London Events to Look Forward to; World Pride 2012

London will be THE place to be in 2012. The Olympic Games come to town, her Majesty celebrates her Diamond Jubilee but most importantly of all Pride London will be hosting WorldPride 2012!

Led by Pride London with support from Visit London and the Mayor of London, London beat tough competition to be awarded the WorldPride parade in 2012.

Organised by InterPride, WorldPride promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues on an international level through parades, festivals and other cultural activities.

London's WorldPride in 2012 is expected to attract over one million visitors. The two week festivities will most likely take place from 23 June to 8 July 2012, with the main parade held on 7 July, but you should keep an eye on the website to get the final

Buckingham Palace Tour July 23- October 3 2011

Why not visit Buckingham Palace this summer? Explore the magnificent State Rooms, lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection. A visit includes the special exhibition Royal Fabergé, a dazzling display of over 100 masterpieces from Imperial Easter Eggs and jewel-encrusted boxes to miniature carvings of favourite royal pets.

Buckingham Palace serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty The Queen, as well as the administrative headquarters of the Royal Household. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today.

Today the State Rooms are used extensively by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions. During August and September when The Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland, the Palace's nineteen state rooms are open to visitors.

Tickets are available online.

Opening hours

23 July - 3 October 2011

09:30-18:30 (last admission 16:15) A tour typically takes 2-3 hours.

Book your London Hotel at the same time.The Palm Hotel is a stylish luxury boutique hotel, located just four and a half miles from central London's Oxford Circus and only five minutes from the M1 motorway.

Fathers Day in London 19 June 2011

Its easy to think of a weekend away in London for a Mother day surprise, but Dads enjoy a trip too. The Palm hotel can take the stress out of a trip to London for Dads; there is easy access from all major routes from the north (M1, the North Circular, A41, A406) without having to pay the congestion charge.The Palm Hotel provides free, on site parking and is well serviced by London Transport bus, overground and underground services. A direct bus route takes you to Oxford Street and London's West End is just 20 minutes away.

The hotel is ideally situated for a city break, to attend sporting events or concerts at major London venues, shopping trips or sightseeing in London's West End, Museums, good food and just a break from the normal weekend chores.

Ceremony of Beating Retreat, Horse Guards Parade

On two successive evenings each year in June a magnificent pageant of military music, precision drill and colour takes place on Horse Guards Parade in the heart of London when the Massed Bands of the Household Division carry out the Ceremony of Beating Retreat.

It is an unforgettable evening as 300 musicians, drummers and pipers perform this age-old ceremony. The Retreat has origins in the early days of chivalry when beating or sounding retreat pulled a halt to the days fighting, a return to camp and the mounting of the guard for the night.

The salute is taken by Her Majesty The Queen or another member of The Royal Family.

The participants of Household Division Beating Retreat are drawn from the bands of the two Household Cavalry Regiments and the five Foot Guards Regiments which make up the Household Division.

The Massed Bands of The Royal Marines have also been Beating Retreat on Horse Guards Parade approximately every three years since 1960 to celebrate the birthday of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Captain General Royal Marines.

The Household Division Beating Retreat will take place on Wednesday 8th June and Thursday 9th June 2011 at 9pm on Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, London.The ticket office is now open at www.guardsbeatingretreat.com or phone 0844 847 2435

Book your London Hotel for the event at The Palm Hotel

Trooping the Colour

The custom of Trooping the Colour dates back to the time of Charles II in the 17th. Century when the Colours of a regiment were used as a rallying point in battle and were therefore trooped in front of the soldiers every day to make sure that every man could recognise those of his own regiment. In London, the Foot Guards used to do this as part of their daily Guard Mounting on Horse Guards and the ceremonial of the modern Trooping the Colour parade is along similar lines.

This impressive display of pageantry is now held on the occasion of the Queen's Official Birthday. It takes place in June each year to celebrate the official Birthday of the Sovereign and is carried out by her personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with the Queen herself attending and taking the salute.

Since 1987, The Queen has attended in a carriage rather than riding, which she did before that on 36 occasions, riding side-saddle and wearing the uniform of the regiment whose Colour was being trooped. The regiments take their turn for this honour in rotation as operational commitments permit.

Over 1400 officers and men are on parade, together with two hundred horses; over four hundred musicians from ten bands and corps of drums march and play as one. Some 113 words of command are given by the Officer in Command of the Parade. The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.

Precisely as the clock on the Horse Guards Building strikes eleven, the Royal Procession arrives and The Queen takes the Royal Salute. The parade begins with the Inspection, The Queen driving slowly down the ranks of all eight Guards and then past the Household Cavalry. After the event, the Royal Family gathers on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch an RAF flypast

If you missed the Royal Wedding this is a second chance this year to see British Pageantry at its best. Book your North London Hotel for you London Visit now.

FA CUP FINAL Stacy Solomon Sings National Anthem

The build up to the FA Cup Final can now begin for Manchester City following their win against Tottenham on Monday, winning them a Champions League spot. In some ways this is also good news for Stoke City, who will automatically take a Europa League place, win or lose on Saturday.

