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News • London • Great Britain • 2013-07-31

What\'s New in London

http://www.londonandpartners.com/

It may be the peak of summer but we’re already helping you prepare for Christmas with festive news from our partners.

Read on for the latest International Passenger Survey results and our top tips on what not to miss in London this autumn.

Industry News

Record tourism figures for London

A record 3.4 million overseas tourists visited London in the first quarter of 2013, a 4.2% boost on the same period last year.

Find out more

Encore sets up new training academy

The Academy trains staff at incoming tourism agencies in how to give foreign visitors a better informed view of London’s theatreland.

Get in touch for more info

How well do you know the youth market?

Read the BETA study on trends, behaviours & attitudes of youth travellers aged 11-35 choosing the UK for study, work or leisure.

Find out more

Don\'t miss this Autumn

Lost & Found: A Secret Underground Journey 30 August – 27 October

Step down into Aldwych Underground, one of London’s disused historic stations for an exciting immersive experience. The atmospheric production which will combine interactive installations, set design, moving image, sound and light as visitors journey through the ticket hall and down onto the platforms becoming part of the story.

Booking opens for Miss Saigon this September

Based on a love story set during the American occupation of Saigon during the Vietnam War, Miss Saigon was one of the West End’s most successful shows when it world premiered and ran at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 1989 to 1999. Now 15 years on, Miss Saigon is set to return to the West End and will play at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Hidden Treasures on Display this October

Two new major exhibitions, The Cheapside Hoard: London’s Lost Jewels, (Museum of London, 11 October 2013 - 27 April 2014) and Beyond El Dorado: power and gold in ancient Colombia (British Museum, 17 October 2013 - 23 March 2014) will showcase some of the most remarkable treasures to ever go on display.

Groups and individuals can book through Group Line / +44 (0)20 7420 9700

Festive Inspiration and Ideas

Christmas at Sadler’s Wells

London’s Dance House, Sadler’s Wells, recently announced an exciting winter programme. Families will love The SnowmanTM (27 November – 5 January) and BOING!, an energetic and enchanting piece of children’s dance theatre combining comedy, acrobatics and breakdance (20 December – 5 January). Don’t miss Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, best known for replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble that blends dance, humour and spectacle with extravagant, award-winning designs (4 December – 26 January).

The Artist at the Royal Albert Hall

For the first time since London welcomed in the new Millennium, the Royal Albert Hall will open its doors for some very special end of year concerts to welcome 2014 in style. Two years after it charmed the world with its nostalgic look at the golden days of the Hollywood silent film, The Artist now comes to the Royal Albert Hall on (30 & 31 December), in its live concert version, making this the perfect end of year treat. This multi award-winning film is dramatically brought to life on stage with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Christmas Packages at Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

This festive season, Ripley’s will host additional seasonal entertainment building on the popularity of last year’s Mini-Santa, real life Reindeers and a giant snow globe. Groups of 10+ can also take advantage of festive lunch and dinner packages with local restaurants such as Café Rouge, Strada, Bella Italia and Planet Hollywood. Prices start from just £29.96 per person for an all-inclusive day out. For more info visit ripleyslondon.com/groups or call +44(0)207 494 6818 / email groups@ripleyslondon.com.

Magical Experience at London Wetland Centre

Experience the magic of a festive visit to Father Christmas and his huskies among the pine trees at this beautiful nature reserve, the London Wetland Centre. Children can enjoy free husky sleigh rides and visit Santa’s Grotto. Enjoy a wintery stroll around the scenic walkways set amongst the lakes, meadows and ponds of this 105 acre wildlife oasis.

Breathtaking Blizzards at the Southbank Centre

This Christmas experience a dreamlike world in which a cobweb envelops the audience and one tiny piece of paper begins a breath-taking blizzard of snow. Returning to the Royal Festival Hall for an extraordinary third season, Slava’s Snowshow has delighted and exhilarated theatregoers in over 80 cities around the globe. Combining hilarity and poignancy with stunning spectacle, this classic show is full of joy for all the family from 8 to 88.

World Premiere of Stephen Ward

Tickets are now on sale for the world premiere of Stephen Ward, opening at the Aldwych Theatre on 3 December. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Ward tells the story of the 1963 Profumo Affair scandal, charting the rise and fall from grace of the society osteopath who was friend to film stars, spies, models, government ministers and aristocrats during the increasingly permissive lifestyle of London’s elite in the ‘60’s

Christmas in the Rainforest!

Christmas at Rainforest Café is a magical time. Young or old, there is something for all ages to enjoy from a 3-course festive lunch or dinner to the enchanting Santa’s Grotto. All are available starting from November and running throughout December, with trade rates available. For further information, to check availability or to make a booking, contact the Head Elf on fatherchristmas@therainforestcafe.co.uk or +44(0) 20 7297 5110.

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Essential Information

Buy your currency at the Post Office

The Post Office\'s huge network of Bureaux de Change makes them the largest provider of foreign currency in the UK, consistently voted \"Best Foreign Exchange Provider\".

Getting around London

Find out information on coach parking in London as well as the city congestion charge and information for your clients on public transport including accessibility.

Find information on UK Visas

Check our guide to UK Visa regulations with all the resources you\'ll need to ensure your arrivals into London runs smoothly. You\'ll also find information on UK customs allowance.

Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

It\'s on of London\'s top attractions and a must see for all visitors to the city. Make sure your clients don\'t miss out by ensuring you stay up to date with schedules

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