Thursday
Jan152009

Recession Proof Activities in London

With 2009 shaping up to being a difficult year financially with a recession looming over us and with London being one of the most expensive cities in Europe you would expect the majority of people would be scared to leave their homes in an attempt to save money.

However in London there are many cultural and exciting attractions that are very cheap and even better completely free! If you are looking for a London attraction on your own, with friends, or family there is literally hundreds of places to go that won’t cost you a penny.

You may be thinking that the places that offer these amazing deals would only offer them at certain times, or would restrict entry numbers, or you would have to book well in advance to even get a chance of getting in. This would be an incorrect assumption also, there is no catch, and for once this sounds too good to be true but it is true.

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Tuesday
Jan132009

Cirque Du Soleil in London

One of the most spectacular and renowned theatrical shows in the world is performing in London over the next month, the Cirque du Soleil is known worldwide for their energetic stage productions and acrobatic performances. The Cirque du Soleil (French for ‘Circus of the Sun’) was founded in Quebec in 1984, starting with 20 performers and has been performing and growing ever since, now employing 3,500 people from over 40 countries. To date the Cirque Du Soleil has performed to 1.5 million people in the UK alone and over 70 million people worldwide.

The show currently touring Europe is the ‘Quidam’, meaning ‘a nameless passerby’. The show first premiered in 1996 and is based around the dreams and imagination of a young girl named Zoe, and draws heavily from surrealist art. All Cirque Du Soleil shows are known for their stunning sets and interesting storylines, shows often include flying dancers and vibrant costumes. The Quidam is also known for its critically acclaimed and atmospheric music soundtrack from the Canadian composer Benoit Jutras, often utilising exotic instruments such as the Chinese Violin ‘Erhu’.

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Thursday
Dec182008

Oh no it isn't, oh yes it is...it's pantomime season in London!

If you are still trying to get into the spirit of Christmas then the traditional British pantomime is always a fun way for the entire family to get some of that festive cheer. There is a whole host of traditional pantomimes running over the Christmas period including some classic children’s stories, and one that is always well received is ‘The Snowman’. Adapted from the 1978 book by Raymond Briggs, it has turned into a timeless Christmas story well loved by children and adults alike. The stage show was first produced in 1993 but since 1997 the show has been traditionally shown at the Peacock Theatre in the West End. Just as in the 1982 cartoon the play depicts the story using action and music only, without dialogue, and look out for new characters including the Ice Princess and Jack Frost. The Snowman will be showing from the 3rd of December to the 11th of January so there will be plenty of opportunities to catch this time honoured Christmas story.

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Sunday
Dec072008

London New Year Fireworks Display

Celebrate going into 2009 with a unique and dazzling fireworks show in the capital city of London.

The traditional event will be broadcast live on BBC 1, and Radio 1 will be providing the musical entertainment for all the Londoners heading into the city to watch the fireworks live and to celebrate the New Year along with millions of others meeting 2009 with a bang.

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Sunday
Dec072008

Festive Christmas Events this Winter

If you are looking to get involved in the spirit of Christmas this winter then there are various activities across London to get you in that Christmas mood, from singing carols at the Royal Albert Hall to enjoying the Christmas cheer and tree at Trafalgar Square.

Christmas Carols in the Capital

The Royal Albert Hall will be hosting a great variety carol performance leading up to Christmas day, starting on the 14th with the London Concert Orchestra and a Christmas carol sing along. With many seasonal favourites due to be played such as ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘Jingle Bells’ and with audience participation as standard, it looks like it will be a great way of enjoying a Christmas carol this festive season. On the 18th the famous Kings College Choir will take to the Royal Albert Hall’s stage and will perform a repertoire of festive songs as well as Hayden’s ‘The Creation’ and all supported by the Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus. Tickets cost from £11.50 so book soon to avoid disappointment. Also at the Royal Albert Hall on the 21st is the Carols by candlelight, Steven Devine is leading the Mozart Festival Orchestra as they perform seasonal classics from composers from Bach, Handel and Vivaldi. With the added readings from Charles Dickens and the Bible, this should be a splendid occasion to get your family into the festive mood. Tickets range from £11 to £41.50 ranging from the 21st to the 24th.

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