Latest news for FA Cup final traditions is that Stacey Solomon, who won ITV’s I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here in December 2010, will perform a pre-match set on the Wembley pitch before singing the National Anthem.The former X Factor star will be joined by three-piece vocal group, Tenors Unlimited, who will perform the traditional FA Cup Final hymn, Abide with Me.

If you have already bought your ticket check out the view of the pitch at Wembley from your seat.

Manchester City and Stoke 2011 Cup Final Kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 11th May

Book your Wembley Hotel now

London Olympic Rehearsal Tickets on Sale

London Olympic organizers begin a series of test events this month for next year's Summer Games, inviting international athletes to experience many venues for the first time.

The organizing committee said Friday that its 42-event test program begins May 30 with an invitational road race to test the marathon and walk routes, which include a stretch along The Mall in central London.

A total of 150,000 tickets will be on sale across several events to help appraise ticketing technology, although many will be free to the public.

"This is a dress rehearsal for us, but the public of course will see the rehearsal not the dress. It will look and feel quite different (to the Olympics)," London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton said.There will testing across 26 venues, with a basketball invitational tournament and BMX supercross World Cup running concurrently in mid-August as the first events in the Olympic Park in east London.

There will be 3,000 tickets on sale for each of the basketball and BMX events.

Book your tickets and your London Hotel for this summers Olympic rehearsal.

Chelsea Flower Show 24-28 May 2011

RHS Chelsea Flower Show, 24-28 May 2011 is the world’s most famous flower show and is a celebration of the highest quality horticulture.Chelsea is famous for cutting edge garden design, and with more than 30 gardens on show, there will be plenty to inspire you.

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced that they have officially sold out of tickets for this year's Chelsea Flower show. If you are lucky enough to have a ticket, book your London Hotel now. The Palm Hotel offers free parking and is well serviced by London Transport bus, overground and underground services.

Spitalfields Market Hosts London Jewelery Week

London’s Old Spitalfields Market will take part in London Jewellery Week (LJW) with a week-long celebration that will include workshops, demonstrations and a catwalk event.

The JewelEast event includes a week-long celebration during LJW, which runs from June 6 to 12, showcasing up and coming jewellery designers and costume and vintage jewellery.
Additionally, the event will be open to the public every Tuesday throughout March, June, October and November.

LJW managing director Della Tinsley said: “These JewelEast events will not only satisfy the interests of jewellery lovers, but also provide an excellent opportunity for people considering embarking on a career in the industry.

Book your London Hotel for London Jewelery Week

Wembley Sports Finals in May 2011

The FA Carlsberg Vase Final
Holders Whitley Bay defend their trophy against Coalville Town. Kick-off at Wembley is 3pm, gates open at 1.30pm

FA Cup Final- Manchester City V Stoke City
The 130th FA Cup Final takes place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 14th May- Kick off is 3pm, gates open at 1pm.
THE FA CARLSBERG TROPHY FINAL
Football Conference Premier rivals Darlington and Mansfield Town face each other in The FA Trophy Final at Wembley. Kick-off is at 3pm, gates open at 1.30pm

The Champions League Final
UEFA's showpiece Final reaches Wembley Stadium on Saturday 28 May. Kick-off is at 7.45pm, gates open 4.30pm

The npower Football League Championship Play Off Final will be played at Wembley Stadium on Monday 30 May. More details to come.

Located outside congestion charge zone, Best Western Palm Hotel offers free on-site parking facilities and is well serviced by National Express and Transport of London services. Plan your journey to Wembley From The Palm Hotel

Manchester United Fans Need to Book their North London Hotel

Tickets are sold out for the Arsenal Man Utd match at the Emirates this weekend. However Manchester United fans, and travelling Arsenal fans can still book their North London Hotel for the match which could seal United Premiership title for the 19th time.

Easy Access from the M1 and M40, free parking and a choice of London transport options to the Emirates means The Palm Hotel is your only choice. If you book online you get a further 10% discount.


Arsenal v Manchester United
Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium
Sunday, May 01, 2011, 14:05

Royal Wedding Last Minute Matters

A final private rehearsal was held for the couple at the venue last night, along with Prince Harry and the Middleton family.

Showers are forecast for the Royal Wedding, but when the sun shines it should feel very pleasant with less of a breeze and temperatures hitting 19 or 20 Celsius, 68 Fahrenheit.

Spectators heading to central London to watch the Royal Wedding on giant screens are being encouraged to dress up for the occasion by wearing hats.

The screens in Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square will show all the highlights from guests arriving at Westminster Abbey to William and Kate emerging on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

If you are not making your way to London and intend to watch the Royal Wedding on TV you will still need to feed the family, so get to the supermarket early today; it is going to be the busiest day of the year as shoppers stock up ahead of the Royal Wedding.

The Palm Hotel

Royal Wedding update: Official programme, including Order of Service, available online today.

The Official Programme for the wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton is now available for the public to download for free.

The Official Programme includes the full Order of Service (as used by guests in Westminster Abbey), a personal message of thanks from Prince William and Miss Middleton, and a photo of the Couple taken by photographer Mario Testino at the time of the Couple’s engagement.

The Official Programme features Prince William’s recently updated Coat of Arms on the front cover and Catherine Middleton’s new Coat of Arms on the back cover.

