Tips to Select Ideal Conference Venues in London

London is a world city as it’s immensely well connected and its diverse cosmopolitan makes it surprisingly intimate. It is a right destination for hosting large conference and business meetings in ideal conference venues in London as the place is surrounded by various hidden possibilities and huge potential. It’s not at all easy to beat Central London when you are searching for some exclusive world class conference venue.

Being a well known financial and a corporate hub, there is no scarcity of conference venues in London, however, for these venues for hire, you need to follow some tips in order to select the right one for your business. Here are some tips which one should consider before finalizing a corporate venue.

Location: This is the foremost requirement for an ideal conference venue as it should be conveniently located so that those who are attending can easily reach. In addition necessary transportation links are required.

Size: Next factor which comes into play is the size of the venue, which completely depends upon the number of people attending the conference. In addition to this property seating capacity should be available.

Facilities: Facilities is the most vital component as these are greatly required if you are organizing a conference or a business meeting on a large scale. There should be auditorium, break away areas etc. The venue should be well equipped with whiteboards, projectors, stationery items, internet facilities and video conferencing if required. The venue should be well lighted and ventilated. Last but not the least parking space should be most favorable for the delegates coming in to attend the meeting.

Cost of the Venue: These venues for hire in London may give discounts and special offers for booking a conference venue. Furthermore, the one booking the venue should ensure that he or she has well enquired on the hidden costs of the venue. Negotiations can be done if no discounts are available.

These are few points to ponder before you book a conference venue in advance.

Christmas Tree at Trafalgar Square

When
3^rd December 2009

Time
6:30pm

Where
Trafalgar Square,
Central London, Westminster,
London WC2N 5DS

Nearest tube station
Charing Cross London Underground

The lighting of Christmas tree at the Trafalgar Square marks the beginning of Christmas festivities in London. This is the biggest and the brightest Christmas tree in London. It has become a historic tradition as it is been followed since past several years. The Christmas tree lighting at Trafalgar Square celebrates the friendship and goodwill on this festive occasion.

This Christmas tree is decorated in a traditional style with thousands of white lights. The height of this tree is around 20-25 metres which makes it an iconic landmark in the city. Traditional ceremony of lighting the tree is attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster. The ceremony includes a programme of several festive events. Most of these events will last till Christmas and the others will last till the beginning of next year. You can also explore several pre Christmas festivities at Trafalgar Square which includes the Christmas Carol singing which will take place from 7^th December to 20^th December 2009. Entry to both the carol singing ceremony and the tree lighting ceremony is absolutely free of cost.

The brightness of this Christmas tree gives a perfect start to Christmas season in London and thus, the event is a must to visit by all. The lights of the tree will be lit at 6:30pm on 3^rd December and it will remain on from then onwards till midnight. The lights will be on till 5^th January 2009 from 12noon to 12 midnight. So reach early and be a part of this historic traditional festivity of Christmas in London. You can also visit various other events, music concerts and festivities going on at the Trafalgar Square and the regions around throughout the Christmas season.

London Events – La Clique

When
25^th November 2009 – 17^th January 2010

Where
The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8EH

Nearest Underground Station
Chalk Farm London tube station

Ticket Price
30£ - 45£ per ticket

Show Timing
Monday Thursday – 8pm, Friday – Saturday – 7pm and 10pm, Sunday – 7pm

Christmas La Clique’s Lineup:

· Illusion and musical comedy by the renowned Swedish magician – Carl Einar Hackner

· Penchant fluorescent lycra with a diva of opera singing in Le Gateau Chocolat

· Hula hoop artist, clown and cabaret singer – Marawa

· Unicycle riding of Freddie Mercury in Mario Queen of the Circus

· Well known prima donna chanteuse in Meow Meow

· Roller skating by Wanda Azzario and Jean Pierre Poissonnet in the Skating Willers

· A spectacular and daring striptease act by the singer, cabaret dancer and actress – Ursula Martinez

· Bravest burlesque duo of New York City – The Wau Wau Sisters

This award winning show of La Clique has been an international sensation since it has won the Best Entertainment Olivier Award 2009. It will be showcased at the London’s renowned Roundhouse for a limited season of few months. It will be a great delight to watch this show in the Christmas season as it offers entertainment for all ages.

