London Cultural Events in 2013

Cultural Events in London in 2013

The third in the series London Events in 2013 looks at the range of cultural events taking place in London during 2013.

The first two articles looked at London Exhibitions and London Attractions. Next week we will be looking at London Sporting events in 2013

Chelsea Flower Show – 100 year anniversary

Royal Hospital Chelsea, 21 – 25 May 2013
RHS Chelsea Flower show is the greatest flower show in the world and 2013 see’s the show celebrate its Centenary year, so it promises to be a very special event.

London International Mime Festival

Various locations, 12 – 27 January 2013 (annual)
First held in 1977, the London International Mime Festival is held every January, brightening the month with an extravaganza of innovative visual theatre across the capital. Major venues such as the Southbank Centre, Barbican, Royal Opera House and Roundhouse play host to puppets, slapstick and mime.

Snowdrop Days: A Midwinter Celebration

Chelsea Physic Garden, 2 – 10 February 2013
London’s oldest botanic garden welcomes visitors to enjoy its 9-day snowdrop extravaganza. Discover dozens of unusual, rare and fascinating types on the Snowdrop Trail. Wander through the wood with its sea of 10,000 new snow drops and admire the huge diversity of special snowdrops on display in the Snowdrop Theatre.

The Coronation Festival

11-14 July 2013
The Gardens at Buckingham Palace will be the venue for a one-off event next summer. Celebrate with us as we experience the best of food & drink, interact with design & technology, indulge in homes & gardens and shop from British styles, pursuits & pastimes.

The Southbank Centre – 20th Century Music Festival ‘The Rest Is Noise’

January – December 2013
The Rest Is Noise festival is one of Southbank Centre’s most ambitious classical music undertakings to date – a year-long series of concerts and events examining 20th century classical music. The festival features nearly 100 events, including talks, films, performances, participation events and concerts, all exploring 20th-century classical music in the context of historical, political and cultural upheavals. Partners on the project include the London Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Four.

Chinese New Year

10 February 2013
Welcome the year of the Snake in style with Chinese New Year celebrations across the capital. It is expected that 500,000 people will flock to the West End to welcome the Year of the Snake with a series of spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations. 2012’s event saw extravagant displays of dance, music, puppetry and acrobatics opening a year of celebration for London.

Pride London 2013

Summer 2013 (date tbc)
Join the party as thousands of people take to the streets for Pride London, a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and culture. Pride London is Europe’s largest non-ticketed event. The parade (usually in early July), featuring floats and music, is always one of the most vibrant events in the London calendar.

Notting Hill Carnival

August 2013
The award winning and internationally renowned Annual London Carnival rooted in the Caribbean tradition includes a series of linked events from July to August that culminate in the large event on the streets of Notting Hill on August Bank Holiday.

Bird’s Eye View – Women’s Film Festival

Across London, March 2013
The Bird’s Eye View Film Festival is the UK’s first annual film festival devoted exclusively to women in film and the UK’s only public celebration of international women filmmakers. It takes place for ten days around International Women’s Week every March, at the BFI Southbank, ICA, City Screen cinemas, BAFTA, Southbank Centre, Prince Charles cinema and other venues. The programme includes international feature films, short films and documentaries, parties, director Q&As, educational events, awards and much more.

Soho Flea Market

Dean Street Soho, May 2013
Artisans, artists, fashion designers, jewellery designers, filmmakers and musicians will take part in a unique event Soho Flea Market in the heart of London. The historic length and breadth of Dean Street will be closed to traffic and specifically-curated ‘creative market stalls’ will exhibit and sell directly to the public. Organiser City Showcase will host an outdoor stage with new and emerging music and comedy acts.

Taste of London

Regent’s Park, a Royal Park, 20 – 23 June 2013
Taste of London is the capital’s largest open air food and drink festival, bringing together not just restaurants and food and wine suppliers, but also interactive programmes on cooking and eating. Taste of London has attracted culinary talent including Wolfgang Puck, Michel Roux Jr and Gordon Ramsay.