Friendly Rentals Blog

Dubbed as inventive, brave, anarchic, cheeky, funny, magical, and daring, the theatre company Knee High is one of the UK's most exciting touring companies who specialise in visually stunning, adventurous theatre, with beautiful music, and a touch of spontaneity. They originally started out making work for children and families, however they have since evolved to create theatre for a diverse local and national audience.

World Book Day was declared a worldwide celebration of books and reading by UNESCO, and is celebrated in over 100 countries in the world. However, to whom do we owe our inspiration and gratitude for this marvellous day? None other than the Catalans who exchange gifts of roses and books on St George's Day, a tradition started more than 90 years ago.

You’ll never be stuck for something to do in the British capital because there’s constantly something happening and they’re always plotting of ways to keep you entertained whether you like shopping, or theatre, you’re an art lover or you like learning about different cultures made easy thanks to the multicultural melting pot that is London. Either way, there’s something for everyone and the Convent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival is a good example. Taking place on the 9th of May, this event celebrates the art of puppetry and the origins of the famous duo Punch and Judy comprising a perfect family event and something to keep the kiddies (including the big ones) well and truly entertained.

The British Art Show, a touring exhibition that takes place every 5 years, has finally returned to London after 20 years! Hurrah! The show, which showcases the very best of cutting-edge contemporary art in some of the most influential galleries in the country will thus be holding an exhibition from the 16th of February to the 17th of April 2011 in the Hayward Gallery, London. 39 artists will be participating in this prestigious event, and artwork produced over the last 5 years will be on show demonstrating the wealth of talent of artists from all over the country who have created pieces and brand new works especially for the project.

London, the essence of Britishness, the home of her majesty the Queen, and what can we say a cosmopolitan combination and cultural melting pot thanks to which we can all discover many different cultures from all over the world. If you were visiting London in January you may have bore witness to the fabulous and entertaining Chinese New Year celebrations which is an increasingly popular event. Now it’s the Russians’ turn as on the 6th of March London will be hosting the Maslentisa Russian Festival, an age old festival in Russia that marks the end of winter and celebrates the start of spring before Lent, the perfect opportunity to brush up on what may be your non-existent knowledge of this fascinating eastern European country.

The famous and prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, officially know as the Great Spring Show is going to be held once again by the Royal Horticultural Society this year from the 24th to the 28th of May in the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London. It is one of the most famous shows in the United Kingdom, perhaps the most famous gardening event in the world and it is open to the public so we can feast our eyes on the beautiful floral masterpieces of some extremely talented gardeners.

Flamenco now appears to be a universal art, and wherever it goes it seems to triumph which may have something to do with the genuine passion of the dancers and singers, as well as due to the beautiful rhythm and movements associated with this Andalusian art. Whatever it owes its success to, its fame and universality is becoming increasingly clearer with events such as the London Flamenco Festival taking place between the 8 and the 19th of February which will be giving Londoners the opportunity to experience a few days of passion and feel flamenco at the hands of some of the greatest Spanish flamenco artists there are.

If you’re coming to visit the British capital this February with your family then we have the perfect activity for you because from the 12th to the 27th of February the Southbank Centre will be hosting the Imagine Children’s Festival, an event organised exclusively for the entertainment of your little ones featuring performances from musicians, storytellers, comedians, puppeteers and dancers, as well as a variety of workshops and screenings to keep them out of mischief and their little hands busy.

Celebrate the time honoured tradition of Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day in London on the 16th of February 2011 by attending or participating in one of the Pancake Day London Races. Here you were thinking that Pancake Day in London is a civilised affair whereby the Brits prepare this delicious dish and top it as they so choose with sugar, chocolate, lemon, or jam etc. to celebrate the beginning of Lent. Hardly, because didn’t you know that it is a multifunctional food and there’s some sports to be had from this culinary yummy.

Sorry ladies but its official, Prince William is getting hitched and we know the date, Friday the 29th of April 2011. However, don’t be sad, look on the bright side because thanks to the royal ceremony the Brits get an extra day off, perfect for a long weekend away in this exciting capital and even though we none of us are expecting an invitation to this famous event you can still be part of the crowd to watch the Royal couple swap vows and join in the celebrations. Hurrah!

London isn’t renowned for being romantic like Paris, nor is English considered a language of love but we defy anyone who says that the British Capital can’t be romantic because if there’s anything that the British do is celebrate in style, and given that St Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in the UK you can expect some fabulous events on the cards, some great gift ideas for your loved ones, and a general feeling of love in the air in this charming capital.

London is just the place to be as even though Christmas is barely over there are lots of things lined up for 2011 and an abundance of activities on the agenda for the entertainment of visitors and locals alike. For one thing Cirque du Soleil has come to the city, the Chinese New Year celebrations are soon to be taking place, and all this is on the cards in addition to theatre productions and some crazy nights out. However, if you would like to try something different and really fun then we would like to recommend the London International Mime Festival comprising cutting edge circus- theatre, adult puppetry and animation, and physical and object Theatre taking place in London from the 15th to the 30th of January 2011.