It is known to offers some bizarre, outrageous, beautiful and extremely hilarious acts from all over the world. The show suits the royal splendor of Camden’s renowned and historic venue – Roundhouse. At this spectacular show you can expect some glamour, tinsel and glitter. It is amongst the best show running in the city during Christmas. La Clique has already performed at various places including Sydney, Dublin, Montreal and New York but, this time it is expected to be bigger and better. So get ready to savor an act which will be a blend of cabaret, circus, burlesque and contemporary variety of art forms.

Ice Skating Rink at Tower of London

When – 21^st November 2009 – 10^th January 2010

Where – Tower of London

Nearest tube station – Tower Hill London Underground

This Christmas season you can indulge yourself in the London Ice Rinks and make the most out of it. You can enjoy some great skating at various ice rinks in the city including one of the bests at Tower of London. Most of these ice rinks offer spectacular sightseeing in the city with exceptional ice skating. Ice skating near the famous London landmarks offers a great experience especially during the festive season of Christmas. Besides Tower of London, the Natural History Museum, Canary Wharf and Somerset House are some other places where you can enjoy Ice skating.

You can also enjoy outdoor London ice rinks at night with your friends and family. Various ice rinks offer late night sessions for skating during this festive season of Christmas. It is truly a mesmerizing experience with festive decorations all around. Ice skating is amongst the best activities that can offer maximum fun to a family.

This will be the 4^th year of Ice skating rink at the Tower of London. Indeed it is even bigger and better this year. This probably is one of the best rinks in the city. This breathtaking ice skating venue will offer deliciously festive activities. You can also visit the Moat Café available at the rink and enjoy a variety of delightful food and drinks. You can also watch the skaters from the free viewing galleries.

Tickets for Ice skating at Tower of London

Adult: off peak @10£ and peak days @12£

Family: off peak @30£ and peak days @32£

Kids under 16 years of age: off peak @ 7.50£ and peak days @ 8£

Peak Tickets:
All Saturdays and Sundays, evening sessions from 5.15pm,
21^st , 22^nd and 23^rd Dec, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, 28^th , 29^th and 30^th January, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

Off Peak Tickets:
Weekdays morning and afternoon sessions up to 4.00pm.session The ice rink is closed on Christmas Day.

Santas Grotto at Selfridges London

When – 22^nd November – 24^th December 2009

Time – Sunday – 12pm – 5pm and 10am – 7pm on other days of the week.

Where - The Ultralounge, Selfridges

400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

Nearest tube station – Marble Arch and Bond Street

A dazzling Santa Grotto will be organized at the well known Selfridges in London. It is going to be one of the most exciting Christmas events in London. This year Santa will make appearances in several parts of the city. At Selfridges you can take an exciting train ride from winter wonderland till the Santa’s grotto. Kids can also take a Christmas tale book while visiting the grotto and they can also click their photo with Santa. Stunning Christmas Windows at Selfridges will also be a major attraction which should not be missed by anyone.

You an also savor the penguin and polar bear animatronics in the Grotto at Selfridges. This years Grotto at Selfridges is special and thus it will also make your Christmas festivities and celebrations special. This year’s Grotto will surely be a magical experience for you and your family. The tickets for Santa Grotto are limited so make sure you grab your share.

Besides Selfridges you can also visit Santa Grotto’s at the following venues:

· Winter Wonderland on 21^st November – 24^th December 2009 at Hyde Park.

· WWT London Wetland Centre Grotto on 5^th – 6^th December 2009 at Wetland Centre.

· Royal Air Force Museum from 19^th – 23^rd December 2009 at Royal Air Force Museum.

