London Marathon
Sunday 22nd April
The London Marathon all started in a pub,
so the story goes – which is a great excuse for rolling up race-side with a
pint in hand. And with several British boozers (as well as a few key bars and
restaurants) along the way, we can’t think of a better way to watch this annual
event. The 26.2-mile race starts in Blackheath before winding through Charlton,
Woolwich, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the Embankment towards its finish line
on the Mall near Buckingham Palace. Stop for a roast en route, take in the
Cutty Sark, wander through St. James’ Park or just anchor yourselves at one key
destination. Whatever your preference, though, be sure to get there early.
Crowds gather at Embankment and Tower Bridge but an interactive map on their
website - http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/
- allows you to select you own vantage point.
London Fashion Weekend http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/
23-26 February, Somerset House
Front row tickets can be a harder snatch
than the latest ‘it’ bag. But fear not; as soon as the last model’s runway
rendition is complete, Somerset House opens the doors to its own four-day
designer shopping emporium – the Vodafone London Fashion Weekend. Say hello to
2012’s Spring/Summer selections, as models, make-up artists and producers from
London Fashion Week continue their catwalk creations. There will be exclusive
(and discounted!) designer goods from the likes of Pringle and Jaeger on offer;
Toni&Guy makeovers; Vintage acts and contemporary DJs and a selection of
pop-up bars and restaurants. Not to mention a rare opportunity to watch an
exclusive ‘trendsetting catwalk show’ in the official British Fashion Council
Show Space. This should make for a very fashionable day out, dahling.
Camden Crawl
4-6 May
The now legendary Amy Winehouse, Kasabian
and Florence & The Machine were all picked up in their formative years at
this, the Camden Crawl. Launched at the height of the Britpop period in the
mid-nineties, this multi-event music festival continues to attract industry
bigwigs and young screaming fans all looking to catch the next big thing. That
said, there are always a few surprise shows from now-seminal artistes. And the
sprawling carnival-style arts side features everything from comedy and spoken
word to film, quizzes, busking, acoustic performances, workshops, exhibitions
and more. The three-day programme opens at Koko before working its way through
the streets of London’s most nocturnal corner. More than 50 venues and 250 acts
were involved in last year’s performance, with one wristband giving access to
all. Book a key hotel and nip in and out as you please.
Globe To Globe (World Shakespeare
Festival)
23 April – 9 June
Hip-hop, Maori and signed Shakespeare plays
are all on the menu with this cultural celebration. The undeniable home to the
main man himself – The Globe Theatre on London’s Bankside - has pulled out all
the stops on this one. They’ve selected 37 different theatre companies to
present 37 different Shakespeare works in 37 different languages. Subtitles
aren’t included - just imagination and pizzazz, hopefully. Kick starting on
Shakespeare’s birthday, April 23, the show season will run for six weeks as
part of the World Shakespeare Festival and London’s 2012 Festival. Said to
celebrate the diverse populations around the capital, this is their opportunity
to promote unique takes on one of England’s greatest writers. Tickets start at
£5 with the £100 Yard Olympian providing access to them all. We’d at least try
and catch one.
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