Events and Entertainments

Some of London's huge range of free public events and entertainments.

| London Marathon is a Top Annual Event

Throughout the year London has interesting public events that are free of charge and open to everyone.  However, there is often limited space, so you may need to book in advance and/or turn up early.  The key is to plan ahead.  Then you can go with friends and maybe combine with something else, such as eating together.

Boating
Lots of events take place on the Thames watched by people lining the river banks, many secretly hoping to watch boats sink!  Chinese dragon boat racing usually takes place in September near Greenwich.  The Oxford and Cambridge boat race, from Putney to Mortlake, has taken place at the end of March since 1829.  Much further upstream is the Henley regatta, usually in July.  Lots of paid-for excursions run on the river, including notably annual trips on one of the world's last paddle steamers, from Woolwich Arsenal pier, near Anglian College.

Fireworks
Every year November 5th is Guy Fawkes day, when people celebrate a failed terrorist plot in 1605 to blow up the king and parliament, by letting off fireworks and having bonfires without getting arrested for making smoke.  There is a huge public firework display on Blackheath, and in many other places.  There is also a big firework display on New Year's Eve in the centre of London.

Open House
Every year, usually for a weekend in September, many architecturally interesting buildings open their doors (for no charge).  This can be your great opportunity to see inside government buildings and industrial plants that are normally secret, private houses that are masterpieces of design or ecological sustainability, and lots of quirky places you might never otherwise notice.

London Marathon
Every year, usually in April, tens of thousands of people run in the London Marathon.  London's is the original city marathon, since copied by many other cities around the world.

Lord Mayor's Procession
Every year, usually in November, there is a public ceremony that traces its roots back 784 years: the Lord Mayor's Show, with a grand procession through London's central City district.

Seasonal Food
From June to October, south-east London is amazingly rich in natural (free) food, notably cherries, blackberries, and chestnuts.  Don't let the pigeons have all the fun!  London's wholesale food markets import food from all around the world, and often have temporary gluts of particular products that appear on street markets (particularly Lewisham) at astonishing bargain prices.

Circuses
The circus is said to be a dying form of entertainment, but it isn't going quietly.  Several times a year touring circuses still come to Woolwich Common and/or Blackheath, and give away lots of bargain tickets.  Funfairs, too – not so expensive if you can shoot straight or throw balls hard at coconuts!

Fun Days
Local councils outside the centre of London, e.g. near Anglian College, often arrange a particular day for everyone to be out on the streets having fun: street performers, musicians, food stalls, and much more.

The Ceremony of the Keys
A tradition for the past 700 years, this ceremony takes place every evening at the Tower of London. The Chief Yeoman Warder, wearing a long red tunic and Tudor bonnet, and carrying a candle, locks up the main gate and delivers the keys to the Resident Governor of the Tower. Tickets are free, but need to be booked up to two months in advance by written application.