When the clocks have gone back and the evenings draw in, the temperature slowly drops and London’s festive season comes to life! There’s no shortage of things to do, places to go, and fun to have here in November.
Regent Street Motor Show – On the day of the Motor Show, Regent Street will be closed to all public traffic. The Street will then be filled with exotic, classic, vintage, and unusual cars dating from as early as 1905 and as recent as this year. This is the largest motor show in the UK and is good fun for car lovers and families alike.
Date: 1st November 2014 from 10:00am to 16:00am
Cost: FREE
The Lord Mayor’s Show – Dating back to 1215 when King John granted the citizens of London to elect their own mayor, the Lord Mayo’s Show is a fabulous display of pomp and ceremony along the oldest streets in London. The newly elected Mayor of London will travel from the City to Westminster to pledge allegiance to the crown – and all of London can join the celebration. A colourful procession of pages, soldiers, horses and carriages will travel through London, finishing with a fireworks display over the river Thames.
Date: 8th November
Cost: FREE
More Info: www.lordmayorshow.org
Bonfire Night – Also known as Guy Fawkes Night, this is the night of the year where Brits commemorate the Gunpowder Plot. A scheme to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605, the Gunpowder Plot failed and all the conspirators were arrested, tried and executed. To celebrate the failure of the Plot every year, firework displays, bonfires, and parties are held throughout the country.
London has a plethora of events and firework shows to choose from a small sampling of which are listed below.
Date: Various
Cost: Various
More Info:
Battersea Park – www.wandsworth.gov.uk
Alexandra Palace – www.alexandrapalace.com
Southwark Park – www.southwark.gov.uk
Remembrance Day/Sunday – Throughout the United Kingdom 11th November is known as Remembrance Day (or alternatively: Poppy Day and Armistice Day). This is the day of the year when Brits commemorate the lives of those who died in the first two World Wars, as well as subsequent conflicts. A two-minute silence will be held at 11:00am on the 11th of November – wherever you may be, you will notice those respecting this silence. All of London will fall quiet regardless of jobs to do, places to be, etc.
Remembrance Sunday this year will be on 9th November. This is the day of the year when church remembrance services will be held throughout the country. A parade will take place in London in Whitehall – a sombre ceremony of soldiers and members of the royal family. The Queen will pay tribute to fallen soldiers and attend services and events throughout the country.
Date: 9th and 11th November
Cost: Various Events are All Free
More Info: www.britishlegion.org.uk
London Jazz Festival – For Jazz lovers, or those new to the genre, the 22nd London Jazz Festival is set to get underway in London this November. All across London will be a celebration of Jazz featuring concerts and performances by newcomers and world-famous veterans like Albert Ammons, Jason Moran, and Robert Glasper.
Date: 14th to 23rd November
Cost: Various
More Info: www.efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – A more recent event on the London winter schedule, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a fabulous and family friendly event that has quickly become a London tradition. With ice rinks, acrobats, frozen sculptures, games, rides and good and snacks galore, the Winter Wonderland is a true experience. Shop at the Market stalls, take a seat on the 60m tall observation wheel, thrill yourself on coasters, drunk mulled wine and cider, or take the kids to the children quarter.
Date: 21st November to 4th January
Cost: Free to Enter – Food, Games, Rides vary
More Info: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
+++Also, check out our famous pay-what-you-like walking tours of London!+++
