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Ideas / Events / June
Things to do in the UK in June 2009

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Introduction
June is the end of the UK academic year, and is the time when many students at schools, colleges and universities take their exams. If you are an international student, you may need to prepare to return to your home country: for advice about how to get ready, see Prepare/Return. The Queen's official birthday is marked by the Trooping the Colour ceremony, and there are several occasions during the month when you can watch a royal gun salute in Hyde Park or at the Tower of London. The Queen often attends major horseracing events at Epsom ("the Oaks" and "the Derby") and at Ascot ("Royal Ascot"). Days are very long, and temperatures are often pleasantly warm. It is a good time to go out and visit places, without the crowds of July and August. Many parks organise a season of events which start now: it is a good time to go with some friends for a picnic. Roses are at their best, and you may be able to see and baby ducks (ducklings), geese (goslings) and swans (cygnets). The tennis championship at Wimbledon starts at the end of the month, which is also the best time to buy British strawberries (often eaten in a bowl with some cream and sugar).

* For a list of free outdoor concerts in London's parks in June, see: Life/Entertainment/Concerts


Roses in bloom

Swan with her cygnets

Strawberries and cream



Mon 1 Jun -
Sun 7 Jun 2009
National Volunteering Week, UK
Events take place across Britain to promote voluntary work (during the first 7 days of June each year). See: http://www.volunteersweek.org.uk.
* Volunteering in the UK: Work/Job/Volunteer.
Tue 2 Jun 2009 Coronation Day: gun salute, London
Gun salute to mark the anniversary of the day when the Queen was crowned (on 2 June 1953). Cannons will be fired in the following locations:
- A 41-gun salute at 12 noon fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Hyde Park, London (opposite the Dorchester Hotel: map; nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch)
- A 62-gun salute at 1pm fired by the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London (from the gunpark at the western end of London Wharf: map; nearest Tube: Tower Hill)
For background information about the gun salutes, see: http://www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/GunSalutes/Gunsalutes.aspx or http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/tourists/gun_salutes.cfm.
* Royal traditions: Britain/Countries/Royalty.

`
Gun salute in Hyde Park

Gun salute in front of the Tower of London

Wed 3 Jun 2009 BP Summer Big Screens: Ondine, UK
Free screenings of the ballet Ondine (performed live by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House) at various outdoor venues across the UK:
London, Trafalgar Square ; Belfast, Botanic Gardens ; Bradford, Centenary Square ; Bristol, Millennium Square ; Cardiff, The Hayes ; Derby, Market Place ; Leeds, Millennium Square ; Manchester, Exchange Square ; Middlesbrough, Centre Square ; Plymouth, The Piazza ; Rotherham, All Saints’ Square ; Swansea, Castle Square
The ballet starts at 7:30pm. See: http://www.roh.org.uk/whatson/bpbigscreens/ondine.aspx
Wed 3 Jun -
Thu 4 Jun 2009
Beating Retreat, London
Marching and military/classical music performed by the bands of the Household Division on Horse Guards Parade (map; nearest Tube stations: Embankment, Charing Cross or Westminster). Tickets for the event must be bought in advance (credit card bookings are taken starting in April). The event starts at 7pm and lasts for 1 hour. "Beating retreat" is a tradition which has its origins in the 16th century: before sunset, soldiers would beat drums at sunset to let people know that the gates were about to be shut. For more information, see: http://www.army.mod.uk/events/ceremonial/3052.aspx.


Beating Retreat: mounted band

Fri 5 Jun 2009 The Oaks, Epsom (Surrey)
The Oaks is a major flat race for 3-year old fillies (female horses) at Epsom Downs Racecourse (map). You can watch the races on television. This day is also known as Ladies Day, and women who go to the races on this day often wear fashionable hats and clothes. See: http://www.epsomderby.co.uk.
* Horse racing in the UK: Life/Sport/Horse.
* Photos from this event: Ideas/Album/DerbyDay.
Sat 6 Jun 2009 Derby Day, Epsom (Surrey)
Horse racing event at Epsom Downs Racecourse (map), ending in "the Derby", one of the most famous flat races. See: http://www.epsomderby.co.uk. You can watch the races on television. The Derby is a race for 3-year old horses.
* Horse racing in the UK: Life/Sport/Horse.
* Photos from this event: Ideas/Album/DerbyDay.


