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June 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 since Fred Perry back in 1936. Other summery activities include Open Gardens weekend, Polo in the Park and Royal Ascot, whilst the Queen celebrates 60 years as the head of the British monarchy with a host of Diamond Jubilee events.
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Festival of the World
Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX1st June 2012 - 10th September 2012
Inspired by the cultural vision of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the Festival of the World has got it all. From the UK's largest ever poetry festival to an urban beach with a twist, the Southbank Centre will be transformed to show visitors how art can transform lives. Running throughout the summer as London celebrates the 2012 Olympics, the festival is based around Coubertin, a founder of the modern Olympic movement, and his belief that the arts could inspire young people in a manner similar to how sport can. The combination of sport and art is a theme common in many festivals this summer and, with a packed out programme of events at Southbank, you'll be hard pressed not to find something to enjoy here.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA2nd June 2012 - 5th June 2012
Queen Lizzy has been sitting pretty on that throne for 60 long years now, and if that's not an excuse for a right royal knees-up then the four day extended weekend certainly is. School gates will close and shops shut as Brits take to the streets for four days of frolics to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The festivities kick off in May with a Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor Castle, but the real revelry begins in June with a big four day blowout commencing on Friday 2nd June and stretching to two bank holidays on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th June. Across the country neighbours are encouraged to join in a Big Jubilee Lunch, anything from little community get togethers, to full blown street parties with food, music and dancing in the streets. A grand pageant will take place on the River Thames at high tide on Sunday 3rd June. Thousands of boats will gather on the water, little and large, old and new and all waving Union Jacks towards the shore as they are lead by the Queen's 90ft royal barge and spectacular flotilla. It promises to be a real sight to behold with daytime fireworks colouring the sky as bells chime, trumpets fanfare and the crowds cheer. More than one million people are expected to line the banks and as many as 40,000 people will take to the river making this one of the largest celebrations London has ever seen. The BBC will also put on a Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace featuring British and Commonwealth musicians, and up and down the kingdom celebratory beacons will be lit to mark the occasion. To top it all off, pubs will be given special late licensing to accommodate the late-night jubilations.
Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2012: Herzog & de Meuron and Ai Weiwei
Serpentine Gallery, London, W2 3XA1st June 2012 - 2nd October 2012
The world-renowned architect pairing of Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron and Chinese conceptual artist Ai Weiwei will create the 2012 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, the twelfth commission in the annual series. The design team behind the highly acclaimed Beijing National Stadium, the winner of a prestigious RIBA Lubetkin Prize, will reunite for their first ever collaborative structure built in the UK. This year's Pavilion takes visitors beneath the lawns of the Serpentine to explore the hidden history of the eleven previous Pavilions, as well as the twelfth. The Serpentine Gallery Pavilion is the most ambitious architectural project of its kind and will be presented as part of the London 2012 Festival.
The Epsom Derby
Epsom Downs Racecourse, London, KT18 5LQ1st June 2012 - 3rd June 2012
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will begin her Diamond Jubilee celebrations by attending The Epsom Derby on 2nd June 2012. The event is just one of a series of special celebrations marking The Queen's 60th anniversary which gives us an extended weekend with an additional Bank Holiday on Tuesday 5th June. This famous race meeting is one of the oldest and greatest horse races in the world, established by the Earl of Derby in 1779. Today this race for three-year-olds attracts prize money of over a million pounds and crowds approaching 100,000. The rolling hills of the Epsom Downs make this course a unique challenge for horses and jockeys alike. It is also one of the most glamorous events in the international racing calendar. The Queen arrives by carriage, followed by thousands of spectators in their best togs. Racing gets underway at 2pm sharp. The Derby itself takes place on the Saturday, while Friday features a race called The Oaks, and, more importantly, Ladies Day, which is as much a fashion show as a horse race. Last year, Mickael Barzalona riding French trained Pour Moi won the Investec Derby with The Queen's horse, the 5-2 favourite Carlton House, coming in fourth - she'll be hoping she can improve on that in 2012 to mark her special anniversary year.
The Jubilee Family Festival
Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH2nd June 2012 - 4th June 2012
Sainsbury's is hosting a two day festival in Hyde Park this summer to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Visitors will be treated to live music and entertainment at The Jubilee Family Festival, with the highlight perhaps being a 70 minute finale on both days comprised of Disney songs and characters. Promoter Harvey Goldsmith is organising the festival, which will feature a full programme of activities including celebrity performers, equestrian events, death-defying motorbike stunts and kids' television characters. With seven giant screens showing live coverage of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday, crowds in the park will also be able to view the royal celebrations extending to the Queen's procession to St Paul's on Tuesday 5th June. The festival will showcase Britain throughout the decades, with street performers, orchestral recitals, military displays and Commonwealth dancers. Tickets are available from Seetickets and Ticketmaster from 24th February 2012 and, from 28th March, Sainsbury's customers who spend £60 in store can enter a daily ballot for free family tickets.
Field Day 2012
Victoria Park, London, E3 5SN2nd June 2012
Field Day returns to East London once again, destroying the peace and making lots of lovely noise! Celebrating their sixth birthday in 2012 the boys and girls at Field Day arrive every summer bringing with them an unbeatable line-up of quality live music acts. Leafy Victoria Park is swamped by skinny-jean clad east London hipsters clamouring for a spot in the sun. Field Day offers a more diverse, fresh selection of acts than some of the more mainstream pop festivals in London. Subdued electro, melancholy folk and bold dance acts give the day a dreamy summer vibe. Field Day is all about the music, so the organisation can seem a little neglected, sadly despite reaching the grand old age of six Field Day still has some teething problems. Prepare yourself for some serious queuing and don't expect to get within a mile of a stage. This year's line-up has yet to be announced but recent headliners included Florence & the Machine, Phoenix and James Blake. With music this good the day will be sure to pass in a flash, but don't despair, most of the good East London clubs put on cracking afterparties to carry those dancing feet through til dawn. Dates and location are subject to change.
