Puck in the Park

Preparing the set for A Midsummer's Night Dream in the gardens of St Paul's Church in Covent Garden.

Monopoly - Bow Street

Monopoly Board orange square. £180.

Bow st runs along side the Royal opera House in Covent garden. An area steeped in history.
The first professional police forces originated here. In 1749 a group of just eight men known as the Bow St runners, a nickname they didn't like. They felt it a derogatory term. Working alongside the Bow St magistrates court they represented the first formalised and regulated policing. Finally disbanded in 1839.

Easter Bunny

Giant bunny has appeared in Covent Garden. Created by the students of the Academy of Flowers using symbols of spring; moss,foliage and flowers.

The Little Tramp

Preparing for a bit of slapstick in Covent Garden.

Wizard

Merry Xmas with many kisses.

Men at Work #30

The dressing room of a Covent Garden performer.
The history of street performers in Covent Garden goes back to the 1600's. It is now one of the most prized spots in the world to perform. To get a spot on this patch you must pass an audition, pay a heft licence fee and be good at pulling the crowds in. Your time slot is generally only 40 minutes.

Under the Mistletoe

Two women in red encourage you to Merry Kissmas. Where did the mistletoe tradition come from do you know?

Xmas at Covent Garden

This years decorations at Covent Garden

Bright Sheep

No they haven't been to school. They're racing around town showing us how great we can look in woollies.
It's all part of wool fashion week (11-17 Oct). Prince Charles is leading the campaign. Support British farmers, wear something eco-friendly an alternative to throw-away garments.

And look out for sheep all week.

Helping the Kids

When you're trying to raise funds for a worthy cause the last thing you need is for the rain to bucket down. Well that's what happened to the London taxi drivers trying to raise funds for their Christmas appeal. They do a fantastic job taking under privileged kids on outings to the seaside, parks, circus and the like.

Every January, together with the Grosvenor Hotel, celebrities and entertainers, they organise a fantastic tea party to some 650 disadvantaged kids.
Just pop one less bauble on your Christmas tree and give the equivalent to their fabulous tea party here.

Punch and Judy

Punch and Judy punching it out at the annual convention in Covent Garden yesterday.

Tomorrow I will announce the winner of Saturday's competition. You still have a few hours to enter.

September Theme Day - Markets

Covent garden is one of the most famous markets in the world. It is known a fruit and vege market has been here since 1630. However archaeological digs in recent years points to activity here around AD 410.

To see other markets in the city daily photo community Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Cirque de Rein

Meet this group in Covent Garden the other day.
Jack the ring leader has this to say:

" the name of this circus is called the "Cirque De Rein" and for those who can't speak French it means "Circus of Nothing" which I hope is pretty self explanatory, but it all boils down to that the only thing the circus really has is the ring leader and maybe one or two performers depending if I can pester some people hehehe."

Follow his progress here. When he's famous you can say you first met him on aglimpseoflondon.

Browsing Antiques

Want to browse antiques and bric-a-brac? Head to Covent Garden on Mondays.

Covent Garden Cats

St Paul's in Covent Garden otherwise known as the actors church was built and designed in 1633 by Inigo Jones after whom the two resident tabby cats are named.

Red Shoes

Londoners are also très chic.

More Elephants

The elephants are everywhere. Each decorated by and artist or celebrity as part of a campaign to highlight that they are endangered.
A colourful elephant and a group of french students leaping in the air, too much fun to ignore.

John

Meet John. He and others who are homeless or vulnerable sell the Big Issue as a way to change their situation. The motto of the Big Issue is 'a hand up not a hand out'.
So if you pass by John or any other seller of this magazine, buy a copy.

Caught in the Rain

Trying out my new camera raincoat. No truly. I love taking pictures in the rain but how do you juggle an umbrella and camera. Simple. You don't. Unless you have three hands. You buy a waterproof cover for your camera. Watch this space for lots of rain pictures.
Although we'll probably have weeks of sunshine now that I'm prepared.