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April in London 2012
April in London 2012
The Queen celebrates her birthday with the annual Gun Salutes in Hyde Park - though the official celebrations don't take place until June. Other things to look out for in April include the visit of Noah and the Whale to the Royal Albert Hall, the best runners on the planet descending on London for the Marathon and the traditional St George's Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square.
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Long Day's Journey Into Night
Apollo Theatre, W1D 7EZ2nd April 2012 - 18th August 2012
David Suchet, Laurie Metcalf and Kyle Soller star in Eugene O'Neill's semi-autobiographical portrait Long Day's Journey Into Night, the tale of a family haunted by the demons of the past. Having wowed audiences and critics alike with his performances in Arthur Miller's All My Sons at the Apollo, celebrated actor Suchet returns to the London theatre scene in Long Day's Journey Into Night. A gripping family drama, the play tells the story of James Tryone, his wife Mary and their sons Jamie and Edmund as they live out a long summer's day in Connecticut. The dysfunction of the family is explored as it transpires that all three males are alcoholics and Mary is addicted to morphine. The play is widely considered to be the masterwork of American playwright O'Neill, who posthumously received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the work. Directed by Anthony Page. The play will be at the Richmond Theatre, in south London from 22 February to 3 March 2012, prior to its West End run at the Apollo.
Damien Hirst
Tate Modern, London, SE1 9TG4th April 2012 - 9th September 2012
Damien Hirst will be bringing together renowned pieces of work in a spectacular exhibition at the Tate Modern this spring. Hirst organised his first exhibition when he was still a student and the now famed Freeze exhibition launched the definition of cutting-edge contemporary art in the 1990's. Further displays by the award winning innovative artist include The Pharmacy, a life size pharmaceutical room, For the Love of God, a diamond encrusted skull and doubtlessly his most famous The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living which featured a 14 foot tiger shark suspended in formaldehyde inside a glass tank. With the compilation of these controversial pieces in one place, this is set to be an exceptional show.
E4 Udderbelly Festival
Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX5th April 2012 - 9th July 2012
Look out for an upside-down purple cow as you're crossing over the Golden Jubilee footbridge to the Southbank Centre from the beginning of April - it's hard to miss it. This colourful, comic temporary structure provides the performance space for E4 Udderbelly, a summer of comedy and circus, magic and free family fun. There's a huge variety of entertainment taking place within the purple cow - also seen at the Edinburgh festival - with something going on almost every night. Highlights include appearances from Greg Davies, Tim Minchin and The Boy with Tape on His Face. There's also the return of the Friday Night Freakshow, plus on the spot opera Impropera. With so much to choose from, your only problem will be picking the one to go to.
Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race
Putney Bridge, London, SW6 3JD7th April 2012 - 8th April 2012
England's most famous universities square off in this four-mile rowing race which inaugurates the summer season in London. With it being the 158th annual Boat Race, this is one of the oldest sporting events in the world and is a spectacular display of strength and teamwork. Around a quarter of a million fans line the banks of the river to roar their encouragement (add to that 120m who follow the race on TV across the world). There's a great view - and some great pubs - around Furnival Gardens on the north side of the Thames near Hammersmith Bridge. Alternatively, you might like to watch from near the start at Putney Bridge, where the big screens on both banks allow spectators to monitor the race as it heads its way around the first bend. Nearby, at Bishops Park behind the South Stand of Fulham football ground Craven Cottage, you'll find food stalls, family attractions (bouncy castle, face painting and a climbing wall) and a large beer tent.
Oxford v Cambridge Goat Race
Spitalfields City Farm, London, E1 5AR7th April 2012 - 8th April 2012
Oxford and Cambridge are once again gearing up for a nail biting and highly competitive race and the stakes are high in this annual fight for the winner's title. No, not the Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race. We are, in fact, referring to the equally prestigious (okay, maybe not quite) Oxford v Cambridge Goat Race. Two feisty goats - one named Oxford, the other named Cambridge - will embark on the second annual race, which will take place only a few miles from the intense rowing competition on the Thames. As well as the race itself, Spitalfields City Farm will also play host to an array of goat pun related activities - last year saw the Nice Butt Contest and How Low Can You Goat. There will also be a chance for the winning goat to revel in its glory at the Winners Parade and the day will finish with a lively after party.