A Gala for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Royal Albert Hall, London, SW7 2AP2nd June 2012 - 3rd June 2012
Celebrate 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II with an evening of rousing favourites performed by celebrated English tenor Russell Watson. Taking place in the magnificent Royal Albert Hall, the Gala will include classics such as Land of Hope and Glory, We'll Meet Again, You'll Never Walk Alone, Jerusalem, Greensleeves, Men of Harlech and Rule, Brittania! and features soprano Natasha Marsh, the Royal Choral Society and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Jae Alexander will conduct this fabulous assortment of British favourites in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
The Apple Cart Festival
Victoria Park, London, E3 5SN3rd June 2012
Bringing together music, comedy, art, literature, magic, food, fun and games, the Apple Cart Festival was new last year and is a summer family-friendly all-dayer in Victoria Park. Last year the music stage was headlined by indie dance pioneers Saint Etienne, making their only UK performance of the summer, supported by Bolton songsmith Badly Drawn Boy, folk ensemble The Magic Numbers and former Beta Band singer Steve Mason. Stand-up was offered by headliner Tim Minchin, alongside Marcus Brigstocke, Kevin Eldon, Paul Chowdhry and Jonathan Richardson while there were DJ sets from BBC Worldwide's Gilles Peterson, Sean Rowley of Guilty Pleasures and Kevin Rowland. 2012 is set to invite many other popular guests, plus high-end catering from hand-picked traders from London's best food markets will keep hunger at bay. The Apple Cart promises to be a vibrant addition to the London festival scene, designed to bring out the child in us all. For more information go to www.theapplecartfestival.com.
Diamond Jubilee Festival at Battersea Park
Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ3rd June 2012 - 4th June 2012
On the day of the Queen's Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant, Battersea Park will be host to a family friendly Jubilee Festival featuring vintage music, dance, crafts, funfair and a multitude of other entertainments. Beginning at 12 noon, in anticipation of the flotilla, and continuing until 7pm, the Diamond Jubilee Festival at Battersea Park will feature a diamond geezer pop-up pub - where every self-respecting pearly king and queen will be for a right old knees-up - and a diamond encrusted giant cake stand that will take over 1,000 diamond jubilee themed cakes which will be served with tea throughout the afternoon. Cake specialists Konditor and Cook have even created a portrait of the Queen made of 3,120 cakes, one for each week of her reign. The festival, which has been organised by designer Wayne Hemingway and artist Clare Patey who curated Feast on the Bridge for the Thames Festival, will be a memorable celebration of the Diamond Jubilee through a timeline of the six decades of the Queen's reign with music, dancing, design and plenty of opportunities for dressing up - from vintage fashions to Morris dancing. There'll be a village fete, storytelling, outdoor cinema, old fashioned steam fair, fancy dress flotilla on the Boating Lake, and a mini-museum of royal memorabilia at the park's Pump House Gallery.
The Big Jubilee Lunch
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS3rd June 2012 - 4th June 2012
The fourth annual Big Lunch takes on a dual role in 2012 as it falls on the weekend we celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee on Sunday 3rd June. The great thing about The Big Jubilee Lunch is that everyone can take part, it's all about the community coming together for some patriotic flag waving, plenty of food, perhaps some music and a bouncy castle but most of all for some good old fashioned fun. Expect to see the road blockades up at a street near you as any road can be shut (provided you get permission in advance) and used as The Big Jubilee Lunch venue. The event takes place on Sunday 3rd June, the weekend when we get two back-to-back Bank Holidays on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th June, so even if your big lunch turns into a late night party you'll have a few days to recover. If you want to organise your own Big Jubilee Lunch go to www.thebiglunch.com to find out more or email info at thebiglunch.com if you have any questions. With around 10 million people taking to the streets to celebrate the 1977 Silver Jubilee, organisers are hoping for a big turn-out at the 2012 Big Jubilee Lunch.
BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA4th June 2012 - 5th June 2012
Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Cliff Richards and Sir Tom Jones are joined by Shirley Bassey, Madness, Annie Lennox, JLS and Jessie J as well as a host of other A-list stars for a very special concert Diamond Jubilee Concert outside Buckingham Palace on Monday 4th June 2012. Gary Barlow, one of the organisers, has put together a fitting line-up of rock royalty - including Alfie Boe, Jools Holland, Lang Lang and Ed Sheeran - to mark the Queen's 60th year on the throne and ten thousand lucky people will get free tickets to see the concert live. The five thousand who successfully get a ticket through the ballot will be able to invite a friend, bringing the total to double that (they will notified by the end of March and tickets will be sent out at the end of May). There's also the potential for another 500,000 people to join in the fun in St James's Park and Green Park and The Mall where you can watch the show on giant screens. The concert will also be televised live on BBC1 and Radio 2 for everyone to enjoy at home. The concert is one of a number of large scale events planned for the weekend of Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June which is part of a four-day Diamond Jubilee break with two bank holidays on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th June. Check the BBC website for information on the concert and how to apply for tickets (closes 23.59 GMT Friday 2 March 2012), and The British Monarchy for details of all the Diamond Jubilee celebrations taking place on the extended June weekend.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons
Tower Of London, EC3N 4AB4th June 2012 - 5th June 2012
A network of 2,012 beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Commonwealth as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons which takes place on Monday 4th June 2012 marking The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Queen herself is taking part, lighting the National Beacon in London (location yet to be confirmed) at around 10.30pm, after the televised BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace. In London, beacons will be lit on the battlements of the Tower Of London, St James's Palace, and Lambeth Palace. There is a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark royal occasions: in 1897, beacons were lit to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - the only other British monarch to mark a Diamond anniversary; and in 1977 and 2002 beacons were also lit to celebrate the Silver and Golden Jubilees of The Queen. The London beacons will be lit at the same time as beacons at the Palace of Holyrood House Edinburgh, Killyleagh Castle in Northern Ireland, and on top of Pen Y Fan Mountain, Wales. Sixty beacons are being lit along the length of Hadrian's Wall, each representing a year in the life of the Queen's reign.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons
Tower Of London, EC3N 4AB4th June 2012 - 5th June 2012
A network of 2,012 beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Commonwealth as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons which takes place on Monday 4th June 2012 marking The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Queen herself is taking part, lighting the National Beacon in London (location yet to be confirmed) at around 10.30pm, after the televised BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace. In London, beacons will be lit on the battlements of the Tower Of London, St James's Palace, and Lambeth Palace. There is a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark royal occasions: in 1897, beacons were lit to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - the only other British monarch to mark a Diamond anniversary; and in 1977 and 2002 beacons were also lit to celebrate the Silver and Golden Jubilees of The Queen. The London beacons will be lit at the same time as beacons at the Palace of Holyrood House Edinburgh, Killyleagh Castle in Northern Ireland, and on top of Pen Y Fan Mountain, Wales. Sixty beacons are being lit along the length of Hadrian's Wall, each representing a year in the life of the Queen's reign.