The Order of Service includes full details about the processions, music, hymns, prayers and readings. The Wedding Service follows the Book of Common Prayer (Alternative Services: Series One). There will be one Lesson during the service, which the Couple have asked James Middleton to read.

The Official Programme will also be available for free electronically in two formats: as a page-turning Ceros PDF (using Flash) and an iBook compatible with Apple products, which can be downloaded from the Apple iBookstore.

On the wedding day, 150,000 copies of the programme will be sold by 60 Explorer Scouts and 80 Cadets (supervised by adults) for £2 per copy at locations in Green Park, Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Trafalgar Square. Profits from the sale of the Official Programme will go to benefit The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

Palm Hotel

Family Trip to London; Visit The Doctor Who Experience

The Doctor Who Experience Opened at Olympia in February and has proved very popular with Family enjoying a weekend trip to London. The Exhibition promises to be an unmissable adventure featuring an exhilarating and unique walk-through experience and an awe-inspiring exhibition.

Steven Moffat, Executive Producer and show runner for the hit television series comments: "The Doctor Who Experience is a fans dream come true - a fully interactive adventure that will allow viewers of the show to get as close as possible to some of the scariest monsters from the series. It will also be the first time that Doctor Who artefacts from all the show's 47 year history - classic and new - will be on display together, many of them being seen for the first time. And never mind that, this is the day the Doctor teaches you how to fly the TARDIS through time and space, and takes you into battle with all his deadliest enemies in a brand new adventure. So steady your nerves and bring your own sofa - the Doctor needs you!"

It is just a 19 minute overground train journey to Kensington (Olympia) Rail Station from West Hampstead Station, so book your hotel now. The exhibition continues through to November 2011.

London Summer Events; Batman World Tour

For the first time in DC Comics history, see Batman the world's most popular DC Super Hero as you've never seen him before, in an all-new, live-action arena adventure, set to take the world by storm. Premiering in the UK in Summer 2011, Batman Live - World Arena Tour is a multi-million pound stage production of unprecedented scale and a must-see for families and Batman fans everywhere.

Based on an original story being created exclusively for the show, BATMAN LIVE is a theatrical extravaganza of thrilling stunts, acrobatic acts and illusions. Never before has Gotham City, Wayne Manor, the Batcave and Arkham Asylum been brought to life on stage in a more visually exciting way. Join Batman and Robin as they battle their nemesis The Joker and other super-villains such as The Riddler, Catwoman, The Penguin, Two-Face and Harley Quinn, set on destroying Gotham City.

Book you London stay over at the same time at The Palm Hotel.The Show is on at the O2 Arena from 24 August to 4 September and tickets are availble from the website. The Palm Hotel offers free parking and is well serviced by London Transport bus, overground and underground services.

Visiting London? Book The Thames Speed Boat Trip

London RIB voyages offer the original Thames Cruise with a unique difference – see London’s famous landmarks as you whizz along the Thames in our comfortable RIB boats. This is the original speed boat ride on the Thames.

Speed through London at up to 35 knots as the Thames is eaten up by 400hp of engine power as you ‘pull G’ past the MI6 building before zooming under the capital’s famous bridges and marvel at London’s landmarks.

Stag and Hen parties, corporate events etc are all catered for, but also available special school holiday booking rates for families.So,book your London weekend away and you Thames speedboat experience now.

Where to Watch the London Marathon

Along the route there are several official cheering points including at Montgomery Square in Canary Wharf where there will be live radio broadcasts and entertainment from various bands.

Other good spots on the Isle of Dogs include the City Pride pub on Westferry Road on the 15 mile mark where you get a chance to see the runners twice, also at the 18 mile point. The pub always has a fun, carnival-like atmosphere.

The Lord Nelson pub near Mudchute also has live music at the 17 mile mark and is less crowded as it is away from the main tourist hotspots.

Poplar at mile 20, is another less busy area. Head for the DLR station.

One of the most popular spots is Tower Bridge, but it gets chronically busy so be warned to fight your way through the crowds. Also avoid Greenwich town centre this year. The route will not be going round the Cutty Sark and with the foot tunnels out of action it will be a lot of hassle for spectators.

London Marathon; 88 Pubs on Route Judged for their Decor

More than one form of competition will be taking place when the Virgin London Marathon gets underway on Sunday morning. The discerning eyes of the judging committee will be scrutinising the 88 pubs which line the historic route.

Year upon year, the pubs are transformed during the course of Saturday night, ready to appear in full marathon finery for race day. Defending the 2010 title will be The Liberty Bounds, standing proudly within sight of such landmarks as Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, led by manager Jay Blower. He'll be leading his team for a third year on one of their busiest days of the year.

If you have not managed to enter or train for the race, perhaps this might be a more suitable way of following the route?

There's still time to book your North London Hotel for this weekends race.

Caterers & Catering Companies in North London

The Palm Hotel in North London offers an in house catering service providing everything from a romantic dinner for two to a corporate event for hundreds. A complete event can be organised through The Palm Hotel including venue hire, waiting staff, marquees, flowers and suggested menues.

The Chef at The Palm Hotel is always willing to discuss the use of, or source a particular food for your catering needs. Our menus include canapes, fork food, breakfasts, buffets, gourmet lunches, fine dinning and BBQ feasts for corporate events, weddings, private functions and family celebrations.

