London gets set for spectacular events in ‘summer like no other’

Wednesday, July 11, 2012
2:50 PM

Deputy mayor for education and culture Munira Mirza looks ahead to a spectacular summer in London.

Deputy mayor for education and culture Munira Mirza

“You may have taken down the bunting and packed away the trestle tables for the Jubilee street parties, but this year’s celebrations are far from over.

“With the 2012 Games just around the corner, now is the time to be planning a summer like no other in London with your friends and family.

“The next few months will see some of the best sports people from around the world competing on our doorsteps, but it is also a chance to get out and celebrate being a Londoner.

“To help add to the excitement, the Mayor’s Office along with London Festival 2012 has created the biggest ever FREE cultural festival the city has ever seen.

Elizabeth Streb's extreme action dancers will perform in London as part of Surprises

“Mayor of London Presents will bring the best street artists and entertainers to high streets, town squares and parks around the whole of London.

“Of course, in London there is already so much to see and do, but for this year we are going that extra mile. Our Secrets programme is bringing exciting events to the hidden gems of London – you can see our gorgeous new opera by Terry Jones (of Monty Python fame) at various locations along London’s canal network, or a beautiful dance piece by English National Ballet in Uxbridge or Hillingdon lidos.

“Our Showtime programme brings the world’s best street entertainers and circus acts to different parts of the city over the next 12 weeks.

“Surprises is a series of pop-up events around the capital. Did you ever think you would be allowed to jump all over Stonehenge? Well, you can with our inflatable version arriving in parks all across London – ideal for kids of all ages!

“If you want to see the human body stretched to its limits, watch out for Elizabeth Streb – the ‘Evel Knievel’ of the dance world, who will be doing death-defying acts on London’s landmarks.

“There is something for everyone. Make sure you’re kept up to date by visiting the website, which also features competitions and prizes.”