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD4th June 2012 - 12th August 2012
Anyone can submit to the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition which gives it a wonderful element of surprise. Around 12,000 pieces are sifted through from relative unknowns to famous artists and members of the RA. The fun part for visitors is choosing a favourite and, with the majority of works on sale at varying price ranges, you can even buy one if you really fall in love with it. First held in 1768, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is the largest regular contemporary art exhibition in the world. It's an impressive show that gives an excellent cross-section of contemporary art every summer. Each year, a prominent sculpture greets visitors to the exhibition as they walk through the Royal Academy's great courtyard; last year Bryan Kneale's stainless steel Triton III was the chosen work.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Service of Thanksgiving and Carriage Procession
St Paul's Cathedral, EC4M 8AD5th June 2012 - 6th June 2012
On Tuesday 5th June 2012 The Queen and other members of the Royal Family will attend a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, one of several events being staged on the extended four-day weekend to mark The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Queen and her close family will travel in a formal carriage procession, adding to the occasion. In choosing to mark her 60th year on the throne at St Paul's Cathedral The Queen follows in the footsteps of Queen Victoria who also chose Sir Christopher Wren's great domed cathedral to commemorate her diamond jubilee in 1897. The Queen has also celebrated her previous jubilees at St Paul's, as well as marking her 80th birthday here in 2006.
Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch: World Cities 2012
Sadler's Wells Theatre, EC1R 4TN6th June 2012 - 9th July 2012
In order to celebrate influential dance choreographer Pina Bausch, Sadler's Wells and the Barbican are presenting a month long season of international co-productions. After living in a specific city round the world for a period of time, Bausch's company would then create a piece drawing on inspirations from that particular city. The Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch: World Cities 2012 will be commemorating this with the month long programme including presentations such as Palermo, a slightly humorous piece looking at Sicily's capital and Ten Chi, a dance piece featuring visual imagery, hand gestures Polynesian dance movement and more.
Opera Holland Park
Holland Park Theatre, London, W8 6LU7th June 2012 - 4th August 2012
The annual Holland Park Opera is a highlight of summer in London, when the temporary structure of Holland Park Theatre is erected in West London's Holland Park and the operatic arias soar over the tree tops. The magical atmosphere of these productions owe a lot to their surroundings but it's also a tribute to a remarkable opera company that has defied expectations and budgets to produce productions of the very highest standard. As part of the 2012 season, Thomas Kemp will conduct a new production of Cosi Fan Tutte. A talented cast including Elizabeth Llewellyn and Andrew Staples will be directed by Harry Fehr in one of the season's most exciting highlights. Also on the bill for 2012: Puccini's Gianni Schicchi, a brand new production at Opera Holland Park, in a double bill with Mascagni's Zanetto; Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, a charity gala in aid of The Rugby Portobello Trust; the very best from Verdi and Tchaikovsky; and a revival of Fantastic Mr Fox, especially designed to be performed in the gardens of Holland Park. With a packed schedule, there should be something for everyone.
Blink 182
The O2 Arena, London, SE10 0BB8th June 2012 - 9th June 2012
Recently reunited American pop-punk rock band Blink 182 hit London's O2 Arena in June, unleashing new material for the first time since splitting in 2005. The band were supposed to tour the UK last year but were forced to postpone as the comeback album Neighborhoods took much longer to make than they anticipated. Not wanting to use old material and go on another predictable greatest hits tour they decided to delay the dates and put in some serious studio time. Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker return to see their loyal UK fans. Most of whom have made the transition from angry teenager to fully functioning adult and are probably regretting all those copycat Blink 182 tattoos right about now. Formed in 1992 the band went on to define a generation with their 1999 album Enema of the State. Songs like What's My Age Again and All the Small Things provided the soundtrack for anyone who came of age at the millennium. Known for their tongue in cheek stage shows and humorous antics lets hope they've been worth the wait.
MINT Polo in the Park
Hurlingham Park, London, SW6 3NG8th June 2012 - 11th June 2012
Now in its fourth year, Polo in the Park in Fulham's Hurlingham Park is quickly becoming one of London's great early summer outdoors events. Aimed at bringing polo to the people, the three-day World Series event - which is now sponsored by MINT - showcases a more accessible version of the sport, mimicking the effect Twenty20 has had on cricket. Rules have been simplified, snazzy new filming techniques (including head cams and bird's eye shots) are employed, and a couple of 'appy chappy Cockney commentators prattle on hilariously during each of the games' chukkas (or periods, to you and me). Last year saw teams of three taking part from counties including London, New York, Moscow, Buenos Aires and Sydney and on a special small pitch. In the past there has been a steady flow of celebrities (Jodie Kidd) and royalty (Princess Beatrice), not to mention medieval jousting and an array of bars, shops and food stalls. Detractors may deride polo as only fools and horses, but this three-day festival doesn't take itself too seriously, so while it's all a bit upper class and "rah", it's still a load of fun, especially if you get dressed up and go along with a group of friends. Polo in the Park may not yet be up there with Wimbledon, Henley and the Boat Race, but with a bit of sun it may just take off.