Derby Day

Sat 6 Jun 2009 Colonel's Review of Trooping the Colour, London
The second rehearsal for for the Trooping the Colour ceremony (which is on the following Saturday). For details of how to apply for a ticket earlier in the year, see: Ideas/Events/January. If you don't have tickets, you can still go and stand in front of Buckingham Palace or along The Mall to watch the Household Guards as they arrive (between 10am and 11am) and as they leave (between 12 noon and 12:30pm), and you may be able to see and hear the main ceremony from the parts of St James's Park on either side of the Guards Memorial (close to Horseguards Parade) between 11am and 12 noon. Unlike the full Trooping the Colour ceremony, the Queen does not attend the rehearsal, and there is no flypast or balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace.
* Photos from Trooping the Colour: Ideas/Album/TroopingTheColour.
Sat 6 Jun 2009 D-day 65th Anniversary
There will be events to remember the 65th anniversary of the landings by Allied soldiers in Normandy on 6 June 1944 (known as "D-day")
Sat 6 Jun -
Sun 7 Jun 2009
Story of London: Walking Weekend, London
Londoners and visitors can join over 120 walks, provided by London Walks, Blue Badge Guides and other organisations across the capital. See: http://www.london.gov.uk/storyoflondon
Wed 10 Jun 2009 Duke of Edinburgh's birthday: gun salutes, London
Today is the birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh (the Queen's husband). Cannons will be fired in the following locations:
- A 41-gun salute at 12 noon fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Hyde Park, London (opposite the Dorchester Hotel: map; nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch)
- A 62-gun salute at 1pm fired by the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London (from the gunpark at the western end of London Wharf: map; nearest Tube: Tower Hill)
For background information about the gun salutes, see: http://www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/GunSalutes/Gunsalutes.aspx or http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/tourists/gun_salutes.cfm.
* Royal traditions: Britain/Countries/Royalty.
Fri 12 Jun -
Sun 14 Jun 2009
Isle of Wight Festival, Newport (Isle of Wight)
Music festival at Seaclose Park near Newport, on the Isle of Wight. See: http://www.isleofwightfestival.com
* The Isle of Wight: Travel/Tours/England/IsleOfWight
* UK rock festivals: Life/Entertainment/Festivals
Fri 12 Jun -
Sun 14 Jun 2009
Download Festival, Derby
3-day rock/metal/punk music festival at Donington Park, near Derby. See: http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk
* UK rock festivals: Life/Entertainment/Festivals
Sat 13 Jun -
Sun 14 Jun 2009
Story of London: Film Weekend, London
A celebration of London archive films at cinemas across the capital. See: http://www.london.gov.uk/storyoflondon
Sat 13 Jun 2009 Queen's official birthday: gun salutes, London & Windsor
The Queen's "official" birthday is today (her real birthday is on 21 April: Ideas/Events/April). Cannons will be fired in the following locations:
- A 41-gun salute at 12 noon fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Hyde Park, London (opposite the Dorchester Hotel: map ; nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch)
- A 62-gun salute at 1pm fired by the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London (from the gunpark at the western end of London Wharf: map ; nearest Tube: Tower Hill)
There are also gun salutes at Edinburgh Castle, Cardiff and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.
For background information about the gun salutes, see: http://www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/GunSalutes/Gunsalutes.aspx or http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/tourists/gun_salutes.cfm.
* Royal traditions: Britain/Countries/Royalty.
Sat 13 Jun 2009 Trooping the Colour, London
An annual ceremony in London (sometimes known as The Queen's Birthday Parade) to celebrate the Queen's "official" birthday (her real birthday is in April). The soldiers from the Queen's Household Division are inspected by the Queen, carry ("troop") their regimental flag ("colour"), and march past and salute the Queen. In 2009 the Colour will be Trooped by 1st Battalion Irish Guards. Both foot soldiers and mounted soldiers take part (they are all serving soldiers; taking part in this kind of ceremonial event is one of their traditional duties). Military bands play marching music throughout. For the best views, watch live on television on BBC1 in the morning, or the highlights shown on BBC2 in the evening. The main ceremony takes place on Horse Guards Parade (map): it can only be viewed by invited guests with tickets (for details of how to apply for tickets to see this event, see: Ideas/Events/January). If you don't have tickets, you can stand on the north or south side of the Mall to watch the soldiers as they march from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade (between 10am and 11am), as they march back again (between 12 noon and 12:30pm), and to see the Queen or other members of the royal family as they arrive or leave - you should go there early if you want a good view, because large crowds gather there. For more details about the ceremony, see: http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page370.asp or http://www.army.mod.uk/events/events/11237.aspx. Afterwards, crowds gather in front of Buckingham Palace, as the Queen and members of the royal family stand on the balcony and watch a flypast at 1pm by planes from the Royal Air Force.
* Photos from Trooping the Colour: Ideas/Album/TroopingTheColour.