Paul Merton: Out Of My Head
Richmond Theatre, London, TW9 1QJ8th April 2012 - 9th April 2012
The Have I Got News For You star proves there's more to him than quips about the news with Paul Merton: Out of My Head, his first stand-up tour since 1999. Paul promises "a night of sketches, music, magic, variety and dancing girls" with support from his improv chums Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and Suki Webster (two of whom aren't girls). The UK tour, which is preceded by three warm-up gigs at the Old Town Hall in Hemel Hempstead (all of which have sold out), is scheduled to come to London's Richmond Theatre for one night only. Tickets for this night of laugh out loud, silly fun will sell out so book early to avoid disappointment.
Mountbatten Festival of Music
Royal Albert Hall, London, SW7 2AP12th April 2012 - 15th April 2012
The Mountbatten Festival of Music welcomes the Massed Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines to perform over three nights in the Royal Albert Hall. Showcasing the versatility of the world's finest military musicians, there will be something to suit a number of musical tastes as a wide range of musical styles are covered, including music from the big screen and a number of solo pieces. The shows are treated to "West End" production styles with spectacular lighting effects and will also feature the traditional marches and overtures which have become a real crowd pleaser over the years.
Big and Small (Gross und Klein)
Barbican Theatre, EC2Y 8DS13th April 2012 - 30th April 2012
The Barbican have lined up some world class theatre this season and this is certainly one of the not-to-be-missed highlights. Cate Blanchett stars as Lotte in this surreal journey through contemporary Germany. The delicate sequencing of events and isolated characterisation of Gross and Klein is often compared to the strangeness of Alice in Wonderland and is sure to delight and perplex British audiences. Luckily for London theatre lovers the Sydney Theatre Company decided to bring the critically acclaimed production across the pond. Oscar winning Blanchett takes the lead role in the Botho Strauss drama, which was originally staged in 1978 and has been elegantly translated by Martin Crimp. Blanchett plays the perpetual outsider, rejected by her husband and family. She is a distant protagonist struggling to fit in with her surroundings. It promises to be a truly memorable performance.
The Sinking of the Titanic
Barbican Hall, EC2Y 8DS15th April 2012
One hundred years since the sinking of the Titanic, the story will be ignited once more with this special concert to mark the anniversary. With reports that that ship's string ensemble endured the astonishing scene that played out before them and continued with an emotional performance of the hymn tune Autumn, this created the inspiration for the piece The Sinking of the Titanic, composed in 1969 and first recorded for Brian Eno's label Gavin Bryars. Performed by Gavin Bryars Ensemble, with Philip Jeck on turntables, this concert will bring the scene to life again.
More info: The Sinking of the Titanic Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Daniel Barenboim & Staatskapelle Berlin, The Bruckner Project
Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall, London, SE1 8XX16th April 2012 - 20th April 2012
Returning to the Southbank Centre, Staatskapelle Berlin and Daniel Barenboim will be exploring Bruckner's last three symphonies spread across three nights. The world class pair last created a Beethoven/Schoenberg project which was described by the Sunday Times as 'little short of miraculous' so the standard is set for this next production by the high quality musical pairing. In the opening concert Barenboim will direct Mozart's Concerto No.24 in C minor from the piano, followed by a conduction of Bruckner's Symphony No.7, a large scale composition that is one of the composer's most notable and enjoyed pieces. The following evenings will offer performances of Bruckner's Symphony No.8 and No.9 as well Mozart's Piano Concerto No.22.
