June is a fine month of the year to be in London - the days are long and summer is officially here. With any luck, the weather will be good the capital's visitors and locals alike, meaning that you can take advantage of everything London has to offer outside as well as in. Here are a few things we, here at La Gaffe, recommend checking out this June...

1. Trooping the Colour

Photo c/o Town and Country

This is a celebration that marks the Queen's 'Official' birthday (being the Queen she has two!). It's an amazing parade to watch - over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians perform a spectacular display of pageantry and fanfare.So why not join the crowds who line the streets and wave flags, and watch the parade move from Buckingham Palace, down the Mall and into Horse Guard's Parade?

You'll also see members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages. Who knows, maybe Harry and Megan will bring baby Archie to enjoy the fun! For more details about tickets, take a look at https://changing-guard.com/ceremonial/trooping-the-colour.html. Saturday 8th June, beginning at 10 am (Fly Past with the RAF at 1 pm) Horse Guard's Parade (Charing Cross or Embankment tubes

 

2. West End Live

London's home to some of the best theatre and musicals in the world and, this June, you can enjoy performances of some of the leading shows, hosted in Trafalgar Square. Events this year include Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Kinky Boots (and a lot more besides). West End Live is free and extremely popular so make sure you arrive early to find a good spot. To get an idea of how good last year's performances were, take a look at this link https://officiallondontheatre.com/west-end-live/

Saturday 22nd - Sunday 23rd June, Trafalger Square (Charing Cross or Leicester Square tubes)

 

3. Taste of London Festival in Regent's Park

ic: Photo c/o Martin White Designs

The ultimate festival for foodies, for five days this year Regent's Park is transformed into a culinary wonderland. Many of London's best restaurants will be there, showing off their most popular dishes and there's also a chance to meet the chefs behind the creations! As well as the mouth-watering dishes, you'll be able to watch live cooking demonstrations, participate in masterclasses and browse over 200 shops for artisanal produce on sale. Restaurants taking part this year include Club Gaston, Bao. Claw, Kutir and the Mango Tree (and so many more besides). Wednesday 19th - Sunday 23rd June Regent's Park (nearest tube, Regent's Park. https://london.tastefestivals.com/tickets 

 

 

4. London Hong Kong Dragonboat Festival

Photo courtesy of Draganboat.info.gov.hk

Originating in southern China, around 2,500 years ago, Dragon Boat racing remains one of the country's most popular water sports - and now it's in London! For the last 10 years, it's been an annual charity event in the capital, and thousands of people now attend it. The Dragonboat Racing Festival is a great chance to find out more about Chinese Culture - this year, there are 5 different cups up for grabs, as well as lots of entertainment and attractions. A great family day out, with a lot of atmosphere no doubt. So whether you're a beginner or a seasoned paddler, come and enjoy this great free event.

Sunday 20th June, Royal Albert Docks (Upton Park tube or Canning Town railways station)  



5. Open Garden Squares Weekend

London is full of simply amazing green spaces, many of them hidden from view. But for one special weekend each year, their gates are opened to the public. The astonishing number of squares in the city means that you can spend hours and hours, on 8th and 9th June, wandering through these gardens (there are also quite a lot of guided tours offered) and meet the gardeners too! Moreover, there are a host of activities on offer - poetry corners, cycle rides, family activities. The gardens open are all over London - Hampstead, Marylebone, Bloomsbury, Hackney and Kennington are just a few neighbourhoods. So whether you're got green fingers, or you just like green spaces, pick up a ticket. https://opengardensquares.eventcube.io/events/15141/open-garden-squares-weekend-2019/

Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th June, across London