Every year will see a collage of events take over the London streets, and whilst we might find it incredibly difficult to pick what to see and what to miss, we can sleep soundly in the knowledge that there will always be something else exciting on the London horizon. Some people will find it difficult to pick from the alluring pile of events during their London visits, and will be forced to make snap decisions to ensure they are not rooted to the spot in indecision. That’s why every month it can be good practice to take a note of some of the most interesting events on the horizon. With April bringing oodles more sunshine, the events taking place over the month reflect this sudden change in mood and temperature.
As flowers begin to bloom, tourists and locals alike will look out from the warmth of exhibition rooms and cosy pubs and into the sun-soaked streets to fill up their weekends, evenings and holiday periods.
Underbelly Festival
Kicking off from the 5th of April and stretching into early September, the Underbelly Festival is both an Edinburgh Fringe Festival venue and a London pop up venue, showcasing some of the best international performance talent. The Underbelly Festival is well known for bringing performers such as Abandoman and Police Cops to the laughing masses. Even if you don’t manage to see a show there, the Underbelly Festival on the South Bank offers up a beautiful beer garden, bringing vibrancy and flare to the already buzzing Thames riverside.
Vaisakhi at Trafalgar Square
The Sikh Festival of Vaisakhi graces Trafalgar Square this year on the 14th of April. Marking the start of the Sikh New Year, it was started in 1699 to commemorate the formation of the legendary Khalso panth warriors. With its spring harvest connotations, it is also the date of many key events in the history of Sikhism, including the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. During the Trafalgar Square festival, you can expect music, decorations and parades celebrating Sikhism both nationally and internationally.
Oxford Cambridge Boat Race on the Thames
This year the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race will take place earlier than usual, the event being carried forward to the springtime date of April 7th. This 190-year-old event is a yearly tradition in the British calendar and is televised across the country and reported on internationally. Stretching just over 4 miles, the boat race takes place in central London along the River Thames and is one of the most hotly anticipated sporting events in the city centre. If you are visiting the Park Grand London Heathrow during this weekend, take a trip down to the Thames and find a spot to watch this highly competitive race take place.
London Games Festival
The London Games Festival is an annual celebration of all things gamer culture. This event takes place between the 2nd and 14th of April and spans many venues across the city. From industry networking events to showcases of the best in new games technology, the London Games Festival is one for all ages and tastes. For those game fans who are just looking to explore the world as opposed to setting up business within it, check out the Now Play This exhibition at Somerset House, where you can explore the cutting edge of experimental game design.
