While we can agree that 2020 was a collective dumpster fire of a year, we look to 2021 with a renewed sense of hope now that the COVID-19 vaccine is among us. As the vaccine continues to be meted out to the citizens of the US and UK, there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel of lockdown restrictions in London. With that sense of hope comes the possibility that some of our favorite places to visit in the city will be open once again. With that in mind, we’ve made this list of five things to look forward to in London. Let us know what you’re looking forward to in the comments.
Pubs
At the time of the writing, one of Britain’s greatest institutions remains closed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Pubs throughout London have been shut since January 6th though takeaway of food and non-alcoholic drinks is permitted along with delivery for food and alcoholic beverages. With a pub on seemingly every block of London, everyone has their favorite local, and the city is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful pubs in all England. It is unknown at this time when the restrictions will be lifted, but for many, this will be the first place they visit.
West End Theater
One thing that many people are looking forward to regardless of whether they’re visiting London is the return of live theater in the city’s West End. With the tier system expected to expire in March 2021, the West End theaters are preparing to reopen in May with plenty of shows to greet audiences. Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are expected to be part of the returning shows, with Phan of the Opera following in June, and new plays and musicals including Sister Act with Whoop Goldberg and Jennifer Saunders, Back to the Future, Good with David Tennant, and Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical is expected to open.
Sports
London becomes the center for sport in the United Kingdom once again as several major events that were postponed, and new events will give fans plenty to watch. The Rugby League World Cup comes to the city and represents the first time that Women’s, Men’s, and Wheelchair cups are played at the same time and place. The Euro Cup 2020 will finally get its chance to be played as England has once again qualified, and Wembley serves as a venue for the competition. Additionally, you can expect Wimbledon to once again be a draw after the 2020 Championships were cancelled.
Pageantry
There’s quite a bit of pomp and circumstances that goes on in London throughout the year, and while 2020 put a damper on these events, they are expected to return in 2021 with all the flourish you expect. Trooping the Colour, a military parade celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday will be back in June. The Wool and Livery Fair for 2021 is expected to be back in September with the annual tradition of the Sheep Drive over Southwark Bridge that has been part of London for centuries. Lastly, another great London tradition, that of the Lord Mayor’s Show, will return in November as the new Lord Mayor is chosen for the City of London.
Festivals and Fairs
And speaking of fairs, you can expect all the fun of London’s fairs and festivals to return as well. Pride returns to London in June, celebrating the diversity and individuality of the City, while the Underbelly comedy festival is set to return sometime in April to September depending on when restrictions are lifted. All the pageantry of the Carnival should be back on the streets of Notting Hill come August, and the joys of Winter Wonderland will return to Hyde Park in November. Of course, these are just the tip of the iceberg with many more annual events returning to provide joy to residents and visitors alike.
Author: John Rabon
John is a regular writer for Anglotopia and its sister websites. He is currently engaged in finding a way to move books slightly to the left without the embarrassment of being walked in on by Eddie Izzard. For any comments, questions, or complaints, please contact the Lord Mayor of London, Boris Johnson's haircut.