Noah and the Whale
Royal Albert Hall, London, SW7 2AP16th April 2012 - 17th April 2012
Concluding their American and Mexican tour Noah and the Whale drift back onto British shores for a tour finale in London's Royal Albert Hall. This is home turf for the London based indie folk band, and what a welcome return for the band who have spent many months on the road performing their 2011 hit album Last Night on Earth. It is believed the band, who hail from Twickenham, came up with their biblical sounding name by mixing the title of one of their favourite films The Squid and the Whale and the film director's name Noah Baumbach. They broke into the nu-folk scene in 2007 with the charmingly melancholy Peaceful the World Lays me Down, and went on to establish themselves with three modern pop folk albums. You should expect a slight shift away from the Laura Marling folk the band were playing a few years ago. They have evolved towards a more adult sound with optimistic, soul-bearing, bright lyrics and some opportunities to really sing your lungs out. The lovably cheerful single L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. should have the crowd on their feet.
Jon Richardson: Funny Magnet
Leicester Square Theatre, WC2H 7BX16th April 2012 - 22nd April 2012
He may not be a household name - yet - but stand-up comedian Jon Richardson won the funniest man award at the 2012 Lafta awards in London and that alone makes him one to watch. As the new host of Channel 4's Stand Up For The Week, and team captain on 8 Out Of 10 Cats, you will be seeing more of this best-selling author and his show, Funny Magnet, which tours across the UK from February 2012, gives fans a chance to see him live. Some of the London dates have already sold out so get in there quick.
London Book Fair
Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, SW5 9TA16th April 2012 - 18th April 2012
More info: London Book Fair Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Alternative Fashion Week
Spitalfields Traders Market, London, E1 6AA16th April 2012 - 20th April 2012
Sandwiched between Liverpool Street station and Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market is an area often described as London's cultural quarter. Making it the perfect location to host this celebration of alternative fashion. This event has become an annual date in the fashion diary and works in opposition to London's more high-profile Fashion Week. Recent graduates, independent labels and innovative young designers are offered the opportunity to showcase their creations and to grab some press attention on the catwalks. With 14 designers per show the weird and wonderful fashion theatricals just keep on coming. There will also be a daily Fashion Market where some of the designers will be selling their clothes, textiles and accessories. Alternative Fashion Week encourages designers to create beautiful designs within the current financial climate, so these clothes do not all come with designer price tags and celebrate thrifty fashion in all its glory. They also actively prioritise environmental and ethical sourcing and many of the design collections are inspired by this theme. Alternative Fashion Week also encourages a diverse range of models and offers training to aspiring Naomi Campbells keen to get out on the catwalk.
Torvill and Dean's Dancing on Ice Tour 2012
Wembley Arena, London, HA9 0DH17th April 2012
Fans of the Dancing on Ice TV show will definitely want to check out this live version, touring the country during 2012 and in London's Wembley Arena in April. Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean - the king and queen of British ice skating and former world champions - lead the line-up of performers. They will be joined by a roster of professional skaters and their unwitting 'celebrity' partners. This year a mixed bag of popstars, soapstars, footballers and wags will bravely step out onto the ice dressed in skimpy lycra, sequins and skating boots. Names rumored to be taking part in 2012 are Sugerbabe Heidi Range, actress Jennifer Ellison and fashion designer Sadie Frost. They must brave the bumps, trips and scathing remarks from the panel of nasty judges, battling it out on the cold rink until one couple glides gracefully to victory. Expect thrilling choreography, crowd pleasing tunes and ridiculous costumes.
London Paralympic Test Event: Wheelchair Rugby
London Olympics Basketball Arena, London, E20 2ST17th April 2012 - 19th April 2012
Wheelchair Rugby is, hands down, one of the most thrilling, aggressive and intense of Paralympic Sports - a sport that blends Wheelchair Basketball, Ice Hockey and Handball, and one that's so physical it used to be tagged 'Murderball' by its players. This two-day Wheelchair Rugby Test Event is part of the London Prepares series ahead of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Preceded by one day of training, the event will be staged at the new Basketball Arena in the London 2012 Olympic Park in Stratford - the same venue for the real Paralympic event in September.