The Palm Hotel in North London are happy to accomodate or reccomend outside caterers iand catering companies for your special day.

Search our list of outside caterers including Vegetarian, Vegan, Asian, African, Kosher or Halal Caterers & Catering Companies in North London.

Taste of London in Regents Park

Be sure to keep 16-19 June free, when Taste of London will be returning to the glorious Regent's Park to demonstrate once more why it is the world's greatest restaurant festival.

With world class restaurants, chefs and produce, Taste of London is a sumptuous, indulgent foodie day out in the heart of the capital, and the 2011 event promises to be the best yet.

The heart of Taste of London is its restaurants: all key names on the London landscape and all helmed by chefs focused on the finest ingredients, technical fireworks and artful plating expected of kitchens competing in the capital's diverse, demanding and highly influential restaurant scene.

Restaurants at Taste London 2011

Benares • Bentley’s • Club Gascon • Corrigan’s Mayfair • Four-O-Nine • Gaucho Grill • Gauthier Soho • Kai Mayfair • Launceston Place • Le Caprice • Le Gavroche • Maze • ORA • Petrus • Rhodes 24 • Salt Yard • Scott’s • Skylon • Tamarind • The Cinnamon Club •The Ritz • Roux at The Landau • Yauatcha • York & Albany • Refettorio • L’Anima • and many more

Taste of London, in partnership with British Airways, will return for its eighth year to London’s Regent’s Park from 16-19th June 2011. Book your North London Hotel

London Weekend; Disused London Tube Stations are to Become Pubs

A London entrepreneur is attempting to secure funds to reopen disused underground stations for a variety of businesses including pubs and bars.Ajit Chambers, the businessman behind the scheme, believes the forgotten stations and tunnels can be revitalised by opening up new businesses and is confident of raising the money for the refurbishment of 26 disused stations.

The idea also has the blessing of Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who said: “This guy has a brilliant plan to open up disused underground stations. My pledge to you is that we will do it if it doesn’t cost a penny of tax payers’ money.”

Stations that could be reopened for businesses include Aldwych, which opened in 1907 and is commonly used for filming; South Kentish Town, which has been closed since 1924 and already hosts a sauna and massage parlour; and Euston, which is still a working station, but with a network of closed off tunnels, platforms and a ticket hall deep underground.

Its just one more thing to put on your to do list for a weekend away in London.

LONDON FILM LOCATIONS

London is not only for Museums, Art, Sport, History, RoyalWeddings/Jubilees and Shopping. It has also played host to many films. I imagined the internet would be swimming in databases where you could type in your film or your location and come up with somewhere to have your photo taken; along the same lines as walking across the zebra crossing in St Johns Wood, to mimic the Beatles Album Cover.

The Film London website provides film location information on a month by month search. and a quick location of the month.Its a site which is more for the film industry I think.

Movie London provides an interactive map, but you click on the location and see by chance which films were there, rather than being able to type in the film and find location, with description and photos and perhaps a clip?. Nevertheless you can spend a good half hour clicking, before you realise you are not really finding what you were looking for.

The best article I found was from BBC news which reported on a tube map which lists films shot at or near the London stations in the past 70 years; Passengers can brush up on their knowledge of cinema by looking at a Tube map where stations have been changed to films shot at the locations.The map has been produced by film and media agency Film London, BFI London Film Festival and Transport for London.

Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London, said: "On average there are approximately 35 crews shooting on location in the capital every day and that wealth of film-making can be seen in this wonderful Underground Film Map."

From the obvious titles such as Bourne Ultimatum at Waterloo Station and V for Vendetta blowing up the Houses of Parliament at Westminster, to the more surprising including The Dark Knight's Batcave in Vauxhall and An Education filming in Walthamstow, this map plots out the capital's credentials as one of the world's most popular film cities."

Unlike the regular Tube map, the cinematic version cannot be picked up from a station but is on sale at the BFI at Southbank, London Transport Museum, and online from TfL.

Queens Diamond Jubilee Emblem

This is the Queens Diamond Jubilee emblem chosen through a competition on Blue Peter; The emblem was designed by 10-year-old Katherine Dewar, from Chester.

The Diamond Jubilee seems a long way off at the moment and we have a couple of other events on the boil in London this year, but if the Golden jubilee Celebrations in London are anything to go by, the Diamond Jubilee celebrations are not to be missed.

Royal Wedding Road Closures For April 29th

Royal Wedding Road Closures For April 29th: "A large swathe of central London will be closed to road traffic for 19 hours on 29 April for the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Ka..."

Mothers Day Treats for Mums

There is still time to treat your Wife/Mum to a London West End Show and an overnight stay at the Palm Hotel. She wont have to clear up the breakfast you've made her and you will be in the good books forever.

Lastminute have Saturday 2nd April Tickets available for "In A Forest,Dark And Deep" starring Matthew Fox (the one from Lost)and if she hasn't seen Mamma Mia! yet, tickets for Saturday are just £20!

The Palm Hotel offers free parking and is well serviced by London Transport bus, overground and underground services. A direct bus route takes you from North West London to the West End in just 20 minutes.

