Malaysia Night

Malyasia Night is a relatively new event in Trafalgar Square.  Food stalls run by restaurants lined the edges of the square serving all kinds of delicious Malaysian food (I had curry Laksa).  There were also stalls selling clothes and other Malaysian produce and a big stage on which there was some singing and dancing,

The event felt rather low key but the food was so good and it was nice to be able to hang out in Trafalgar Square with friends before the weather turns too cold.

A Taste of Spain - 5th June 2011

The Spanish street festival, a Taste of Spain, takes place every year in Regent Street.

 I can't go to the event during the day this year as like many events in London e.g. St Patrick's Day celebrations, Chinese New Year, Diwali event in Trafalgar Square, it's taking place on a Sunday and I have to work.  However if my train home from work is running on time I might be able to get into central London before it ends at 7pm.

I have attended before, back in 2008.  At the 2008 event there was a world record breaking attempt to get the largest group of people together dancing in Sevillanas style.

Programme for this year
www.atasteofspain.co.uk/stylesheet.asp?file=311_london_home

Notting Hill Carnival

Countries: Caribbean
Cost: free
Location: Notting Hill

Over a million people visit the Notting Hill Carnival, which has been running since 1966.

There are loads of stalls, floats, dancers and costumes as well as sound system points that are set up around the whole carnival area where you can have a dance in the sunshine.  Gets super busy though so best to plan your journeys in advance.

Oh Canada, our home and native land

Country: Canada
Cost: Free
Location: Trafalgar Square
Event Frequency: Annual on 1st July (location may change  in 2011)

Another Trafalgar Square event, with bands, food and drink stalls, a hockey tournament and mounties!

Here's some more about Canada Day: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Day

London Mela

Countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
Cost: Free
Location; Gunnersbury Park
Event Frequency: Annual in August (location may change in 2011)

Broadcast on BBC Asian Network this was one of my favourite events of 2010.  It'a huge event, with several stages, a funfair, loads of stalls, celebrities and things going on. 

www.londonmela.org/mainstage.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51inq-pMBAg (Begali Remix of Mumzy Stranger's Fly with Me)

Next year I'm going to go with a big group of friends and dance til my feet hurt.

Thai Festival organised by the Royal Thai Embassy

Country: Thailand
Location: Trafalgar Square
Cost: Free

On the big stage there was a Thai boxing demonstations, traditional music and folk dancing. I had fresh coconut water to drink from one of the stalls.

I'm not sure if this will be back next year or if it was a one off event.  I will keep my eyes peeled in June 2011.

Koninginnedag 2010

Country: The Netherlands
Cost: Free
Location: Trafalgar Square
Event Frequency: Annual on 17th April (location may change in 2011)

On 17th April 2010, I joined 70 000 people in Trafalgar Square to celebrate Queen's Day, a national holiday in the Netherlands.  You can read more about the reasons behind the day here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koninginnedag

This was definately the most fun I've ever had in Trafalgar Square.  There was:

- a pole vaulting demonstration.
- a huge stage with acts playing all day.
- a DJ in between the sets on the stage.
- free Holland House T Shirts if you could catch one.
- a giant conga line.
- stalls where you could buy Dutch food and beer.
- lots and lots of Orange.
- people jumping up and down and singing this song:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnP4O-pG1kU  (I challenge you to listen to the end without tapping your toes or nodding your head at least once)

Quote from one of the organisers "It's a hot day today, so make sure you stay hydrated.  Drink some Amstel!"