London Olympic Test Event: FINA Synchronised Swimming
London Olympics Aquatics Centre, London, E20 2ST18th April 2012 - 22nd April 2012
The FINA Olympic Games Synchronised Swimming Qualification Tournament takes place at the Aquatics Centre in the London 2012 Olympic Park at Stratford this spring. The Olympic Test Event is part of the London Prepares series ahead of the eagerly anticipated Summer Games. As well as allowing the London 2012 Organising Committee to test crucial aspects of its operations ahead of the 2012 Games, the series will feature world-class sporting events - bringing top athletes to London's iconic existing venues and brand new venues in the Olympic Park. In this case, it's a great chance for spectators to experience Zaha Hadid's state-of-the-art Aquatics Centre ahead of the Olympics - while giving top synchronised swimmers the opportunity to secure their qualification for the Games, and test out the waters before the whole world watches. Interestingly, London 2012 sold 10,000 too many tickets for the Olympic Synchronised Swimming event so this test event could well be over subscribed as a result.
London Olympic Test Event: ISSF World Cup Shooting
London Olympics: Royal Artillery Barracks, London, SE18 5DP18th April 2012 - 28th April 2012
The world's top elite marksmen compete in this international rifle, pistol and shotgun competition which also serves as an Olympic qualification and Test Event ahead of London 2012. The 11-day ISSF World Cup event will be the ideal opportunity for both competitors and spectators to get a taste of the historic Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, which will host the Olympic shooting competitions this summer.
The London Original Print Fair
Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD19th April 2012 - 23rd April 2012
The London Original Print Fair, London's premier print fair, offers the chance to see specialist dealers displaying their etchings, engravings, linocuts and lithographs in the grand setting of the Royal Academy of Arts. Over the past 20 years it has become a firm favourite with dealers and print fans alike. Prices start from £100 and rise to £1,000,000 covering old Masters (including Rembrandt and Durer), 18th and 19th century painters (Hogarth, Goya, Sickert) and top names from the contemporary scene (Hockney and Hirst). Whether you're looking for an investment or something pretty to put on your walls, limited edition prints offer a more affordable alternative to one-off, original art works - and it's great fun to browse.
Chelsea Art Fair
Chelsea Old Town Hall, London, SW3 5EE19th April 2012 - 22nd April 2012
Chelsea Art Fair brings a very decent standard of contemporary and 20th-century art to the Old Town Hall. For four days 35 galleries offer paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and ceramics for you to peruse and purchase. There are a few major works on display but prices range from £200 to £20,000 and are independently vetted so you can be sure you're paying the approximate market value. Contemporary work predominates, but 20th century pieces - from renowned artists like Laurence Stephen Lowry onwards - are here. Established in 1996 Chelsea Art Fair offers the middle road - nothing too outrageous or demanding, but quality work which will endure the test of time. The Old Town Hall is a pleasant venue in which to admire works of art and is very welcoming to casual browsers and amateur art buyers.
Steps - The Ultimate Tour
The O2 Arena, London, SE10 0BB19th April 2012 - 21st April 2012
Fans thought it was a Tragedy when Claire, Faye, Lisa, Lee and H decided to part ways and say their sorry goodbyes to the land of cheesy pop back in 2001. But a mere ten years late fans can rejoice as the Steps members decide to give it one more go and kick off their Steps Ultimate Tour this spring. If you remember hits like 5,6,7,8, Stomp and Deeper Shade of Blue then you will love this nostalgic 90s pop-fest at London's O2 Arena. Steps had 14 consecutive top 5 hits in their heyday and were even hailed as the Abba of their time. Their album Steptacular went four times platinum and they went on to sell a staggering15 million records before disbanding due to a 'lack of communication' between band members. Now 10 years down the road it will be interesting to see if they can still keep up those energetic dance routines or whether it was all Better Best Forgotten.