World Naked Bike Ride
Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH11th June 2012
There's a good reason why professional cyclists wear Lycra: to hold their privates in the right place so as to avoid unnecessary (not to mention painful) chaffing (or entrapment) with the saddle. For naturists and exhibitionists who are prepared to risk getting all tangled up when pedalling on two wheels, the World Naked Bike Ride is just the job. Last year more than 1,000 people took off their clothes and rode around the capital nude to raise awareness of the need for more tolerance of bicycles on the roads of the city. Part of a unified world event, the London Naked Bike Ride, now in its seventh year, does make exemptions for those a bit too shy to reveal all, with a "go as bare as you dare" policy implemented above a stringent cry for nakedness. Part of Love London and Team Great Britain Bike Week, the actual ride is easy and relaxed, with participants often decorating their torsos with body paint and bikes with environmental protests against oil dependency and car culture. Simultaneous rides in the UK will take place in Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Manchester, York and Southampton.
Open Garden Squares Weekend
Kensington Roof Gardens, London, W8 5SA9th June 2012 - 11th June 2012
From the iron-fenced residential parks of west London to the landscaped churchyards of the City, hundreds of garden squares play a vital part in maintaining London's status as one of Europe's greenest cities. The wonderful Open Garden Squares Weekend is the one time of the year when these gardens open their gates to everyone - many of these private spaces are not accessible to the public for the rest of the year. Over 200 gardens took part last year, including the minimalist Zen Garden at The Hempel hotel, Little Abbey near Westminster Abbey, and Sir John Cass's Foundation Primary School near Whitechapel who inspired visitors to 'grow your own' with their roof garden. Royal College of Physicians' medicinal garden allowed guests to discover 1,000 different medicinal plants as well as enjoying the immaculate lawns Londoners walk past every day but have never been allowed onto. If you have youngsters in tow, many of the gardens stage activities for families too. Tickets allow entry to all participating gardens. Go to www.opensquares.org for full details.
London Green Fair
Regent's Park, London, NW1 4NR9th June 2012 - 11th June 2012
When the Camden Green Fair started 20 years ago, its organisers can only have dreamed that the event would have evolved into what it is today. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the London Green Fair as 25,000 people descend on Regent's Park to celebrate environmentally friendly London. Contemporary music, high-profile guest speakers, poetry, children's activities, workshops, exhibitions and even a bicycle-powered music area - you'll find all this and much more as natural and charitable organisations collaborate to educate and empower Londoners on the benefits of environmentally friendly living. What's more, the event is totally free.
London Jewellery Week
Somerset House, WC2R 1LA11th June 2012 - 17th June 2012
There can be precious few people who aren't partial to a sparkling piece of jewellery and London Jewellery Week will provide Londoners with the chance to the celebrate the city's unique heritage for high quality jewellery design. Whether you're looking for the latest and most glamorous piece to add to your collection or you're a novice buyer, desperately seeking expert advice, this is the place to be for all jewellery connoisseurs or first time buyers. This is the UK's biggest jewellery festival and thousands of people will descend upon the main hub at Somerset House and various other venues across London to seek out that perfect new bracelet or shiny gold ring. Somerset House also plays host to Treasure, the contemporary jewellery showcase that is the cornerstone of the week.
LIFT Festival
Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX11th June 2012 - 8th July 2012
The London International Festival of Theatre (or LIFT, if your prefer) returns to the capital in 2012 as theatres, arts venues and other sites around London. There's a huge range of live performances, art exhibitions and events from a talented bunch of international performers to choose from. Events take place on the streets, squares and promenades of London from Canning Town to Harlesden and major venues include the Barbican Centre, National Theatre, Southbank Centre and Institute of Contemporary Arts. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved online or in person, before, during and after performances. Tickets are selling quickly for the four Royal Shakespeare Company performances so be sure to snap them up before they disappear.
House of Lords v House of Commons Tug of War
Westminster College Garden, SW1P 3PA12th June 2012 - 13th June 2012
They managed to raise over £110,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support last year and this summer they're going at it again - the annual House of Lords vs House of Commons Tug of War is back for a 25th year. The typically English setting of Westminster College Gardens plays host to this light-hearted skirmish between these two houses of Parliament as they battle it out to raise money for the Macmillan cancer support charity. Last year it was the Commons who came out on top as they retained their title with a 2-0 victory of the Lords. BBC2's Jeremy Vine often plays the role of commentator and brings a witty repertoire to the occasion.
Minsk, 2011: A reply to Kathy Acker
Old Vic Theatre, London, SE1 8NB12th June 2012 - 23rd June 2012
As part of the LIFT Festival, Minsk, 2011 comes to the Old Vic Theatre, adapted and directed by Vladimir Shcherban. Telling the tale of modern day Minsk, the play is a thought-provoking and heartbreaking homage to a city from those who have left it behind. Delving deep into the underground scene of strip clubs and underground raves, Minsk is portrayed as a city where sexuality is contorted by oppression. A Russian masterpiece with English surtitles, this could well prove to be one of the standout shows on the London theatre scene in 2012.
Ealing Comedy Festival
Walpole Park, London, W5 5BQ13th July 2012 - 21st July 2012
The annual Ealing Comedy Festival returns to Walpole Park in Ealing this July and is sure to feature another stellar line-up of comedy acts. The likes of Ed Byrne, Stephen K Amos, Alistair McGowan, Omid Djalili, Lee Mack and Sean Lock have all appeared over the last few year, making this one of the most renowned comedy festivals of the year. Running for five nights under the big top tent, the Comedy Festival is part of the Ealing Summer Festivals programme.
Hampton Court Palace Festival
Hampton Court Palace, London, KT8 9AU13th June 2012 - 24th June 2012
The Hampton Court Palace Festival returns for its 20th year with over 10 nights of concerts featuring some top performers for the older generation. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons makes his UK comeback after a 10 year break to play classic hits such as 'Big Girls Don't Cry', 'Beggin'' and 'Can't Take Me Eyes Off Of You' to eagerly awaiting fans. The grown-up nature of the line-up is entirely in sync with the nature of the mature vibe of the festival, which takes place in the 17th-century courtyard and gardens of the lavish Tudor palace. Guests can bring their own picnic hampers full of goodies or take advantage of the pre-ordered Villandry picnic options on offer. Drinks and more basic meal options (such as jacket potatoes, sandwiches and salads) are also available from stalls, while those who want to go the whole hog can opt for the Hampton Court hospitality package, which includes VIP seating, a champagne reception with canapes, and a dinner with fine wines. Check www.hamptoncourtfestival.com for all times, prices and ticketing details.