Trooping the Colour:
the "colour" is a regimental flag

Trooping the Colour:
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh

Mon 14 Jun 2009 Garter Day, Windsor
Knights of the Garter gather for a traditional ceremony at Windsor Castle. This is part of a system of honours which dates back to 1348. Windsor Castle will be closed to visitors today (people who have already obtained special tickets for Garter Day can watch from inside the castle). See: http://www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/Garter and Thistle Services/GarterDay.aspx
Photos from this event: Ideas/Album/GarterDay
Mon 14 Jun -
Sun 20 Jun 2009
Refugee Week, UK
A programme of arts, cultural and educational events throughout the UK that celebrate cultural diversity and promote understanding about the reasons why people seek sanctuary. For details of your local events see: http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk


Refugee Week

Refugee Week

Tue 16 Jun -
Sat 20 Jun 2009
Royal Ascot, Ascot (Berkshire)
Ascot is one of the world's most well-known racecourses (founded in 1711). Royal Ascot is a 5-day horse racing event - each year the Queen attends on at least one of the days. Thursday is known as Ladies Day, and is famous for fashion. For details about the event, see: http://www.ascot.co.uk.
* Photos of Royal Ascot: Ideas/Album/RoyalAscot.



Royal Ascot


Tue 16 Jun -
Wed 17 Jun 2009
London Graduate Recruitment Fair, London
A jobs fair in central London for graduates or university/college students. The event is held at the Business Design Centre in London (near Angel underground station; map). For details, see: http://www.londongradfair.co.uk.
* Guide to looking for a job: Work/Search
Thu 18 Jun -
Sun 21 Jun 2009
Taste of London, London
A chance to sample world cuisine from 40 of London's top restaurants in Regent's Park. You need to buy an entrance ticket (either for lunch or supper) and some "crowns", which you can use to buy sample-sized dishes from small kitchens set up by each of the restaurants. See: http://www.channel4.com/food/recipes/chefs/taste-festivals/taste-festivals-2009-09-03-12_p_1.html
* British food: Britain/Food
Fri 19 Jun -
Fri 7 Aug 2009
City of London Festival, London
Music and dance festival in the area of central London known as "the City". See: http://www.colf.org.
Events include free lunchtime concerts in the City's churches or squares.
Sat 20 Jun -
Sun 21 Jun 2009
West End Live, London
Free event in Leicester Square which highlights the best of London's West End entertainment. This includes short performances from many West End shows
See: http://www.westendlive.co.uk
* West End theatre: Ideas/Album/West-End-Live
Sat 20 Jun -
Sun 21 Jun 2009
Story of London: Living Weekend, London
A series of special events are being organised by English Heritage and Historic Royal Palaces, including events at Eltham Palace, Apsley House, Kenwood House and Hampton Court Palace. See: http://www.london.gov.uk/storyoflondon
Sat 20 Jun 2009 HotCourses International Student Fair, London
An event in London for international students who are interested in taking a course at a UK college or university. It takes place from 11am-5pm at the New Connaught Rooms in Great Queen Street (nearest Tube stations: Holborn, Covent Garden or Aldwych). For more information about the event and how to register, see: http://www.hotcourses.com/fair
* Finding courses at British colleges or universities: Course/University
Sat 20 Jun 2009 Tottenham Carnival, London
A street parade starting at 11am, followed from 12-7pm by music and festivities in Bruce Castle Park (nearest Tube: Seven Sisters, nearest train station: Bruce Grove or White Hart Lane; map). See: http://www.tottenhamcarnival.co.uk
* Free concerts: Life/Entertainment/Concerts
Sun 21 Jun 2009 Exhibition Road Music Day, London
Free live music events at various venues in and around Exhibition Road in South Kensington, London. This is the London version of the popular French music festival Fête de la Musique, always held on 21 June (the longest day of the year). See: http://www.exhibitionroadmusicday.org
Sun 21 Jun 2009 Father's Day, UK
(on the 3rd Sunday in June each year)
A time for people living in the UK to treat their fathers.
Sun 21 Jun 2009 British Grand Prix, Silverstone
International Formula 1 motor race at Silverstone (the competition starts on Saturday; the main race is on Sunday). The race is shown live on BBC1 (from 12:10-3:30pm). See: http://www.silverstone.co.uk or http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one.
* British motor racing: Life/Sport/Motor
Sun 21 Jun 2009 Summer solstice, UK
The longest day of the year.
Mon 22 Jun -
Sun 5 Jul 2009
Wimbledon Tennis Tournament, London
A world-famous tennis competition at Wimbledon (in south London). Play is on grass courts. For detailed information, see the official Wimbledon website: http://www.wimbledon.org. You can watch on television on BBC1 or BBC2, or listen online to BBC Radio 5 Live.
* More details about Wimbledon (including how to get tickets): Life/Sport/Tennis.