The Vogue Festival 2012
Royal Geographical Society, London, SW7 2AR20th April 2012 - 22nd April 2012
The fashion bible Vogue is hosting its very first festival event this year. The Vogue Festival 2012 will be a two day event that brings together fashion's top designers, models, photographers and writers to showcase their work and interact with visitors. Fashion followers will be able to immerse themselves into the industry by asking questions to some of the industry's most influential names, as well as take part in workshops, makeovers and watch fashion films. With Vogue being the optimum of fashion publications, they promise for only the best in the creative industry to be present - so far the likes of Tom Ford, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana and Diane von Furstenberg are among the fashion heavyweights to confirm their attendance.
St George's Day
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS23rd April 2012 - 24th April 2012
Patriotic celebrations take over the capital for St George's Day on 23rd April in recognition of England's dragon-slaying patron saint. The official London event takes place in Trafalgar Square, where festivities include free entertainment with live bands on the main stage, food stalls and street actors all putting on a very English display. William Shakespeare's birthday falls on the same date, and Shakespeare's Globe hosts its own set of celebratory activities at the theatre to tie in with St George's Day. Workshops and interactive fun and games bring the Bard to life for all-comers, young and old. Sadly, despite tireless campaigning to make St George's day a national bank holiday, this years celebrations fall on a Monday so will have to fit in with working hours.
The Queen's Birthday Gun Salutes
Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH21st April 2012 - 22nd April 2012
Being the British monarch involves many privileges, not least of which is getting to celebrate your birthday twice every year. The Queen's Birthday Gun Salutes have the advantage of taking place on her actual birthday - 21st April. It's a smaller occasion than Trooping the Colour which marks her official birthday on 16th June. Still, this is a loud, spectacular and smoky display with a total of 41 rounds of cannon and gun shots fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Hyde Park at 12 noon. The King's Troop ride into Hyde Park from the north by Marble Arch along North Carriage Drive, line up abreast and gallop down the parade ground to roughly opposite the Dorchester Hotel. The Troop itself arrives at around 11.45am ready to fire the first round at midday. The guns are then unhooked and the salute is fired off. Duty performed, the horses gallop back up towards North Carriage Drive. The band arrives separately and can usually be seen from about 11.30am. It is a spectacular show of pomp and ceremony and it's also the only time when you will see horses legally at a full gallop in Hyde Park - with a ton and a half of cannon in tow! Happy Birthday Lizzy!
Globe to Globe
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London, SE1 9DT21st April 2012 - 9th June 2012
More info: Globe to Globe Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
World Shakespeare Festival
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London, SE1 9DT23rd April 2012 - 8th September 2012
With 2012 being the year to be proud to be in London, it's well suited that the celebrations of all things English continue and what better way than with a four month long World Shakespeare Festival. With a vast number of events taking place this will be a major celebration of the world famous writer. Events will take place all across London including performances at Roundhouse, the National Theatre, the Barbican and of course Shakespeare's Globe. The events include performances of the famous plays such Twelfth Night and Macbeth as well as Globe to Globe; 37 Shakespeare plays in 37 languages. Further events include a Staging the World Exhibition at the British Museum and Worlds Together, an international conference that explores the importance of art in young people's lives from Shakespeare time through to modern times. For the full festival guide search World Shakespeare Festival on LondonTown.com.
More info: World Shakespeare Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Virgin London Marathon 2012
Greenwich Park, London, SE10 9NF22nd April 2012 - 23rd April 2012
Every April, 30,000 runners flood the streets of the capital to do battle with themselves and each other for the London Marathon. Serious competitors mingle with charity fun-runners in the spring sunshine as the 26.2 mile route comes alive to the sounds of bands, cheering crowds and pounding feet. The race is the biggest of all city marathons and attracts many of the world's top athletes. It kicks off at Greenwich Park and Blackheath, continues through Surrey Quays, Brunel Road, Tooley Street, Canary Wharf, the Tower Of London, Embankment, Parliament Square and Birdcage Walk, with a royal finish on The Mall by Buckingham Palace. Last year it was the Kenyan athletes that shone, with Emmanuel Mutai winning the men's race and Mary Keitany coming in first in the women's. For information about how you can run and raise money for charity search for Virgin London Marathon in LondonTown.com.