Covent Garden Baby Gaga Ice Cream Off the Menu

Lady Gaga is apparently unhappy that the Icecreamists parlour in London's Covent Garden has called the frozen treat 'Baby Gaga'. Her lawyers argued that the ice cream parlour had "ridden the coattails of her reputation" The Guardian reported.

In a recent reply to the Gaga Lawyers,introduced them to some new flavours he was thinking of creating; Baby o'Gaga (for st Patricks day/ Rhymes with Radio Gaga) and The Doris Gaga (the real name of a lady living in South London.)

Westminster Council pulled it from the shelves over health fears in early March, though experts have since confirmed that breast milk is perfectly safe to ingest.However, so you may have to choose another flavour when you visit Covent Garden.

Central London Tube Station Upgrades

When organising your London Weekend away this spring, make sure you plan your journey with the following station news in mind;

Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street stations receiving major upgrades to increase capacity as part of the Tube Upgrade Programme. Some bus diversions necessary from 14 February for Bond Street works.

With Crossrail services set to begin in 2018, it's vital that we get these works well under way.Northern line won't stop at Tottenham Court Road station from April to November to enable major structural works on platforms.

The transformation of two of the Capital's busiest Tube stations is moving into a new phase as work intensifies to completely rebuild Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street stations.Both sets of works, which are part of the Tube Upgrade Programme, will require some changes to transport services in the area.

Placido Domingo and Angela Gheorghiu for One Night Only

Two of the opera world’s most celebrated names will appear in concert together for the first time in the UK next Summer, as Angela Gheorghiu and Placido Domingo join forces for a spectacular celebration of song at the O2 Arena London on Fri 29 Jul 2011, doors open at 18:30

You can book your ticket for this one night only event at the same time as your London Hotel for the evening

UK Tourism at the Heart Of Economic Recovery

The UK government has finally revealed its much-anticipated tourism strategy to mixed reaction from the industry.

In a landmark speech last year, David Cameron placed tourism at the heart of the UK’s economic recovery and urged the industry to put aside a substantial marketing fund.The UK hospitality scene kept its side of the bargain … but the tourism strategy unveiled last week by Tourism Minister John Penrose has failed to hit the mark.

The strategy, which looks to exploit the economic opportunities presented by the Royal Wedding, Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics, builds on the marketing plan, launched in January, which aims to generate four million extra overseas visitors over the next four years. The increase in overseas visitors would bring an extra £2 billion worth of visitor spend and help to create 50,000 new jobs across the country over that period, securing tourism’s place as one ofBritain’s biggest industries.

Key elements in the policy paper include plans to increase visitor numbers by:

• Consulting on whether to lengthen the tourism season by moving the first Bank Holiday in May to create either a new St George’s Day holiday in England (St David’s Day in Wales), or a Trafalgar Day bank holiday in the autumn half term
• Helping to improve staff skills in the sector through extra apprenticeships and courses
• Making tourist visas simpler, faster and more convenient to get
• Repairing market failure by modifying the existing, long-established Tourist Boards to become smaller, highly focused, industry-led partnerships between tourism firms and government
• Broadening our tourism offer by creating alternative destinations which match London, the UK’s biggest and most successful single tourism destination to capture the spare tourism capacity andpotential of other parts of Britain as well

Parliament Square Venue for Charities Royal Wedding Celebrations

Parliament Square should be set aside for London’s unsung heroes for the day of the Royal Wedding, council chiefs urged today.

Westminster council said the capital’s voluntary and community groups who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others should have exclusive access to the square giving them a prime viewing point of William and Kate’s celebrations on April 29th.

Under the proposals, each borough would provide details of suitable groups and individuals to ensure that there was representation in the square from every part of the capital.

It comes as the High Court is due to consider an application by the council to have the anti-war protestors removed from the square’s pavement for blocking the public highway.

Cllr Colin Barrow, leader of Westminster Council, said he hoped the Mayor of London and Prime Minister would back the idea which would represent the “Big Society coming to town to enjoy the big day.”

Cllr Barrow said: “On 29th April and in the days leading up to it, the eyes of the world will be on London.

“The royal wedding provides a unique opportunity to showcase everything that is great in the capital with Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey at its focal point.
“William and Kate have made it clear that they wish to have a different style of wedding and to share it with as many people as possible.

“So what better way to reclaim the square than to give it over on the day itself for the use of community and voluntary groups from across London who do so much fantastic work

London Olympic Tickets Now On Sale- Here's a Guide to Buying your Tickets

1. Applications for Olympic Games tickets will be accepted between today and April 26, but there is no advantage to submitting an application on the first or last day.

2. This is only a request for tickets – for sessions where demand exceeds supply, a ballot will be held to decide on who gets what.

3. Payment will be taken from all successful applicants between May 10 and June 10, with people notified of any tickets they’ve been allocated by June 24.

4. Only residents of the UK or designated European countries can apply, otherwise people have to go through the National Olympic Committee.

5. The only card accepted for payment is a Visa Card, an official sponsor of the 2012 Olympics.

6. Customers are committed to purchase any tickets they are allocated through the application process, whether they receive all or only some of the tickets they applied for.

