Fun in London this September 2013:
Last Night of the Proms and Proms in the Park, Royal Albert Hall/Hyde Park
The Proms is the most prominent date on the orchestral classical music calendar in Britain, with the eight-week-long event bringing around 70 concerts to the glorious Royal Albert Hall in London. Bringing the festival to an end each year is the Last Night of the Proms, which is decidedly different from the rest of the Proms. It tends to appeal more to the classical music layperson, with light-hearted performances of popular classics, as well as British patriotic pieces, including Thomas Arne's Rule, Britannia! and Edward Elgar's Pomp & Circumstances March No 1, which includes a rendition of Land of Hope and Glory.
This year's Last Night of the Proms takes place on Saturday September 7th and tickets do tend to be very difficult to secure. Thankfully, there is an open air alternative with the BBC Proms in the Park, Britain's largest outdoor classical concert in London's Hyde Park. Presented by Tony Blackburn, the line-up includes pop legend Bryan Ferry, world-renowned tenor Joseph Calleja and the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Richard Balcombe.
Kew the Movies, Kew Gardens, Richmond
Everyone loves watching a good film, almost as much as they love spending a warm summer's evening spent out beneath clear blue skies. Kew the Movies is there to integrate these two pastimes, screening a fantastic selection of films in the beautiful surroundings of Kew Gardens and Wakehurst.
Organised in partnership with Luna Cinema, the country's leading producer of open air cinema events, Kew the Movies will be screening the zany comedy-musical Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday September 13th followed by Dirty Dancing on Saturday September 14th, which might be more geared towards the women of the family hoping to have the time of their life. Whether you want to sing-along to the Time Warp or Hungry Eyes, the event has two fantastic films on offer. What's more, if you choose to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show, there will also be a special introduction from Richard O'Brien, the film's writer and star. All you have to do is hope that Mother Nature is on your side on whichever night you choose to go, keeping the rain clouds at bay.
London Design Festival
Globally recognised, London Design Festival is a must for designers and fans of the art world. With 300 events and exhibitions taking place all over London, there's something for everyone.
Get your creative head on and marvel at the works of some of the greatest masters the industry has to offer.
London Open House Weekend
Considered the capital's greatest architectural showcase, Open House London sees some of the best and most awe-inspiring buildings in the city open their doors to the general public. Taking place over Saturday September 21st and Sunday September 22nd, the event sees 700 locations ready themselves for exploration. These include the famous Gherkin, Lloyd's of London and the Bank of England. You may even find your way into some of the city's most glamorous private homes.
The best thing about the London Open House Weekend is that it is entirely free. Whether you're an interior design student, successful architect or just someone who wants to have a poke around their favourite buildings, the event is accommodating to everyone. The full programme and all the details of the locations set to open their doors is due to be released in August. Some of the houses require visitors to pre-book tickets, so make sure you do get those in advance if you hope to have a look around one of the more popular locations.
Horsemans Sunday, Hyde Park
It’s not uncommon to see a police horse clopping about the streets of London, but a horse parade on this scale is a rare thing. Lovers of all things equine should get themselves along to watch this 46 years-old London tradition, with a procession of horses being led to be blessed at St. Johns Hyde Park church.
This ceremonial event promises the finest in horse traditions, horses of all shapes and sizes, and, due to London’s extensive history of horse-riding, you’re in for a journey through time and tradition at this splendid, regal event.
As well as a cavalcade, there are also games and activities for families and children, including music, raffles and tombolas. The event kicks-off at 10:00 am and continues throughout the day
NFL International Series: Minnesota Vikings v Pittsburgh Steelers, Wembley Stadium
Despite being very much a Yankee tradition, American football has grown in popularity over the last few years, with the NFL International Series seeing matches played out in the UK every year. Things are changing in 2013. For the first time ever there will be two separate head-to-heads taking place at Wembley Stadium over the course of this year's season. The first of which takes place on Sunday September 29th, with the Minnesota Vikings playing the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This marks the Vikings' first visit to the UK since 1983, when they appeared in a pre-season match-up at the old Wembley Stadium. The Steelers, on the other hand, are making their debut appearance in London, and NFL fans can expect an impressive performance as the Pennsylvania team boast a record six Super Bowl championships. Those hoping to attend should try to get tickets as soon as possible, as the NFL match in London always prove to be popular, with crowds exceeding 80,000 at each annual event since 2007. Anyone who does miss out can always try to make the second game, which takes place on Sunday October 27th between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Francisco 49ers.
