Events in London - January 2012
It would not be right to start off the first month of the year with anything else ! On the 26th anniversay of the New Year's Day Parade is expected to draw around 500,000 revellers to see 10,000 participants taking part in this parade weaving its way over 3 hours through central London - from outside The Ritz Hotel in Piccadiilly to Parliament Square in Westminster. 20 countries worldwide will be represented in a vast range of floats, marching bands, cheerleaders, street performers, clowns, acrobats, kites, colourful costumes and much, much more.
Not only a January event, the area of Hyde Park close to Hyde Park Corner (Marble Arch) is converted into with, of course, a Christmas market, Santa Claus grotto, food and drink stalls and an ice rink along with fairground rides, a giant wheel with great views across London and Zippos circus. Only in its fifth year, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which runs through December and up to 2nd January, attracted 2 million visitors in 2010 and is expected to surpass that this year. You can wander through the Winter Wonderland free of charge but do take your wallet, as you're sure to want to enjoy what is on offer !
Starting on 10th December, this series of concerts at two of central London's premier concert halls - Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Royal Festival Hall. Traditional Christmas music, including performances of the Messiah in full period costume, the musical line up includes a range of artists including the Harmonics Clown Choir, The National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain and The Judith Owen and Harry Shearer Holiday Sing-along. You will also find the Cologne Christmas Market (up to 24th December), Santa's Secret Village (up to 24th December) and London Eyeskate running up to 6th January.
Operational up to 8th January, the Natural History Museum Ice Rink is located just a few minutes' walk from Harrington Court Apartments on Cromwell Road, South Kensington. The 1,050 square meter ice rink is a well established tradition for Londo residents and as well as London's visitors at this time. Very attrractively laid out, there is also a cafe/bar open just by the ice rink so that you can warm yourself up before or after skating. Don't forget to include a visit to the Natural History Museum itself, if you possibly can whilst in London !
Biggest of London's exhibitions in early January 2012, the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show takes place at London ExCeL centre in Docklands - a 40 to 45 minute tube and Docklands Light Railway journey from South Kensington. Around 500 exhibitors show off a range of about 1,000 boats of all sizes both inside the centre and in the Thames just outside. Running from 6th January to 15th January inclusive the Boat Show now also incorporates the The Outrdoor Show, The Active Travel Show and the London Bike Show. Including a massive Waterspots Action Pool, the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show makes a great time for families, whether you have a deep interest in the boats themselves or not.
The 200th anniversary of Charles Dicken's birth comes up in February 2012 and the Museum of London is celebrating this significant anniversary with the first major exhibition about Dickens and his life and times in over 40 years. The Museum of London's exhibition includes some original manuscripts - including the original manuscripts of David Copperfield and Bleak House - as well as the desk and chair at which Dickens wrote many of his novels and much, much more. Charles Dickens left us an wonderful insight into the lives for ordinary people in Victorian London and this exhibition celebrates his contribution.
Top Drawer London
15th January to 17th January 2012
Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, Earls Court, London SW5 9TA |
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Held twice a year, Top Drawer London is an international showcase for over 700 U.K. and international suppliers to the fashion and lifestyle retail trades. It showcases the newest product launches, cutting edge designs and the must have choices for the year ahead - before they reach your local retailers. Buyers visit Top Drawer from all ovet the world and the show at Earls Court London and is the perfect way to source bestselling products and preview Spring and Summer collections. Top Drawer London attracts over 15,000 visitors each year including buys from all the big name retailers in your High Street and online.
Definitely not to be missed if you can manage it, Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM comes to the Royal Albert Hall after already having shown to 1.5 million peoiple worldwide. TOTEM's subject matter is the evolution of the human species from the very earliest origins up to today and beyond and the staggering acrobatics and wonderful story telling, 50 very talented performers and amazing sets all in one of central London's best known and venues will amaze and entertain children and adults alike, as Cirque du Soleil have done around the world for many years.
London Art Fair:
18th to 22nd January 2012
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH
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Now in its 24th year, the London Art Fair takes place at the Business design Centre, iIslington, and is a showcase event for modern British and exceptional contemporary art from around the world. Over 100 galleries exhibit the very best of modern British art and other contemporary art from both established leading figures and from emerging talent. Exhibits are divided into an Arts Projects section and Photo50 - a showcase for contemporary photography.
A novel, a musical and now a widely acclaimed film, this Michael Morpurgo story has captured peoples' imagination all around the world. This free exhibition at The National Army Museum explores the role of horses in war focssed around the real life story of horses and the men who couynted on them. The exhibition includes exclusive material from Michael Porpurgo as well as from the stage production by the National Theatre and includes some digital content from the new film by Steven Spielberg.
Keep up to date with London events in January 2012 as they are added by going to our Facebook page and pressing the "Like" button. You can get travel directions to each from Harrington Court Apartments and further London January 2012 events posted by Harrington Court Apartments will appear in your Facebook newsfeed. You can add them to your own events, if you want to - to help with planning your London trip.
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