· Kew Gardens Grotto from 12^th – 23^rd December 2009 at Kew Garden

· Santa’s Wish Kingdom from 14^th November – 23^rd December at Westfield London.

· Harrods Christmas Grotto from 7^th November in Harrods Christmas Parade.

Christmas in London Winter Wonderland

When - 21^st November 2009 – 3^rd January 2010

Opening Time – 5pm – midnight

Where – Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Nearest tube station – Hyde Park London Underground

This is the third consecutive year when the Winter Wonderland is in London during the Christmas. It will again set you all in the festive spirit with spectacular rides, sparkling attractions, dazzling lights and fascinating Christmas markets. Last year also this beautiful wonderland attracted 1.5 million visitors and this year it is expected to be even bigger and better as the festival will cover around 32 acres of land.

You can enjoy 200 unique and truly amazing rides with your friends and family at this year’s Winter Wonderland. Besides these exotic rides you can also explore the sparkling festive attractions, phenomenal observation wheel and the simply outstanding German Christmas Market.

Winter Wonderland Highlights

· Choirs and Live bands

· Santa’s Village

· Ice Skating Rink

· 50m high Observation Wheel and 40 heated gondolas

· 66m Power Tower

· Snow Ball Bungee Dome

· Zippo’s Christmas Circus

· Giant Ice Monster

Kids can also get a chance to meet Santa and get a special gift. Besides all the above major highlights the restaurant and bars at the Winter Wonderland will also be a delight to be at you can avail several exclusive Christmas dining offers. These bars and restaurants will also dazzle with stunning decorations and thus, you can savor a delightful dinner in a mesmerizing ambience. Winter Wonderland will also offer several festive food treats which can be enjoyed at Café Grell, Bavarian Village, German Christmas Market and House of St Nikolas.

Also enjoy an exceptional shopping experience at the 50 wooden chalet style huts hosted at the Winter Wonderland. Christmas celebrations will remain incomplete without the Mulled wines so also taste them at the Winter Wonderland.

Firework Displays at Bonfire Night London

Watch the free firework display at ……..

Date: Saturday 7 November 2009
Time: German Beer Festival: from 4.30pm. Fireworks display: 7.30pm
Venue: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London N22 7AY
Nearest Tube Station: Wood Green
England's largest German Beer Festival, German drink and food, funfair.
Admission free, but suggested donation.

Venue: Ealing Cricket Club, Corfton Road
Date: Saturday 7 Nov 2009
Gates: 6pm. Fireworks display set to music: 7.30pm, followed by bonfire
Admission: adults £5. Children under 14 (accompanied) £3.00
Extra features: bars, mulled wine, BBQs, candy floss, children's fun rides and glow novelties
Station: Ealing Broadway, North Ealing

“Remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason, and plot, I see no reason will ever be forgot”. Indeed, 5^th of November is afresh and the famous traditional rhyme will be heard once again to commemorate the failure of Gunpowder plot, which targeted to blow up the Houses of Parliament, in London. Food plus fireworks plus Holy smokes equals… It’s Bonfire Time! The contemporary Bonfire Night happens every year on and around 5^th of November. Like never before, the whole London is passionate about fireworks at this time of the year. In the days leading, out of old clothes and paper material children will make “Guys”, by tradition an effigy of Guy Fawkes, the embodiment of Gunpowder plot. Later, these “Guys” are set on fire along with the fireworks to fill the sky. Children use these “Guys” to collect money by asking “penny for the guy”. Usually, adults give money on the basis of how good the “Guy” appears. Earlier, children used to spend this money on buying sparkles (crackers) but now they are barred to do so, instead they spend this money on fast-food centers with proceeds. It’s not recommended to buy fireworks as they can cause serious injuries and therefore can prove fatal, its better to attend an organize firework display. Nothing can beat these exciting fireworks display that will take place throughout the London. Most of them are free to attend.

Don’t miss the Spooky and Sparkling event of the year.