Lovebox Weekender 2012
Victoria Park, London, E3 5SN15th July 2012 - 17th July 2012
The Lovebox Weekender returns to Tower Hamlets' Victoria Park this July for three days of festival fun. Lovebox has never had a problem attracting festival-goers, what with the exceptional line-ups on offer in recent years. Snoop Dogg, The Wombats, Scissor Sisters, Dizzee Rascal, Mark Ronson, Ellie Goulding and Roxy Music have all taken to the stage in recent festivals gone by. Set up by Groove Armada and inspired by Glastonbury, Lovebox is the park party that comes closest to capturing the vibe of a proper festival, with a huge range of musical styles across multiple stages, and a friendly, music-loving crowd. Victoria Park is a great festival venue, with loads of space and a sympathetic council who let them turn the music up really loud. Running from Friday afternoon through until Sunday evening, each day will have its own distinct musical identity. "Lovebox is not just one of the most authentic festivals of the summer, but an annual love letter to the capital," says The Guardian.
Trooping the Colour
Horse Guards Parade, SW1A 2AX16th June 2012 - 17th June 2012
To mark the second of the Queen's two birthdays (this is the official one, her actual birthday is on 21st April), Trooping the Colour presents a vibrant display of ceremony and military history. It's a spectacular piece of pageantry but also a timely reminder of the role of the armed forces who are - in theory at least - under the Queen's control. Hundreds of well-disciplined soldiers in full dress uniform march past at the Horse Guards Parade, and a different Battalion gives the Royal Salute each year, all accompanied by stirring military music from the massed bands. If you want to avoid the crush you can see the Horse Guards practicing for the grand parade at two smaller rehearsals in the days leading up to the grand event - namely the Major General's Review on Saturday 2nd June 2012 and the Colonel's Review on Saturday 9th June 2012.
Jimmy Carr: Gagging Order
Richmond Theatre, London, TW9 1QJ17th June 2012 - 18th June 2012
The hardest working man in comedy, Jimmy Carr, brings his acerbic (and often vile) scattergun gags to venues across London in 2012 and 2013 as part of his new Gagging Order tour. He may tone down his material for TV shows like Channel 4's 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Alternative Election Night and 10 O'Clock Live but a quick browse on Chortle reveals many complaints about Carr's crassness: "too many disgusting sex jokes," laments one; "total appalling use of foul offensive material," harrumphs another; "the show at times is that bad it makes you feel sick," offers a third, gagging. Well, judge for yourself with this selection of his famous recent one-liners: "I keep on getting mistaken for Alan Carr - so I've stopped sucking men off", "As an adult, wetting a child's bed is mortifying", "When I was a kid I was scared of the dentist - he was a paedophile" or (betraying his Cambridge degree) "I'm middle class, but I'm hard. Al dente, you might say". Like Marmite, Carr splits opinion; those who love him will be in fits, but if you're sensitive and easily offended, best do the others a favour and stay at home.
Billy Budd
London Coliseum - English National Opera (ENO), WC2N 4ES18th June 2012 - 8th July 2012
The production team that brought you English National Opera's award-winning Peter Grimes return to the London Coliseum to present Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd, an opera based on the short novel of the same name by Herman Melville. Starring Benedict Nelson (fresh from a star turn as Demetrius in 2011's A Midsummer Night's Dream) in the title role, Matthew Rose and Toby Spence, this re-imagining sees the award-winning director-conductor partnership of David Alden and Edward Gardner brought together again. This splendidly orchestrated all-male opera was originally commissioned for the original Festival of Britain in 1951. The opera focuses on the manner in which particular societies deal with outsiders and tells the tale of Billy Budd, a young man forced into naval service in the British navy in 1797.
Shakespeare: Staging the World
British Museum, WC1B 3DG19th June 2012 - 25th November 2012
The British Museum has teamed up with the Royal Shakespeare Company this year to gain some insight into the nation's favourite playwright. There's no doubt that his work has dramatically shaped Britain's identity, and the British Museum now go about bringing Shakespeare's London back to life through a series of contemporary performances and a selection of objects from the Museum's impressive collection. Items will include maps, prints, drawings, paintings, armour, coins and medals and they will all be displayed to offer visitors a deeper understanding of the great man, his iconic stories and their continuing context. From Shylock and early modern Jewish culture, to Othello, Africa and the New World. The exhibition arrives as part of the World Shakespeare Festival which runs throughout 2012 and includes a tremendous line-up of events at various venues across the capital.
Royal Ascot
Ascot Racecourse, London, SL5 7JX19th June 2012 - 23rd June 2012
Royal Ascot returns to the Berkshire racecourse where it has been a pretty much an annual fixture since 1711. With nearly £4 million in prize money at stake, this meeting attracts all the biggest names in the racing fraternity. And, of course, more than 300,000 visitors, all dressed in their finest attire. Ascot is as famous for its hats as it is for the racing, especially on 'Ladies Day'. Every year the ladies try to outdo each other with tremendous towering creations and outlandish designs. The gents usually go for a more understated look - with morning suits and top hats the norm. This particularly British penchant for very smart dress adds to the festive spirit of the occasion and Ascot is as much a giant outdoor party as a race meet. Punters at the track will drink over 150,000 bottles of champagne, 14,000 bottles of Pimms and, of course, they will place untold millions in bets. Strictly no jeans or trainers - unless of the horse variety! Go to www.ascot.co.uk for more information
Yoko Ono
Serpentine Gallery, London, W2 3XA19th June 2012 - 9th September 2012
The Serpentine Gallery presents a major exhibition of work by celebrated artist Yoko Ono as part of the London 2012 Festival. The exhibition will include SMILE, a large-scale participatory project that invites people tot upload and send images of their smiles in order to create a global collection. The exhibition will feature new and exciting works, many of which will be seen by UK audience for the first time. Ono has made a huge impact on contemporary art whilst working as an artist, film-maker, poet, musician, writer and peace activist over the past 50 years. She is renowned for her boundary defying works of art and this showcase of her finest work should be a big hit with London art scene.
