Mercure's travel guides

London buzzes with excitement at all hours, every day – and its events calendar is overwhelming. Spring sees the Royal Ascot horse races and Wimbledon tennis championship; summer brings the Proms and Notting Hill Carnival; Bonfire Night's firework displays put an end to autumn; during Christmas and New Year, the streets fill with festive lights and carol singers. World fairs take place regularly at venues such as Earl's Court and Olympia, including the BBC Good Food Show and International Boat Show. Not everything comes at a price: many theatres hold free lunchtime concerts and there are free cinema screenings during September's Portobello film festival. Pick up Time Out for the lowdown on London's current events.

The Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill, London
0870 059 1111
http://www.nottinghill-carnival.co.uk/

Description:

Roar! Europe's biggest street party transforms west London into a hive of music, food and fun each August long holiday weekend. More than two million people boogie during this carnival, which Trinidadian immigrants launched after the 1950s race riots. Now only steel bands battle in this neighbourhood, so chic that Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant canoodled here in the rom-com classic "Notting Hill."
the 1950s race riots. Now only steel bands battle in this neighbourhood, so chic that Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant canoodled here in the rom-com classic "Notting Hill."
August 28 - August 29, 2011

The Proms

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP
020 7589 8212
http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms

Description:

Officially known as the BBC Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, this series of performances brings classical music to the masses. Since 1895, it has sought not only to entertain but to teach audiences about music and familiarize them with lesser-known works. Approximately 70 concerts are held during the festival, and the quality of performances is outstanding, thanks to the standards imposed early on by conductor and organizer Henry Wood. Most concerts take place at Royal Albert Hall, and if you didn't book in advance, it's worth queuing up for an inexpensive standing room spot. If your endeavours fail, know that BBC Radio 3 broadcasts all performances, and many can also be viewed on live television. TUBE: South Kensington
July 15 - September 10, 2011

2012 Summer Olympic Games

Various Locations, London
http://www.london2012.com/

Description:

When the Summer Olympic Games kick off in London in 2012, the city will become the first in the world to host three such prestigious events – the Games were previously held here in 1908 and 1948. Races and competitions for the 26 Olympic sports will be held in a mixture of purpose-built stadia and existing venues, including Hyde Park and the Earl's Court exhibition centre. The new Olympic Park sports complex will be housed in East London' Stratford. Tickets go on sale in spring 2011.
July 27 - August 12, 2012