7. Once your application is processed you cannot cancel, change or return the tickets you are allocated.

8. Ticket preferences cannot be ranked so it’s worth taking your time in selecting the sports sessions and price categories you want. You can apply for a maximum of 20 sessions.

9. The opening ceremony is on July 27 and the closing ceremony on August 12. Ticket prices range from £20 to £2,012.

10. Tickets are arranged by category depending on how close you will be to the action. There are discounts for 200 sessions for under-16s and seniors.

Book your London Hotel as soon as you get your ticket allocation.

England v Switzerland 2012 UEFA European Championship Qualifier

England will meet Switzerland in their final competitive game of the 2010-11 season at Wembley on 4 June.

Covent Garden Pub Gains 'National Pub of the Year'

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is excited to announce that in the year of the organisation's 40th anniversary, The Harp, Covent Garden, is the first London pub to win its National Pub of the Year competition.

CAMRA's National Pub of the Year accolade recognises all the criteria that make a great pub, including atmosphere, decor, customer service, value for money, clientele mix, and most importantly, the quality of the beer.

The Harp is described in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2011 as 'a small, friendly, independent free house which has become a haven for beer choice, generally including a mild or porter, Dark Star and London Micro-brewery seasonal. The narrow bar is adorned with mirrors, theatrical memorabilia and portraits. There is no intrusive music or TV and a cosy upstairs room provides refuge from the busy throng.'

Visit the Harp in Covent Garden when you have your London Weekend Trip.

WWE RAW and Smackdown at the O2

WWE Presents RAW comes The O2 arena on 18 April 2011.
Come see your favorite RAW Superstars Including:

John Cena
Randy Orton
Wade Barrett
Sheamus
Melina

WWE Presents SmackDown comes to The O2 arena on 19 April 2011.
Come see your favorite SmackDown Superstars Including:

Kane
Big Show
Edge
MVP
Kelly Kelly

Plus many more! Line up subject to change.

Tickets are on sale now. Book you London Hotel.

Royal Wedding Official Website Launched

The official Royal Wedding website celebrating the marriage of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton is launched today by St. James’s Palace.

The website, is the official information service for anyone interested in the forthcoming Royal Wedding. Regular announcements of wedding details in the run up to the wedding day will appear on the site.

The website will be regularly updated with exclusive content, including photo galleries, features, videos and links to important information for visitors on the day.

The website will bring together all of the official social media around the event, including the Clarence House and Buckingham Palace Flickr account, Twitter (@Clarence House), The Royal Channel on YouTube and the British Monarchy Facebook page, providing direct easy access to all channels of communication. Subject to further planning work, the website may feature a live web stream broadcast of the wedding itself.

As well as regular updates on the wedding details ahead of the event, on the day itself the site will be the first place to view information such as the details of Miss Middleton’s wedding dress.

Visiting London ; Direct Gov Launch Guide for Royal Wedding

Direct Gov have launched a website to help visitors to London for the Royal Wedding Celebrations.The website provides a lot of very useful information if you intend to visit London for the celebrations.

The marriage of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton will take place at Westminster Abbey on Friday 29 April 2011. The wedding service will begin at 11am.

There will be a special bank holiday for the royal wedding on Friday 29 April 2011. The extra bank holiday will also apply to Scotland.

Kate Middleton will travel along The Mall from Buckingham Palace to the abbey by car.

At around 12pm, after the ceremony, the newlyweds will return to Buckingham Palace in a grand carriage procession along a route that goes through:

Parliament Square
Whitehall
Horse Guards Parade
The Mall

The final public appearance of the day is likely to be on the Buckingham Palace balcony at around 1.30pm when the couple kiss for the cameras!

Easter Hotel Offers; 2 for 1 at London Hotel

Easter Package

•Two nights’ accommodation for two for the price of 1
•Full English Breakfast
•Complimentary car parking and VAT For only - £ 119.00*

*Terms and Conditions apply
•Subject to availability and is valid for stays on the 23th, 24th April 2011.
•Cancellation policy: min. 24 hours cancellation notice required (i.e. prior to the date of arrival) to avoid late cancellation charges.
•Extra nights available at the Best Available Rate.
•We reserve the right to alter or withdraw the special offer at any time without prior notice.

For all enquiries or to book a bedroom, please dial 0800 814 2525 (free-line)

UEFA Champions League Final 2011

The 2011 UEFA Champions League Final takes place on Saturday 28 May 2010. This is the sixth time the European Cup Final has been held at Wembley, although this is the first time since the Stadium was rebuilt. Wembley now seats 90,000.

The Final was last on home soil in 2002-03, when Juventus lost to Milan at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Royal Wedding; Prince Harry is Best Man

Little by little we are getting news of the Royal Wedding plans.Clarence House tweeted yesterday;

Miss Catherine Middleton has asked her sister, Miss Philippa Middleton, to be her Maid of Honour.

Prince William has asked his brother, Prince Harry, to be his Best Man which is a break from tradition, which usually means that the Royal Groom has a number of 'supporters'. No doubt, Prince William wants his brother to have full control of the stag do.

