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Top events in London 2017

Are you planning on visiting London this year? Looking for that special event to round off your trip? We can help.

London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and there is so much to see and do for the visitor and local alike. Picking out just one event every month isn't easy but we think we have managed it. Take a look at our list of top events in London 2017; each is an unmissable delight.

January - Magical Lantern Festival

Running from mid-January to February 26 the Magical Lantern Festival is held at Chiswick House and features an amazing display of illuminated installations. Celebrating the Chinese New Year the theme for the 2017 festival is 'Explore the Silk Road'.

Highlights of the festival include a 75 minute lantern trail which is described as a 'spectacular fusion of art, heritage and culture'. Other attractions include funfair rides, an incredible array of international street food and even a synthetic ice rink. Virtual reality games featuring dinosaurs and roller coasters means there is something for everyone.

February - London Classic Car Show

Held at the ExCel London, the Classic Car show is a treat for petrolheads, lovers of design and anyone who has any interest in cars or who yearns for the thrills of retro motoring. Taking place from February 23 - 26, visitors to the show will not only enjoy getting up close and personal with some amazing vintage cars, but will also be excited by the stands featuring memorabilia and displays.

One of the highlights of the show is a special exhibit celebrating 70 years of Ferrari racing cars which is sure to be a big hit with all fans of classic cars. As a bonus, visitors to the show will also receive free entry to the Historic Motorsport International which is also being held at the ExCel.

March - London Beer Week

Why wouldn't you want to be involved with London Beer Week ? Lovers and connoisseurs of lager, ale, and cider will find hundreds of varieties of beer from many different craft breweries during the event which runs from March 13 to 19.

The highlight of the week is the Beer Edit which is held in the Oval Space in East London. Described as a beer village with numerous brews to try from an astonishing array of independent and micro-breweries.

There will be numerous other events held all over London to celebrate Beer Week including a number of beer tours.

April - Tall Ships Regatta & The Boat Race

A nautical theme runs through April with the Tall Ships Regatta in Greenwich and Woolwich providing one of the most spectacular sights the Thames sees all year. More than 30 ships will be on the river for more than four days from April 13 to 16, with the climax of the celebrations being a parade of sail with the tall ships being joined by many more smaller craft as they sail down the Thames.

Earlier in April the Boat Races between Oxford and Cambridge universities provide one of the most historic but accessible sporting occasions in the UK. Free to attend, around a quarter of a million people line the banks of the Thames every year to watch the drama unfold.

May - RHS Chelsea Flower Show

One of the capital's most popular and historic events returns in May with the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show.

Held over five days the Chelsea show is traditionally of the most popular shows of any genre held in London and attracts over 150,000 visitors with millions more watching on television. This year the show is scheduled to run from May 23 to May 27.

Visitors can expect to see fantastic gardens laid out by the best known designers and countless displays and exhibits of rare plants along with floral artwork and sculpture.

The show takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea and, if you are thinking of attending, you should buy your tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

June - West End Live

This fantastic free event takes place in Trafalgar Square on June 24 & 25. The event sees the casts of some of the leading West End shows perform on a temporary stage in front of thousands of enthusiastic spectators.

At the time of writing no details of this year's line-up have being announced but the 2016 event saw performances from shows including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Lion King, Jersey Boys and many more.

July - Wimbledon

One of the greatest sporting events in the world, Wimbledon will generate even more interest than usual this year with Andy Murray, the world's number one player, defending the men's title he won in 2016.

Even without Murray the tournament is on the 'must see' list of every celebrity and sports fan in the UK. Such is its popularity the event draws thousands of spectators who don't go to any other sporting occasion.

Wimbledon fortnight (July 3 to July 16) attracts half a million spectators and is a social as well as sporting occasion. It is, of course, as famous for its strawberries and cream as it is for its tennis and it's an event everyone should try and visit at least once.

August - BBC Proms

Taking place throughout August but actually starting in July and finishing in early September, the Proms are a quintessentially British occasion.

Most people will only be aware of the televised concert in the Albert Hall but the Proms is actually a huge series of concerts held in venues across London.

Now in its 123rd year, the Proms are covered extensively by BBC radio and feature performances by orchestras, singers, and musicians from around the world. Highlights include Proms in the Park and the famous Last Night of the Proms in the Albert Hall. The event is famous for providing affordable access to classical music for everyone, with ticket prices kept deliberately low.

September - London Design Festival

Since 2003 the London Design Festival has showcased and celebrated the work of architects, designers, and artists. Not restricted to any one venue, the festival features ground breaking design with hundreds of installations, pop-ups, and events throughout London.

Highlights from 2016 included The Smile, a 34 metre long arc shaped pavilion which hovered three metres above the ground in Chelsea, the Nest Ice Cream Van and The Handsome Butcher of St James Market which transformed a bawdy old ballad into installation art.

This year the London Design Festival takes place from September 16 to 24.

October - Museums at Night

See London's top attractions as you've never seen them before. Museums at Night presents a unique opportunity to visit top museums and galleries when they open their doors after normal closing time.

Special events are arranged and visitors get to experience the venues in a new way which allows them to become more immersed in the exhibits than is possible during a normal day.

This year the event takes place from October 26 to 28 with a similar event during May. Museums at Night 2017 is expected to feature over 500 venues, hundreds of events and to attract well over 100,000 visitors.

November -Winter Wonderland

Every year Hyde Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with the free to enter event playing host to a huge number of activities and attractions.

The star attraction for many will be the massive ice rink with the famous Victorian bandstand at its centre. The rink is the biggest in the UK and is popular with all ages. Visitors will also be wowed by the Magical Ice Kingdom and its amazing ice sculptures.

Elsewhere in the Wonderland the circus provides entertainment for everyone. The Giant Observation Wheel offers spectacular views across London whilst the traditional fairground provides a different kind of thrill.

Don't miss the wonderful Christmas markets with hundreds of stalls crammed to overflowing with festive gifts and treats.

If you are visiting London this winter make sure you don't miss this wonderful festive favourite.

December - Christmas and New Year in London

Not one single attraction but a whole host of festive events and celebrations across the capital. The Winter Wonderland continues throughout December but there are also many super displays of illuminations across the capital with Carnaby and Oxford streets well work a look for their dazzling lights.

Ice skaters will love the numerous outdoor ice rinks which appear in December, including one at the Tower of London which provides a stunning backdrop as you race around the ice.

There are many Christmas markets to choose from and many of the amazing shops which London is famous for take on an extra dimension when they are bedecked with festive decorations.

Carols in Trafalgar Square are always popular and many different coral groups get to sing beneath the decorated Christmas tree.

New Years Eve is a big date in most Londoners diaries and the Big Ben countdown and massive fireworks display are two of the most eagerly anticipated events.

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