Some of the major festival and events supported by the GLA include:
What to see and do
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year falls between late January and mid-February, and is one of the biggest festivals of the year for the Chinese community. This annual celebration takes place in and around Trafalgar Square and Chinatown.
Plan your Chinese New Year in London.
New Year’s Eve
A glorious annual firework display to welcome the New Year.
Plan your New Year in London here.
Eid in the Square
Eid in the Square celebrates the Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is celebrated with a festival every autumn in Trafalgar Square with performances, food, music and children’s activities.
Find out more about Eid in the Square.
Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year, is the holiest day of the calendar for over 20 million Sikhs worldwide. The official date is celebrated on 13 April each year, but Vaisakhi on the Square will be held on Sunday 15 May from 12 noon - 6pm in Trafalgar Square. The event is free for anyone to attend and you will be able to enjoy live music, dance, guest artists and DJ's from Sunrise Radio.
Further info on Vaisakhi in London.
Diwali in the Square
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, held in Trafalgar Square in October is a wonderful day for all the family, and sees the square transformed by magical light displays, music and dance performances.
More information on Diwali in London.
Liberty Festival
This Trafalgar Square festival showcases the abilities and talents of disabled and deaf artists, musicians, dancers and performers. Liberty is an annual event hosted by the GLA since 2003. The 2010 festival took place on 4 September, and is now looking forward to 2012 and its connection with LOCOG’s ‘Unlimited’, the UK’s arts, sports and culture programme.
Find out more about Liberty Festival
Open Jewish Culture
This new festival showcasing the best of Jewish culture in London was launched in March 2010.
To find out more, visit the Open Jewish Culture website.
EAST Festival
The EAST Festival champions the vibrant and unique cultural life of East London with hundreds of events – many of them free.
Find out more about EAST Festival.
London Film Day
This is a new initiative from the Mayor of London in association with Film London and the BFI London Film Festival to celebrate all things film across London.
Get more information on London Film Day.
St George's Day celebrations
A free concert in Trafalgar Square on 24 April will bring together the celebrations for St George’s Day and the Mayor's 'Rhythm of London' festival.
More about the St George's Day concert.
