Following two years of travel restrictions and national lockdowns, over 100 streets and destinations across London’s famous West End have come together to kick-start a four month campaign of must-see, must-do, must-share experiences that can only be found in the West End this summer. From the shopping meccas of Carnaby, Regent Street, South Molton, Oxford Street and Covent Garden; the luxury boutiques of Mount Street, Mayfair and Bond Street; to the buzzing dining scenes across North Audley Street, Seven Dials, Chinatown and Soho; the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus; culture of St James’s and theatre land of Shaftesbury Avenue & Leicester Square.The West End celebrations will start with the biggest event in the UK calendar this year, The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Major West End moments include the opportunity to; soak up the atmosphere and enjoy The Great Piazza Party in Covent Garden [1-5 June], The Mayfair Jubilee Street Party [2-3 June], The Jermyn Street Jubilee Fete [4 June], and then head to snap a selfie at Carnaby Street’s Jubilee Shimmer arches and Oxford Street Union Jack Flags, head down to Seven Dials for a weekend of street entertainment and activations, and see the Union Jack flags taking the skies above Regent Street, Bond Street, Piccadilly & St James’s.The fun doesn’t stop there, visitors can also enjoy Jubilee inspired afternoon teas and celebrations across the West End, from All things British at John Lewis [2-6 June], Fortnum and Mason’s special Platinum Afternoon Tea, a delicious Beaumont Jubilee Cocktail at The Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair, the famous Savoy Afternoon Tea at the Savoy Hotel, The May Fair Edition Charbonnel et Walker Afternoon Tea and Bugingham Palace at Berkeley Square Gardens [2-5 June], to The Queen and the history of style: a right Royal history audio tour narrated by Poppy Delevingne on Bond Street.And that’s not all! Other exciting experiences throughout the summer to explore, snap and shop include the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition [21 June-21 August], be immersed rich fashion history on the In A Mayfair Fashion AR Trail, visit Art in Mayfair [20 June – 31 July], shopping the best of British designer fashion on Mount Street, enjoying Covent Garden Piazza’s Ice Cream Festival [19 August – 4 September] and Summer in Square [21 – 31 July], visiting Underbelly Festival and the Seven Dials Summer Sessions [30 July], shopping at the oldest toy store in the world Hamleys and experiencing a West End theatre show.
Michelle McGrath, spokesperson for London’s West End: “Following the last two years of restrictions, visitor numbers and bookings are bouncing back. Nowhere else offers the diversity, energy and creativity of the West End; from the most spectacular summer festivals and thrilling theatre shows to an incredibly varied music, arts and culture scene and, of course, unrivalled shopping and dining. All of this can be found surrounded by open green, safe spaces, historic streets, rich heritage and al fresco dining around every corner”