Prince William and Miss Middleton have chosen the following Bridesmaids and Page Boys:
The Lady Louise Windsor
(Aged 7 – daughter of The Earl and Countess of Wessex)
The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones
(Aged 8 – daughter of Viscount and Viscountess Linley)
Miss Grace van Cutsem
(Aged 3 – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh van Cutsem)
Miss Eliza Lopes
(Aged 3 – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lopes)
Master William (Billy) Lowther-Pinkerton
(Aged 10 – son of Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton)
Master Tom Pettifer
(Aged 8 – son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pettifer )
Miss Grace van Cutsem and Master Tom Pettifer are godchildren of Prince William.

Olympic Gold Medal Dates For London 2012

Today the London Olympic timetable and ticket prices are released. Olympic tickets actually go on sale on March 15th so now is the time to study the timetable and chose your event days, with the possibility of your country getting the gold medal top priority.

Most people, even non sports fans watch some gymnastics or the 100metres final during the Olympics.For those of us who enjoy sport we are all of a sudden excited about cycling, rowing, sailing, archery,swimming and diving! These are the events where Team GB excel, where we might see the Union Jack raised, accompanied by the National Anthem.

The 2012 Olympics kick off on Saturday 28th July and for Team GB the chances of a gold begin immediately with Mark Cavendish on the mens road cycling event, followed by Nicole Cooke on the Sunday 29th, hoping to repeat the most exciting sprint finish in Beijing.

If you don't fancy the brief glimpse of a Team GB bike passing you, Rebecca Addlington starts her Olympics on Sunday also in the Aquatics Centre. She will be trying for a second gold in the 400m freestyle.

Monday 30th July Tom Daley starts diving, Tuesday 31st the equestrian events start but my choice would be to go to watch David Florence in the canoeing at the Lea Valley White Water Centre in North London

For a weekend of athletics with the best chance of Gold, book to see Jessica Ennis final day of Heptathalon on Saturday 4th August followed by one of the free events in central London on Sunday 5th August- Paula Radcliffe's final attempt at Olympic Marathon Gold.

The Palm Hotel has already taking bookings for the Olympics.We are anticipating a busy few weeks. If your are organising your trip from abroad,the low cost airlines fly into Luton and Stansted, north of London, and airport coaches coming into London pass through North West London with a stop at nearby Golders Green Bus Station!

By road, there is easy access to the Palm Hotel from all major routes from the north (M1, the North Circular, A41, A406) without having to pay the congestion charge. A hotel with free parking should always be a top choice.

Birmingham City Carling Cup Final Tickets Rush

Birmingham City Carling Cup Final tickets rush meant fans missed Stoke City win Birmingham Mail

Writing on Twitter, Stuart Brereton wrote: “What’s going on with cup final ticket sales? Been queuing for three hours and gone nowhere.”

Another user, Jude May, wrote: “Ridiculous inefficiency with Wembley ticket sales. Have they only got one person serving?”

You can book your Wembley Hotel a lot quicker than buying your Wembley Carling Cup final Ticket- online or by phone on +44 (0)208 455 5220.The Palm Hotel is only five minutes from the M1 motorway,has free parking and is ideally situated for nearby Wembley Stadium.

Arsenal v Birmingham City
The Carling Cup Final
4pm, Sunday 27 February 2011
Wembley Stadium

Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2011/02/14/birmingham-city-carling-cup-final-tickets-rush-meant-fans-missed-stoke-city-win-97319-28166511/#ixzz1E1qev8ME

The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

The idea for a rowing race between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge came from two friends - Charles Merivale, a student at Cambridge, and his Harrow school friend Charles Wordsworth (nephew of the poet William Wordsworth), who was at Oxford.

On 12 March 1829, Cambridge sent a challenge to Oxford and thus the tradition was born which has continued to the present day, where the loser of the previous year’s race challenges the opposition to a re-match.

The Modern Boat Race still runs along the same lines but has now become a major international sporting occasion drawing millions of viewers from around the world.

On Race Day up to 250,000 spectators crowd the banks of the Thames from Putney to Mortlake to witness the action.

Cambridge currently lead the series since 1829 by 80-75. Cambridge won the 2010 Race.

The 157th Boat Race takes place on Saturday, 26 March 2011 at 17:00.

Be one of those 250,000 spectators on the banks of the Thames-book your London Weekend Hotel Now

Got To Dance Live 2011

Got To Dance Live 2011 will take place on March 4th-6th at Excel London. You can just go along and watch, or show off your moves on the Free Style Stages.

Judges, Adam Garcia, Ashley Banjo and Kimberly Wyatt will be appearing at Got To Dance Live to meet the fans at various times during the three day event.

Book your tickets online or by phone 0844 873 7331.Dance Class tickets can be purchased in advance - however you must first purchase an Entry ticket to be able to order your Dance Class tickets, Dance Class tickets purchased without an Entry Ticket will not be valid.

London Events; Vegetarian Society Meet the Manufacturers, 20 February

On Sunday 20th Feb 2011, the Vegetarian Society are organising a special event to bring vegetarian product manufacturers and vegetarian consumers together.The event will be held at The Window Conference Centre, 13 Windsor Street, Islington, London N1 8QG from 11am to 4pm. Its an exclusively vegetarian venue perfect for meetings and conferences, and an accredited member of our Food and Drink Guild.Manufacturers who have confirmed attendance include:

London's Busy Sporting Year

The UK's capital is set to see one of its busiest years for major sporting events for over a decade with numerous world-class events taking place in London throughout 2011, reports Freshthinking. As the city prepares for the world's most famous sporting event of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the capital will prepare to welcome over thirty top sporting events over the next 12 months.