Wimbledon

Wed 24 Jun -
Sun 28 Jun 2009
Glastonbury Festival, Somerset
Glastonbury is a famous music festival at Worthy Farm near the village of Pilton in Somerset, near Bath (map). See: http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
* UK rock festivals: Life/Entertainment/Festivals
Thu 25 Jun -
Sun 28 Jun 2009
Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh
This show features the best of rural Scotland, including crafts, food and sheep/cattle competitions. It is held at the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston, near Edinburgh. See: http://www.royalhighlandshow.org.
Fri 26 Jun -
Sun 28 Jun 2009
Story of London: Building Lives/The Lives of Buildings, London
Open House and English Heritage create a programme of events related to London architecture. See: http://www.london.gov.uk/storyoflondon
Fri 26 Jun -
Sun 28 Jun 2009
Hyde Park Calling, London
Rock festival in London's Hyde Park. See: http://www.hydeparkcalling.co.uk
* UK rock festivals: Life/Entertainment/Festivals
Sat 27 Jun -
Sun 28 Jun 2009
Biggin Hill International Air Fair, Greater London
The largest privately organised air show in Europe at Biggin Hill Airport, south-east of London (the nearest train stations are Bromley South, East Croydon or West Croydon: bus services are available from these stations). For details, see: http://www.bigginhillairfair.co.uk
Tue 30 Jun 2009 BP Summer Big Screens: La Traviata, UK
Free screenings of Verdi's opera La Traviata (performed live by the Royal Opera at the Royal Opera House) at various outdoor venues across the UK:
London, Trafalgar Square; London, Canary Wharf; Aberdeen, Duthie Park; Bradford, Centenary Square; Bristol, Millennium Square; Cardiff, The Hayes; Derby, Market Place; Ipswich, Christchurch Park; Leeds, Millennium Square; Manchester, Exchange Square; Middlesbrough, Centre Square; Plymouth, The Piazza; Rotherham, All Saints’ Square; BP Sunbury Business Park; Swansea, Castle Square
The opera starts at 7:00pm. See: http://www.roh.org.uk/whatson/bpbigscreens/latraviata.aspx

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Tours in June: Travel/Tours/Dates/June
Events in July: Ideas/Events/July
Print a free calendar: Ideas/Calendar
Sports events: Life/Sport
Entertainment: Life/Entertainment

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