More info: Virgin London Marathon 2012 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Sundance London
The O2 Arena, London, SE10 0BB26th April 2012 - 29th April 2012
With London's 2012 calendar already brimming with new and exciting events, the spin off of America's indie film festival Sundance is also being premiered in the capital. The O2 Arena will be the host to a four day mini version of the Sundance Film Festival offering American films and music with live performances, screenings, discussions and panels. Founder of the non-profit festival, Robert Redford stated that it was a goal to bring the UK the 'very best in current American independent cinema, to introduce the artists responsible for it and in essence build a picture of our country that is broadly reflective of the diversity of voices.'
Royal River: Power, Pageantry and the Thames
National Maritime Museum, London, SE10 9NF27th April 2012 - 10th September 2012
The National Maritime Museum has recently announced plans for the Royal River: Power, Pageantry and the Thames exhibition, curated by celebrated (and sometimes controversial) historian David Starkey. The National Maritime Museum celebrates its seventy-fifth anniversary this year, coinciding with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. In 1937 an 11-year-old Princess Elizabeth attended the opening of the museum as a birthday treat and it is this special relationship which plays a central theme in this year's festival. The exhibition looks back at the relationship between the monarchy, London and its people, focusing on how the relationship has been played out on the capital's beloved Thames river. London's connection to the water runs deep (excuse the pun) and the curators have created an outstanding collection which demonstrates the fascinating history. The exhibition will showcase over 250 items sourced from galleries, museums and private collections, included in this will be 49 rare paintings, objects and manuscripts on loan from the Royal Collection, many of these have never been displayed for public viewing before. David Starkey has said the exhibition will 'provide a visual feast, highlighting both the drama and magnificence of river celebrations and the fascinating and unexpected stories of Thames people.' The show will open in April and run throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games until closing in September.
Example
The O2 Arena, London, SE10 0BB27th April 2012 - 28th April 2012
It's been quite a year for singer and rapper Example, he began by beating Coldplay's comeback single to the No.1 spot in June 2011, quite an achievement. He held the hit Changed the Way you Kiss Me at the top of the charts for two weeks before going on to secure a second No.1 hit with his next single Stay Awake. The London lad also known as Elliot Gleave got his stage name from his initials E.G. and has been making music since his first rap battle aged just 12. He now embarks on his first UK arena tour which will showcase his third album Playing in the Shadows which was released in 2011. His music is a diverse mix of dance, electronica and dubstep and he has been known to sample artists ranging from Lily Allen to The Rolling Stones. His ability to cross a variety of genres makes him popular with a wide range of music lovers who eagerly await his arrival at the O2 in April, he will be supported by well respected grime MC and fellow London rapper Wretch 32.
London Coffee Festival
The Old Truman Brewery, London, E1 6QL27th April 2012 - 29th April 2012
Encouraging the new 'third wave' coffee scene, the London Coffee Festival returns once again and embraces the fact that the capital is gaining respect as a great place to uncover, experience and indulge in artisan coffee and gourmet food. The festival launched in 2011 and enticed 7,500 coffee enthusiasts, food lovers and professional baristas to enjoy 3 days of coffee treats. With Hyde Park, Soho and Shoreditch all involved in the action, visitors will be able to interweave between a number of tastings, demonstrations and entertainment; features will include a Tea Garden, Chocolate Factory, Street Food, Artisan Markets and the Roastery.
Cheese and Wine Festival
Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX27th April 2012 - 30th April 2012
Now into its fourth year, the Cheese and Wine Festival is an event dedicated to promoting high quality and ethical produce. Previous years have had plenty of highlights on display, including a cooking demonstration from stage host Valentina Harris and a wine tasting session with the BBC's Tim Atkin MW. Companies will be selling a variety of cheeses and wines from around the world and there will also be cheese making kits, cheese-cakes, accessories and more. Visitors can plan the event around lunch or dinner and enjoy some delicious hot savoury foods made with cheese or wine. The Cheese & Wine Festival is part of a series of specialist food events at Southbank Centre, including Chocolate Festivals and regular Real Food Festival Markets. Along with some of the best cheeses and wines from the United Kingdom, there will also be a unique opportunity to taste and buy an array of products from countries all over Europe. This is a must-attend event for all cheese and wine lovers and a great opportunity to learn more about this perfect combination.
