Fun in London this June 2013:
GB Row 2013, Tower Bridge
One of the biggest events in rowing endurance kicks off in London on Saturday June 1st, as 15 boats set off to complete the 2,000-mile GB Row 2013 race. Organised by the Anglo American Boat Club, the race starts off at the glorious landmark of Tower Bridge in the nation's capital, before the intrepid oarsmen and women brave the perilous shipping lanes of the Thames Estuary out into the North Sea.
They then circumnavigate Great Britain, reaching the tip northern tip at John O'Groats, the southern Cornwall extremity at Land's End and then back round to London again. Crews of two, four or eight rowers will tackle the gruelling challenge non-stop and unassisted, each competing for the prize kitty of £100,000 if they can beat the current work record. This will be no easy feat, as it stands at 26 days, 14 hours and 12 minutes, which was set in 2005 by a four-man crew of Grenadier Guards.
Spectators will need to get up early to see the brave rowers set off, as they will be passing underneath Tower Bridge just after 08:00 GMT.
Spitalfields Music Summer Festival
The quaint Spitalfield Music Summer Festival brings together classical, folk and contemporary musical artists into an array of imaginative and inspiring spaces around Spitalfields in east London on the second week of July.
Those performing will range from world-class artists to important local talent. One particularly exciting show is Open Souls on Friday June 6th. They will use their varied backgrounds to create a distinct sound that blends Indian classical compositions, contemporary music and jazz. Meanwhile, The Orlando Concert's Food, Wine and Song on Saturday June 7th will bring to life beautiful religious and secular works from 1250 to 1550, with audiences given the option to attend a three-course meal beforehand.
What is most exciting about the Spitalfield Music Summer Festival, which runs all the way up to June 22nd, is its diverse, contrasting venues, including Old Spitalfields Market, Spitalfields City Farm and the 18th century Christ Church. They each bring the music to life with their unique atmospheres and acoustics.
Bruce Springsteen, Wembley Stadium
Bruce Springsteen, or The Boss as he is so often known, represents the very core of the American dream. Beginning his life in a working class New Jersey family, he grew to become one of the country's most important musical exports, gracing stages across the globe to deliver his foot-stomping blue collar rock to thousands of people. His story is bona fide tale of zero to hero.
Some 40 years into his illustrious career and he's returning to the UK once again to perform songs from his latest hit record Wrecking Ball, as well as all the classics fans know and love. Those in the capital can catch The Boss at Wembley Stadium on Saturday June 15th.
Shubbak Festival
Launching in 2011, the Shubbak Festival was capital's first event to celebrate contemporary Arab art and culture. Two years later and it is still going strong, with 2013's iteration kicking off on Saturday June 22nd and running until July 6th.
There will be a range of events across the Shubbak Festival, incorporating visual arts, architecture, dance, design, film, literature, music, discussion and debates from some of the most important figures in the Arab arts world. It will bring to public attention the diversity and innovation of Arab artistic expression in some of London's most significant venues.
Wimbledon, The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
The big question hovering over this year's landmark British tennis competition Wimbeldon is: Will Andy Murray end the 77-year wait for British winner? Last year he came crushingly close, bowing out to Roger Federer in a tightly fought final. Since then he's not only won another Grand Slam at the US Open, but also a secured an Olympic gold in the Singles and a silver in the Doubles with his partner Laura Robson at London 2012. He's at the top of his game and now could be the Scot's big opportunity.
Kicking off on June 24th, visitors to London can catch some of the opening rounds on the weekend of June 28th to 30th at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in south-west London. It's not all about tennis either - remember that Wimbledon is the perfect excuse to indulge in Pimm's and strawberries and cream.
