Special Events in London

Some of the events that occur throughout the year:

Changing of the Guard. The display by the Queen's Foot Guards occurs daily at 11:30 am April-July and on alternate days the rest of the year at Buckingham Palace. No ceremonies take place in extremely wet weather. The time sometimes varies on days when state events occur.

Changing of the Horse Guards Parade. The mounted Queen's Life Guard leaves Hyde Park Barracks and rides to the Horse Guard Parade grounds at Whitehall. Monday-Saturday at 11 am, Sunday at 10 am, daily during the summer and on alternating days the rest of the year. The time sometimes varies on days when state events occur.

Ceremony of the Keys. See the nightly lockup (seven minutes before 10 pm) at the main gate of the Tower of London by the chief warder and an escort of guards. Guests are escorted in promptly at 9:30 pm. Passes are required.

January
New Year's Day Festival. London's New Year's Day Festival, composed of a parade and concerts, is an international event. More than 1 million people view approximately 10,000 performers from at least 16 countries as they pass along the 2.2-mi/3.5-km route from Parliament Square to Berkley Square. The Music for London concerts feature young artists, including marching bands, chamber-hall musicians, singers, pipers and baton twirlers.

February
Flamenco Festival London. This festival hosts performances by some of the best contemporary flamenco dancers and singers from Spain. Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Avenue.

March
BADA Antique Fair. The British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) hosts this annual event showcasing Britain's leading art and antique dealers. Duke of York's Headquarters, Kings Road, Chelsea.

April
Hammersmith and Fulham Festival. This large annual festival celebrates the borough's multicultural heritage with concerts, art exhibits, theatrical productions, sports events, comedy shows and more at venues throughout the neighborhood.

May
The Prince's Trust Urban Music Festival. The U.K.'s largest urban music festival is headlined by top hip-hop, rap and R&B stars from the U.S. Music-industry workshops, street soccer games, computer gaming competitions and more. Earl's Court, Warwick Road.

June
Hampton Court Palace Music Festival. Internationally renowned artists and companies perform in this premier classical-music festival in a beautiful, historic setting. East Molesey, Surrey.

July
BCC Henry Wood Promenade Concerts. Called "the Proms", this internationally renowned music festival draws top artists and orchestras. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, and other venues.

August
Portobello Film Festival. The world's largest free film festival screens more than 700 new independent shorts, features, documentaries, animations, digital works and more, annually. Various cinemas.

September
Summer Opening of Parliament. During the summer recess, the House of Lords and the House of Commons are open for guided tours.

October
London Festival of Chamber Music. London's finest classical musicians, including the English String Quartet, give 16 concerts in various churches and concert halls throughout the city.

November
State Opening of Parliament. In the fall of each year, the Queen opens Parliament in the House of Lords. The ceremony dates from the Middle Ages and includes an inspection of both houses of parliament by the royal official bodyguards, the Yeomen of the Guard. The Queen, as well as peers and bishops, in traditional garb, travel from Buckingham Palace in a royal procession.