Many of the events happening in 2011 will take place in future Olympic venues, including the World Badminton Championships in Wembley Arena (8-14th August) and the ITU World Triathlon London (6-7th August) which will take place in and around Hyde Park.

As well as the popular repeat sporting events such as the NFL, ATP Tennis, the London Marathon and The Boat Race (Oxford vs. Cambridge), London will also play host to a number of unique events in 2011. One particular coup for London is hosting the first ever NBA Season Games to take place outside of North America. The games will take place in the O2 Arena on the 4th and 5th March and will see New Jersey Nets battle it out against the Toronto Raptors.

Another major sporting event to come to the city in May 2011 will be the UEFA Champions League Final, which will take place on the 28th May at Wembley Stadium. With a whole programme of events and football fan activities lined-up including an eight-day Champions Festival fan experience in Hyde Park the event will be a citywide celebration of the beautiful game.

Following this winter's retention of the Ashes in Australia, cricket fans will also be able to see the England team in action against Sri Lanka and India at the Oval and at Lords.

NBA New Jersey Nets & Toronto Raptors at the O2

The O2 - NBA London Games - New Jersey Nets vs Toronto Raptors - Devin Harris

First-ever NBA regular-season game in Europe! Be part of history. The excitement and passion of the NBA will be on display as the New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors compete in NBA Games - London 2011.

Following the success of multiple sold-out pre-season games in London, the NBA is hosting regular-season games in Europe for the first time in March, 2011.

Tickets are on sale now, and dont forget to book your London Hotel

Lords Cricket Groud Hosts England Summer 2011 Tests

Following England’s successful Ashes campaign you may be inspired to go and watch England's cricket heroes for one of their 2011 Test matches or one day games.

This Summer the England cricket play host to Sri Lanka and India.

The second npower test between England and Sri Lanka will take place at Lord’s on June 3-7 with the third NatWest Series one day international v Sri Lanka at Lord's on July 3

The first npower Test v India at Lord’s is timetabled for July 21-25 with the 4th NatWest Series one day v India at Lord's on September 11th

The Palm Hotel is just 3.3 miles from Lords Cricket Ground which is on St John's Wood Rd, London NW8.

Glee and Justin Bieber Comes to The O2 Arena

Glee tour have added new performances for their upcoming live tour; 26 June at 12.30 and 30 June at 18.30.

Justin Bieber has also added 17 March for his O2 Concerts and has revealed that he has been offered a guest role in the TV show Glee, but says he will only take it if he can appear alongside X Factor judge Cheryl Cole.

Tickets are on sale now.Book Your London Hotel at the same time.

Usher Adds a Date at the O2 During Half Term

Usher has been forced to add a 5th London show due to overwhelming public demand. Usher will now perform at London O2 on Monday 21st February 2011. You can now buy tickets for the 21 Feb, but dont forget to to book your London Hotel at the same time.It may be a Monday but its probably in school half term.

Usher won the "Best R&B Artist" at the 2011 People's Choice Awards on 11th January

England v Ghana At Wembley Stadium

Three days after the first Euro 2012 qualifier of the year, away to Wales, England will take on everyones favourite team in the final stages of South Africas World Cup- Ghana Black Stars.

New Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic promises to make the national team "first again" after being unveiled by the Ghana Football Association on Wednesday.

Tickets for England v Ghana on Tuesday 29 March 2011 are on sale to englandfans members on Friday 28 January, and to the general public on Tuesday 1 February.

The Palm Hotel is just 6 miles from Wembley Stadium and within easy access by local bus or tube.The Palm Hotel offers complimentary car parking and is close to all major routes in and out of London.

LONDON ICE SCULPTING FESTIVAL

Europe’s leading ice specialist, The Ice Box, and art event company, Artalone, have great pleasure in announcing that on 13-15 January, the 3rd London Ice Sculpting Festival will be held in the centre of Canary Wharf, next to the ice rink in Canada Square Park.

The Festival will be bigger and better than ever with 2 exciting, timed competitions between between ice sculpting teams from around the globe: Africa, France, Hungary, Netherlands, Portugal and the UK.

FREE 20 MINUTE MASTERCLASSES

Friday 14 January and Saturday 15 January, 11.00 to 17.00 - Canada Square Park & Jubilee Place

Add to the excitement by having-a-go at sculpting small blocks of ice yourself under the supervision of experienced sculptors from The Ice Box! Last year you loved making penguins; this year you’ll adore making polar bears!

Children must be 12+ and accompanied by an adult. Masterclasses take place on the hour, 20 minutes and 40 minutes past. The last Masterclass begins at 4.40pm. Booking is first come, first served; simply sign up when you arrive.

Book your London Hotel now with special January Room rates starting at £59

London Hotel Special Rates in January

The Palm Hotel has a special rate for January from just £59. Check out the website to book your North London Hotel

Happy New Year from The Palm Hotel