London festivals and special events add quite a bit of flair and spice to the city.

There are lots of activities and events to choose from, and there is surely something that would appeal to almost anyone visiting the city.

For those who enjoy music and the arts, London has quite a few special offerings.

The BBC Promenade Concerts feature a wide variety of classical orchestral music concerts, and the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy gives visitors the opportunity to see all kinds of art created by both professionals and amateurs.

The London Film Festival is another opportunity for visitors to experience a broad offering; it features excellent but less well known movies from all over the world that you might otherwise never have the opportunity to see.

The Chelsea Flower Show might not strictly qualify as arts, but after you see the amazing horticultural exhibits you will see why it is one of the most popular events in London.

All three of these festivals are dedicated to making the arts more accessible to the public, and they succeed in that admirably.

For those who love parades and processions, London is the perfect place to be.

The Lord Mayor's Show began as a ceremony to swear loyalty to the Crown but has grown to a spectacular parade or music and pageantry.

The Notting Hill Carnival is a rollicking tribute to the Caribbean heritage of the area residents, with amazing music, dance, and food.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in a big way in London, with music and dance, firecrackers and fireworks, and of course, excellent food.

The London beer festival to put on your list is the Great British Beer Festival where literally hundreds of beers can be sampled.

Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night in London is an autumn fest of bonfires and fireworks celebrating the preservation of the Crown and country while the Trooping of the Colours celebrates the birthday of the Sovereign.

London festivals and special events are a great way to take part in the life of the city.

The BBC Proms Guide will tell you all you need to know about the many concerts that make up this very popular series.

Buying tickets for the Chelsea Flower Show is quite easy these days as the Royal Horticultural Society sells them online at their website.

Some important Chinese New Year facts are that Lion Dancers scare away the evil spirits and koi fish symbolize a year filled with success and plenty.

If you are looking for a London beer festival, the Great British Beer Festival is one of the biggest and the best.

Bonfire Night events are a big part of Guy Fawkes Night; it is one of London’s most beloved festivals.

Attending the London Film Festival is just like going to the movies, except that all the films playing are excellent.

The Lord Mayor's Show is an annual street parade in London that blends traditional pageantry with a carnival atmosphere.

The Notting Hill Carnival history stretches out more than 40 years; it is the second largest street festival in the world.

The Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy is one of the big London festivals and special events of the social calendar.

Trooping the Colour is a fantastic ceremonial parade of foot guards, mounted troops, and military bands.

Photo courtesy: Jon's pics

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