Andy Warhol: The Portfolios
Dulwich Picture Gallery, London, SE21 7AD19th June 2012 - 16th September 2012
The iconic artist Andy Warhol will be showcased at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in a three month exhibition. Some of his most famous print portfolios will be on display alongside some of his lesser known works in an exhibition that is set to delight art fans in London. Portfolios on display include the Muhammad Ali and Myths portfolios that were produced just six years before the artist's death in 1987. Warhol was one of the leading figures in the visual art movement that became known as 'pop art'. His works have sold for millions of US dollars the highest price ever paid for a Warhol painting is $100 million for a 1963 canvas called Eight Elvises.
Taste of London
Regent's Park, London, NW1 4NR21st June 2012 - 25th June 2012
Direct your rumbling stomach to Regent's Park for four days of al fresco gluttony as over forty of London's best restaurants, including a flurry of Michelin stars, show off their culinary handiwork. 'Taste of...' has become a nationwide phenomenon with events taking place in cities all over the country. Of these the London event in Regent's Park must be one of the most enjoyable. Work your way through a range of miniature speciality dishes - bought with the event's currency, 'crowns' - hot off the plates from upmarket places like Scott's, L'Anima, Petrus, Launceston Place, Benares, Bocca Di Lupo and Skylon - to name but a bunch. While tasting fashionable fare and shopping for fine wines, spirits and gourmet foods among the 120 stalls, the civilised sounds of live jazz and opera fill the air and aid the digestion. Top chefs such as Michel Roux Jr, Pierre Koffmann, Silvena Rowe, Chris Galvin and Gary Rhodes will also be doing the rounds. A gourmet grazing picnic extraordinaire, no restaurant lover should miss this tasty event which has already become a firm fixture in the foodie calendar.
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival
Greenwich, London, SE10 9HF21st June 2012 - 1st July 2012
The whole of Greenwich comes alive for the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, a 10-day free festival of street performances, art and dancing in the streets. The festival offers a free and inclusive programme of world class theatre and dance, family entertainment, two extraordinary spectacles and a Greenwich Fair. The GDIF is especially good at putting on outdoor dance spectaculars and last year was as strong as ever with performances by Marc Brew Company, Luca Silvestrini's Protein, Company Chameleon, Up and Over It and Avant Garde Dance. Canary Wharf also had Dancing City, a feature at the festival for 10 years, where Seville's Producciones Imperdibles featured Spanish dancers overhead on a transparent stage. The line-up for 2012 is still to be announced, but with events taking place across Maritime Greenwich, the Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf, Stratford and Woolwich, there's bound to be plenty to keep the expected crowds of 50,000 entertained.
London 2012 Festival
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS21st June 2012 - 9th September 2012
The culmination of the Cultural Olympiad will be the London 2012 Festival, which runs in venues and open spaces all over the capital from 21 June 2012 - Midsummer's Day - until 9 September 2012 - the last day of the 2012 Paralympics. During the 12 weeks, leading artists from all over the world will descend upon London to be a part of the UK's biggest ever festival. Celebrating both the Olympics and Paralympics through dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, film and digital innovation, the London 2012 Festival will feature commissions from the likes of dancer Akram Khan, actress Cate Blanchett, director Mike Leigh, artist Tracy Emin, the singer Damon Albarn and the late painter Lucian Freud. Whether you're into circuses, carnivals, fashion, opera, African music, sculpture, Shakespeare, dance or the paintings of David Hockney - to name but a handful of bases - there'll be something for you in a programme which boasts more than 1,000 events and which will reach an estimated audience of 10 million people. And while some major events will be ticketed, the majority will be free and easily accessible for everyone, adding to the party atmosphere and feel-good vibe of the Games. Like the trickle-down effect Team GB hopes to have on the sporting aspirations of the entire nation, the London 2012 Festival intends to leave a lasting legacy for the arts in the UK for many years to come.For more information please visit www.london2012.com/festival.
London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Posters
Tate Britain, SW1P 4RG21st June 2012 - 22nd September 2012
Twelve artists have put their thoughts on the Olympics to paper for the official Olympic and Paralympics posters for London 2012. The Tate Britain is giving visitors the opportunity to admire the pieces at a free exhibition during the Cultural Olympiad, the public can also sign up to receive information on how to purchase limited edition prints of the art. The posters include Rachel Whiteread's take on the Olympic Rings, which are also meant to represent marks left by drinking glasses to symbolize the memories of a social gathering. Another piece is Chris Ofili's For The Unknown Runner; this is a blend of a super-athlete and a mythical creature running past a watching crowd; the figure is outlined with a vase motif, representative of the Ancient Olympic Games. Further official posters were created by artists including Anthea Hamilton, Howard Hodkin, Martin Creed, and Bridget Riley.
West Side Story
Royal Albert Hall, London, SW7 2AP22nd June 2012 - 25th June 2012
Fifty years after the release of the iconic musical West Side Story the Royal Albert Hall puts on a spectacular show to celebrate the original movie in all its glory. The film will be screened in high definition and will be brought to life by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The emotionally charged score will still feature the original vocals on songs like 'Tonight', 'Somewhere' and 'I Feel Pretty.' Set in hot and restless downtown New-York in the 1950s, Tony and Maria are our American Romeo and Juliet who find themselves torn between warring families and rival gangs until the situation inevitably ends in tragedy. The film won ten Academy Awards and featured a remarkable performance from Natalie Wood, whose tragic drowning continues to cause mystery and controversy in the press. The show only runs for three nights so be sure to book soon if you don't want to miss out.
