London is famous for its shopping whether it’s the upmarket shops in Knightsbridge and Bond Street, the high street fashion on Oxford Street or the unique items found at the markets – London has something for everyone.

The festive season is of particular importance as shoppers browse the retail establishments looking for that special gift for their loved ones. In addition to the traditional retail therapy, the London markets such as Portobello Market, made famous by the film Notting Hill, alongside the seasonal markets offer visitors to the capital outstanding choices.

In Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is open from 18 November to 3rd January, with one of the main attractions, the Angels Christmas Market being a source of handmade gifts as well as traditional Christmas items such as nativity scenes and decorations. There will be over one hundred wooden chalets, all free to visit and when you have finished your shopping you can take a spin on the glistening ice rink.

The Southbank is another popular tourist destination that is creating the festive spirit with traditional Christmas markets located on the Queen’s Walk between the Southbank Centre and The London Eye. On offer within the 60 wooden chalets are jewellery, Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, ceramics and more. Don’t miss the markets as they are only open from 18 November to 24 December.

There is no doubt that shoppers in London will be spoilt for choice with so much on offer this festive season.

Image courtesy of http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

If you’re not a celeb or involved in the fashion industry, chances are you did not receive an invitation to attend London Fashion Week.  Well this weekend you have the opportunity to experience Vodafone London Fashion Weekend at the official London Fashion Week venue, Somerset House, using the same catwalk. 

This designer shopping event is the ultimate in London fashion where you can find high profile, classic designs as well as cutting edge designs, all at reduced prices!

This fashion extravaganza has regular catwalk shows where you can view the latest trends for Autumn/Winter 2011.

Show features include; The Shoe Studio with shoe designers such as Atalanta Weller, David Wyatt, French Sole and Michael Lewis, Vintage including live music, Vintage concierge and vintage photo booths, Boutique Street showcasing London’s hottest boutiques and The Weekend Retreat for a manicure/pedicure or massage.

London Fashion Weekend will be held 22-25 September 2011, is only open to Over 18s and is always a sell out. To purchase your ticket visit http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/ticket-information/

VODAFONE LONDON FASHION WEEKEND from Bladesman Productions on Vimeo.

It is now less than one year until the London Olympics 2012 begin on 27 July and Olympic fever is consuming the capital.  In the run up to the Olympics there have been a number of test events held in London.

 The biggest event so far staged by the London Olympics Organising Committee (LOCOG) has been the London-Surrey Cycle Classic, which took place on 14 August, starting and ending in central London’s Mall.  Crowds took to the streets of London and Surreyto view more than 150 top-class cyclists test the Olympics Cycling Road Race course and to their delight, British rider, Mark Cavendish winning the race.

The British team also had success at the Badminton World Championships when Chris Adcock and Imogen Bankier won silver in the mixed doubles final. The event was held at Wembley Stadium, the venue for the Olympics Badminton competitions. 

For Londoners not making it to a beach holiday this year, there was the Visa FIVB Beach Volleyball International on Horse Guards Parade. 24 teams competed during the week in this iconic venue with the British team Lucy Boulton and Denise Johns placing a respectable 4^th place.

Over the course of the year, London will be hosting many test events which offer Londoners and tourists the opportunity to see top class athletes in action at the Olympic venues.

The Elysee Hotel is a 3 star central London hotel, ideally located for attending the London Olympics test events, as well asLondon’s famous tourist sites.

For up to date information on the London Olympics 2012 visit the official website – http://www.london2012.com/ 

Image courtesy of http://nielsencerbolles.co.uk/

Pink at Wireless Festival 2010

With the sunshine and longer days in London, comes the great anticipation and excitement of festival season. Throughout the summer, outdoor festivals and concerts bring together music lovers for what promises to be a great day out. Big name bands and singers including Bon Jovi, Kings of Leon, Rod Stewart, Chemical Brothers, The Killers, Black Eyed Peas and much more, will grace the stages with adrenaline pumping performances.

In London, Hyde Park will host the following events and you will need to purchase your tickets quickly to not be disappointed:

• Hyde Park Calling (24 – 26 June)
• Wireless 2011 (1 – 3 July)
• Kings of Leon (22 – 23 June)
• Arcade Fire (30 June)

The summer concerts will be held throughout London and the UK and are sure to be a huge success. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see these great musicians live in concert.

If you are looking for a place to stay, with a view of Hyde Park from the hotel, consider the Elysee Hotel for 3 star quality accommodation.

Image courtesy of www.wirelessfestival.co.uk