 13th July 2008
Time: 10:00 - 19:30 | Sun 10:00 - 17:30, sell-off of display plants starts Sun 16.30
Pricing: Day tickets (10:00 - 19:30) Tue 8th £31, Wed 9th £26, Thu 10th - Sun 13th £21 | Afternoon Tickets (15:00 - 19:30) Tue 8th £19.50, Wed 9th £16.50, Thu 10th - Sun 13th £13.50 | Children £5 (5-15 except Tue £31), Free (Under 5)
Nearest Station: Hampton Court Rail


Hampton Court Palace Flower Show - Information
LondonTown.com | Article imageThe Chap Olympics

Bedford Square Gardens, WC1B 3DP

12th July 2008

Not so much a sporting occasion as a celebration of buffoonery and sporting ineptitude, orchestrated by The Chap magazine, for gentlemen of good taste. Bedford Square, one of the best preserved set pieces of Georgian architecture in London, is a fitting backdrop for such a spiffing sporting event. The ten Olympic races can all be entered by members of the public - as long as they're not wearing sportswear. Sporting events include Umbrella Hockey, using brollies and a bowler hat instead of sticks and a ball and The Hendrick's Steeplechase: the first stallion (guy) to carry their jockey (girl) over the hurdles of beer cans wins. Hilarious fun - and the two free gin and tonics will go down well too.

To find out more and to register as a competitor email olympics@thechap.net.

Venue: Bedford Square Gardens
Address: Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DP
Date: 12th July 2008
Time: 13:00 - 18:00
Pricing: Free
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road Tube


The Chap Olympics - Information
LondonTown.com | Article imageRise 2008

Finsbury Park, N4 1EE

13th July 2008

Last year's Rise Festival in Finsbury Park was truly one of the most magical days of the summer, with 100,000 Londoners of all colours and creeds gathering to take a stand against racism. They tend to finalise the music line-up at the last minute, so keep checking nearer the time for details. Alongside big names, there is usually an entertaining mixture of credible London musicians and hilariously sketchy local acts. Because it's free, safe and friendly, there's an enormously varied crowd taking time to chill in the sun, munch on some jerk chicken and celebrate everything that is best about our multi-cultural capital. Kids are very welcome and will love the costume and dance acts, the funfair and the general carnival atmosphere.

Venue: Finsbury Park
Phone: To be confirmed
Date: 13th July 2008
Time: To be confirmed
Pricing: Free
Nearest Station: Finsbury Park Tube


Rise 2008 - Information
LondonTown.com | Article imageThe Proms 2008

Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP

18th July 2008 - 13th September 2008

The most popular season of classical music in England goes from strength-to-strength each year. A varied but accessible programme regularly draws huge audiences, concluding on the last night with seas of Union Jack-waving Brits belting out their national anthem. The aim, for the past 100 years, has been to mix the popular and familiar with the surprising and innovative, so if you go to a concert to hear some favourite piece, you may leave having discovered a whole new composer. Five hundred standing tickets for each concert are available on the door for just five pounds, so top international orchestras and soloists, programmes that mix the adventurous and the accessible, and a real sense of fun can all be had for less than the price of a cinema ticket. There are also chamber music concerts in Cadogan Hall, and outdoor events throughout the country. You should turn up early for the biggest stars - and queue overnight if you want to get into the Last Night.

Venue: Royal Albert Hall
Address: Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
Phone: 020 7589 8212
Date: 18th July 2008 - 13th September 2008
Time: Various
Pricing: Seat prices vary. Standing tickets are available on the door for £5.
Nearest Station: South Kensington Tube


The Proms 2008 - Information
LondonTown.com | Article imageWOMAD

Charlton Park, SN16 9DG

24th July 2008 - 27th July 2008

The world music explosion has turned Peter Gabriel's WOMAD into a massive international event. The crowd, who once consisted largely of ageing prog-rockers with ponytails, are now among the most diverse of any festival, covering all ages, races and backgrounds. WOMAD is the most kid-friendly of all the festivals and has a really warm atmosphere as a result. Every paying adult is entitled to bring two children free of charge, so the festival site is teeming with face-painted young ones. They won't get bored either, with a huge array of workshops, games and a funfair for them to enjoy. The festival is just as participatory for adults too - get involved in the brilliant workshops aimed at helping you learn to drum, dance and sing.

Line-up to be confirmed.

Venue: Charlton Park
Address: Wiltshire, SN16 9DG
Phone: 0845 146 1735
Date: 24th July 2008 - 27th July 2008
Time: Campsite opens Fri 8:00, Thu camping available for an extra £10
Pricing: £120
Nearest Station: Kemble or Chippenham Rail


WOMAD - Information
LondonTown.com | Article imageThe State Rooms, Buckingham Palace Summer Opening

Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA

31st July 2008 - 29th September 2008

For two months in the summer visitors have the chance to look round Buckingham Palace and admire the interiors of the principle royal residence. Thousands have visited since the palace first opened its doors, to enjoy the astonishing luxury in which the British royals have immersed themselves for the past few centuries. The tour includes a look at some exquisite royal gifts including Faberge Eggs, a walk through the Royal Mews and access to the State Rooms, which are still used by the Royal Family to receive guests on state and ceremonial occasions. Decorated in lavish fashion, they include paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto, Sevres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. This is a fascinating opportunity to admire the taste - often wonderful, sometimes comically bad - of Britain's monarchy, and the astounding art and antiques collected over the last 500 years by the world's most famous family.

Venue: Buckingham Palace
Address: Buckingham Palace Road, SW1A 1AA
Phone: 020 7766 7300
Date: 31st July 2008 - 29th September 2008
Time: 09:45-18:00. Timed tickets allow entry in fifteen-minute slots.
Pricing: Full Entry: £28.50 (Adults), £25 (NUS/OAPs), £16 (Under 17s), Free (Under 5s), £73 (Family) | State Rooms Only: £15.50 (Adults), £14 (NUS/OAPs), £8.75 (Under 17s), Free (Under 5s), £39.75 (Family)
Nearest Station: St James's Park Tube


The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace Summer Opening - Information
LondonTown.com | Article imageHadrian: Empire and Conflict

British Museum, Reading Room, WC1B 3DG

24th July 2008 - 26th October 2008

Think of Hadrian and one word automatically and instantly comes after it. Wall. The great Roman emperor who reigned from AD 117 to 138 most famously left his mark on this country in the shape of a stone division running the breadth of the UK, from Segedunum at Wallsend on the River Tyne to the shore of the Solway Firth. This special exhibition gives us an insight into the man who ruled over much of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. His empire building remains as his legacy today with landmarks like the Pantheon in Rome, the Temple of Zeus and an aqueduct in Athens as well as his villa at Tivoli - more like a small town - still standing as testament to his passion for design, architecture and Greek culture. With objects on loan from 35 museums worldwide backed up by information unearthed by recent excavations, this exhibition takes Hadrian beyond the wall.

Tickets on sale from 6 February 2008

Venue: British Museum, Reading Room
Address: Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG
Phone: 020 7323 8000
Date: 24th July 2008 - 26th October 2008
Time: Sat to Wed 10:00 - 17:30, Thu & Fri 10:00 - 20:30
Pricing: TBC
Nearest Station: Holborn Tube


Hadrian: Empire and Conflict - Information

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