Exhibition Road Music Day
Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD23rd June 2012
Exhibition Road Music Day returns in 2012 as London's contribution to European Music Day, as leading arts, scientific, academic and cultural organisations gather to present a day of exciting sounds from around the world. A large range of indoor and outdoor stages will play host to a variety of musical performances, covering as many genres as one can think of. From urban to jazz and folk to rock, there'll be plenty of different types of performances taking place and plenty of new music for you to enjoy. Music Day is also an excellent opportunity to catch a glimpse of bands before they embark on the hectic summer music festival circuit. And the event is free, giving you even more incentive to head down.
BBC Radio 1's Hackney Weekend
Hackney Marshes, London, E9 5PF23rd June 2012 - 25th June 2012
Radio 1's Big Weekend free music festival comes to London's Hackney Marshes in 2012 for the biggest event of this kind they've ever staged, to mark the London 2012 Olympics. A host of British and international artists including Leona Lewis, Will.i.am, Jessie J, Florence & The Machine, Lana Del Rey, Ed Sheeran and Tinie Tempah will be performing across the six stages to 100,000 people. Tickets to the event are free (plus £2.50 handling fee), but demand will be high and luck will play a part if you're successful in securing one. To be in with a chance of getting a ticket you must register your details and upload a photo on the BBC Radio 1's Hackney Weekend website before 11pm on Monday 19th March. Only those who have registered will be able to apply for tickets (maximum of two) online or by phone, and if you're a Hackney resident or live in the other five Olympic boroughs you'll have a better chance of getting in. More than 25 acts have been announced in total, with more to be confirmed in due course.
London Festival of Architecture
Mall Galleries, SW1Y 5BD23rd June 2012 - 9th July 2012
'The Playful City' is the theme for this year's London Festival of Architecture. Spread across various locations during a summer in the city that welcomes the Olympics for the first time since 1948, the 2012 festival seeks to look into the ways that both Londoners and visitors can become part of the fabric of the city. In acknowledgement of the Olympics, public spaces will be reinterpreted to encourage physical fitness and festival participants will be encouraged to play in, and play with, the surrounding city. There will also be open studios, public realm installations, performances and other activities taking place in an arc around the City core. Visit www.lfa2012.org for further details.
City of London Festival 2012
St Paul's Cathedral, EC4M 8AD24th June 2012 - 27th July 2012
Founded in 1962, the City of London Festival is a summer programme of music, visual arts, film, walks and talks. It takes place across several venues (including St Paul's Cathedral) and outdoor spaces, and events and activities are frequently free (particularly if outdoor). In 2011 the theme was Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific and among other things the festival highlighted music from these areas throughout the cathedrals, gardens and squares. A favourite feature with Londoners and visitors alike; the Street Pianos were also present - left out in random spots in the capital for anyone to play. With the festival putting on special celebrations for their Golden Jubilee, be sure to look out for more eye-opening and thought-provoking happenings in 2012. The full programme of events is yet to be finalised but keep checking www.colf.org for the latest information.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship
Wimbledon: The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, SW19 5AE25th June 2012 - 8th July 2012
Will this be the year that Britain finally has its first Wimbledon winner since Fred Perry way back in 1936? Last year, much like 2010, Andy Murray made it gamely to the semi-finals but was obliterated by a rampant Rafael Nadal for the second year running. Still, with it being the third successive semi-final for the Scot at Wimbledon he could continue with his progression, and then surely it is only a matter of time before Murray gets a shot at the title. Wimbledon is the most watched tennis event in the Grand Slam calendar; with a TV audience of untold millions and over half a million spectators attending the All England Club to catch the action live. Many tennis pros covet the Wimbledon crown above all others and the grass surface makes for fast, breathless duels. Tickets can be applied for through the public ballot on the website, if however you're not lucky enough to get hold of one it is easy to get in to the grounds if you queue up in the morning. There are only 500 tickets for the centre courts available, so you have to turn up seriously early - or queue overnight - to be certain of getting to see the biggest matches, but in the first week the outer courts still have some of the world's greatest players and you can grab tickets for them if you arrive by about 9am.
Dr Dee - An English Opera
London Coliseum - English National Opera (ENO), WC2N 4ES25th June 2012 - 7th July 2012
Damon Albarn invites you into the weirdly wonderful world of Dr Dee, astrologer, alchemist, magician and spy. Unbelievably, this is not a fictitious character drummed up in the deep subconscious of Albarn's mind. The man in question was an influential 16th century Englishman, an advisor to Elizabeth I. He is credited with inventing the concept of the British Empire, developing maps, and (successfully) putting a hex on the Spanish Armada. Shakespeare's Prospero, King Lear and Marlowe's Doctor Faustus are all believed to be inspired by the great man himself. So it's easy to see why the Blur and Gorillaz musician Damon Albarn based his latest project around the fascinating figure. Fresh from his success with Africa Express and Monkey Albarn embarked on an operatic show full of Dr Dee themes, science, study and sorcery. Dr Dee opened at the Manchester International Festival and received glowing reports; it now opens in London at the London Coliseum. Don't expect ruffle necks and tights in this production. Dr Dee is a modern musical masterpiece with stunning staging by Rufus Norris, drawing upon the workings of an Elizabethan masque, paired with a haunting intellectual score written and performed by Albarn.
Les Troyens
Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD25th June 2012 - 28th June 2012
Not seen at the Royal Opera House since 1972, Les Troyens makes a glorious return to the London opera scene in June. The Royal Opera's Music Director Antonio Pappano conducts David McVicar's re-imagining of Hector Berlioz's epic tale of the Trojan war and its aftermath. Written during the 1850s, Les Troyens was Berlioz's largest work and was seen as a summary for his entire artistic career. Internationally renowned names such as Jonas Kaufmann, Eva-Marie Westbroek and Anna Caterina Antonacci make for a stellar cast in this five-act classic that is sure to be one of the major events in the whole Royal Opera Season.
