The Lord Mayor’s Show is one of the biggest events to be held in the capital, with thousands of people lining the River Thames to watch the enormous fireworks display. Now a nearly 800 year old celebration, the show has survived everything from the Black Death to the Blitz and is still one of the city’s most loved annual festivals. Set up to parade the newly appointed Lord Mayor around a three and a half mile route, the show culminates in a huge display of fireworks over the Thames.


Perhaps a crowded Thames is not quite up your alley, and you fancy a more scholarly visit? Well then, Gresham College is bound to have something for you. Hosting free to attend lectures throughout the year on a vast array of topics, you’ll find that you can learn a great deal without spending anything whatsoever. Gresham College offers lectures ranging from the deeply political issues of the day, through financial lectures right the way to the history of art and fashion.


The map link below shows the locations of many places that offer free events and lectures, check their individual web sites for details. You can find a link to their web site on our detailed information page.