World Photo London
Somerset House, WC2R 1LA27th April 2012 - 20th May 2012
This year Somerset House will once again be the host to World Photo London, a month long photography exhibition showcasing the best in global contemporary photography. As well as the displays themselves, there will also be workshops for all levels of photographers, presentations by masters of the art, portfolio reviews, professional seminars and of course the chance for networking and collaboration. The event will also feature the impressive 2012 Sony World Photography Awards Winners Showcase, perfect for inspiration or to simply aspire towards.
Babcock Trophy: Army v Navy
Twickenham Stadium, London, TW1 1DZ28th April 2012 - 29th April 2012
The annual Babcock Trophy returns to Twickenham as the Army and Navy come head to head for an armed forces scrum down that is more than just a rugby match. The Reds (Army) and the Dark Blues (Royal Marines and Navy) have been battling for rugby supremacy since 1878 and The Army won an absorbing contest 44-10 last year to reclaim the crown from the Navy, who had won their only trophy in nine years in the previous years final. The Babcock Trophy has been held at Twickenham since 1920 and is expected to see around 55,000 supporters this year. Gates open at 11.45am for a warm up game between the Combined Services U23 and Oxbridge U23. This is followed by some live entertainment 40mins before the main event kicks off.
La boheme
Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD30th April 2012 - 17th May 2012
It doesn't get better than this - La boheme at the Royal Opera House, as Rodolfo the poet and Mimi the seamstress fall for each other by moonlight when their candles are blown out. This beginning promises all the fragile romance of a great love story and Puccini's indulgent score does not disappoint. Some lovely touches bring to life the spirited world of 19th century bohemian Paris, peppered with colourful characters, including a warmly funny rent-dodging interlude and the merry chorus of a street market. The late Julia Trevelyan Oman's period designs evoke the grimy streets, adding a faded glamour to the story. John Copley's 1974 production has been revived countless times but its classic, evocative sets and beautiful, soaring music have earned it a place as one of Covent Garden's all-time greats.
London Events in 2012
January in London 2012
The year begins with a bang with the Chinese New Year Celebrations, the awe-inspiring Cirque Du Soleil - Totem and the 2...
January in London 2012
February in London 2012
Don't forget it's Valentine's Day on the 14th - but there's plenty more going on this month besides, from the high octane drama of...
February in London 2012
March in London 2012
With winter on the way out, March's Ideal Home Show and the Country Living Fair are great occasions for a spring clean. Elsewhere,...
March in London 2012
May in London 2012
The Chelsea Flower Show and the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park get London's summer season in full swing in a month book-ended b...
May in London 2012
June in London 2012
June in London means one thing: strawberries and cream in SW19 as Andy Murray bids to become Britain's first Wimbledon winner sinc...
June in London 2012
July in London 2012
London 2012 means one thing and one thing only: the Olympic Games which take place in London from the 27th July to 12th August 201...
July in London 2012
August in London 2012
August is a month of party fuelled activities in London, kicking off with The Great British Beer Festival where visitors can try h...
August in London 2012
September in London 2012
September plays host to the world famous Last Night of the Proms as well as the Mayor’s Thames Festival on the same day so expect ...
September in London 2012
October in London 2012
October brings together a variety of events starting with the Scandinavia Show and Frieze Art Fair. There will also be a hint of g...
October in London 2012
November in London 2012
Lighting up the sky of London, Bonfire Night is November's highlight with a number of extravagant displays including the Lord Mayo...
November in London 2012
December in London 2012
2012 closes with a host of typically festive happenings. There's the Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race on Christmas Day when brave souls...
December in London 2012
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