Southbank Centre's Poetry Parnassus
Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX26th June 2012 - 1st July 2012
It seems that the Olympic grandeur has rubbed off on everyone this year as June sees London's Southbank Centre host the largest poetry festival the UK (and possibly the world) has ever seen, with 205 poets from each of the competing Olympic countries descending upon London to battle for their country. Southbank's artist in residence Simon Armitage and artistic director Jude Kelly are behind the ambitious cultural event, which will host readings and workshops with the poets. There will be performances aplenty and a UK tour before the final release of a poetry collection containing all of the 205 chosen poems. Kelly hopes the event will 'celebrate language, diversity and a sense of global togetherness.' The Poetry Parnassus has serious credibility and a list of patrons that reads like the poetry walk of fame. Carol Ann Duffy, Andrew Motion and Seamus Heaney have all been involved in the past. However, this year they trust the public with the task of nominating the poets and will announce the final 205 in the spring.
Henley Royal Regatta 2012
Henley-on-Thames, London, RG9 2AQ27th June 2012 - 2nd July 2012
Henley Regatta is an historic occasion, set in a riverside village that has hardly changed in the last two centuries and 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. But expect lots of Tim-Nice-But-Dims as the English upper and middle classes descend in their hoards, with sports jackets, boaters and Pimm's aplenty.
New Designers
Business Design Centre, London, N1 0QH27th June 2012 - 7th July 2012
Young designers gather in their thousands to showcase their fresh and innovative creations at the Business Design Centre this summer. Acting as a springboard for young graduates exiting the safety of higher education the exhibition brings together designers from all ends of the spectrum. Everything from fashion to graphics, interiors to architecture is displayed as over 3,500 students represent over 200 top UK design courses. Shining a spotlight on the hottest trends to come and a glimpse into the future of British design, whether you work in the industry, love discovering new talent, or just enjoy a good browse the New Designers is sure to have something that will catch your eye. Visit www.newdesigners.com for further information.
Edvard Munch: The Modern Eye
Tate Modern, London, SE1 9TG28th June 2012 - 14th October 2012
The Modern Eye is a major exhibition of work by celebrated artist Edvard Munch at the Tate Modern. Combining his pictorial work from the twentieth century with his interest in the modern representational forms of photography and film, the exhibition presents Munch as a twentieth century artist, thoroughly reflecting the modernity of his era. His famous paintings include The Sick Child, Madonna and, perhaps his most iconic piece, The Scream, which was part of a series called The Frieze of Life, in which he explored the themes of love, fear, death and anxiety. This showcase of the Norwegian symbolist painter is sure to be a hit with London art lovers.
Masterpiece
Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, SW3 4SR28th June 2012 - 4th July 2012
Dedicated to finding the best in art and design, Masterpiece London is truly an exhibition for collectors to be excited about. You can expect contemporary and historical paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings and antiques representing both UK and international galleries, collectors and dealers. Held on the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the 2012 event promises to build on the successes of previous years; offering a staggeringly wide array of high-end products on display and some superb dining options, from the iconic custom-built Le Caprice restaurant to the Mount Street Deli with its strong selection of sandwiches, pastries and salads.
The Genius of Hitchcock
Barbican Hall, EC2Y 8DS28th June 2012 - 22nd July 2012
The British Film Institute has been working long and hard to try and restore some of Alfred Hitchcock's early masterpieces; their aim is to present The Genius of Hitchcock as part of the London 2012 Festival with nine surviving silent films by Hitchcock, together with brand new live musical scores. One of the films on the list is The Lodger; released in 1926 this was Hitchcock's original suspense thriller and is now known as his first trademark movie. It focuses on a landlady who suspects her strange lodger may be on a killing spree, the killer known as 'The Avenger' is in fact targeting blonde women in the city. On July 21st, the Barbican Centre will be hosting the world premiere of the restored version, allowing for viewers to squeal and scream and appreciate this visually imaginative masterpiece. Hitchcock is known as one of the greatest directors of all time; film companies even referred to him in all his titles; Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. He managed to cast characters perfectly as well as having an innovative thought process, an example being from The Lodger, where he installed a glass floor so he could show the lodger pacing up and down his room from below. This festival is a chance to bring these pieces of work back to life once more; donations can be made through the BFI website to help complete this project.
The Genius of Hitchcock
Barbican Hall, EC2Y 8DS28th June 2012 - 22nd July 2012
The British Film Institute has been working long and hard to try and restore some of Alfred Hitchcock's early masterpieces; their aim is to present The Genius of Hitchcock as part of the London 2012 Festival with nine surviving silent films by Hitchcock, together with brand new live musical scores. One of the films on the list is The Lodger; released in 1926 this was Hitchcock's original suspense thriller and is now known as his first trademark movie. It focuses on a landlady who suspects her strange lodger may be on a killing spree, the killer known as 'The Avenger' is in fact targeting blonde women in the city. On July 21st, the Barbican Centre will be hosting the world premiere of the restored version, allowing for viewers to squeal and scream and appreciate this visually imaginative masterpiece. Hitchcock is known as one of the greatest directors of all time; film companies even referred to him in all his titles; Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. He managed to cast characters perfectly as well as having an innovative thought process, an example being from The Lodger, where he installed a glass floor so he could show the lodger pacing up and down his room from below. This festival is a chance to bring these pieces of work back to life once more; donations can be made through the BFI website to help complete this project.
Royal Ballet: Les Noces
Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD30th June 2012 - 9th July 2012
Retiring Royal Ballet director, Monica Mason, departs with a "director's choice" of works she particularly loves, finishing with Bronislava Nijinska's Les Noces. The piece is performed at the Royal Opera House as part of a triple bill along with two other works: Frederick Ashton's Birthday Offering, and A Month in the Country based on Turgenev's play of the same name. A Month in the Country and Les Noces are well matched as both present Russian stories of rituals and all three have a particularly strong place within The Royal Ballet repertory. But it's the final work, Les Noces, which is likely to stand out as a must-see classic of 20th-century ballet and will no doubt be a poignant moment for the departing Royal Ballet director.
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
April in London 2012
The Queen celebrates her birthday with the annual Gun Salutes in Hyde Park - though the official celebrations don't take plac...
April 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
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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