Monopoly - Trafalgar Square

Monopoly red square. £240.
Trafalgar Square one of the world's most famous places for protests and gatherings. Even the pigeons attempt large assemblies which hawks are brought in to manage.

Count Down

Keeping an eye on the Olympic count down clock recently installed in Trafalgar Square.

Happy St Patrick's Day

For the little bit of Irish in you all.

February Theme Day - Fountains

One sunny afternoon passing Trafalgar Square I caught the sun reflecting through the water of fountain creating a lovely rainbow.

Fountains are this month's theme at CDP
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Ouch

Not sure which is worse, the nails or the cold.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah in Trafalgar Square

Diwali on the Square

A celebration of Diwali at Trafalgar Square on Sunday.

Hats Galore

The Pearlie's originated in 1875 (or thereabouts) and where costersmongers, (the name given to fruit and vegetable vendors). They decorated their suits with a row of pearl buttons, said to have arrived on a ship from Japan. As time has gone by the costumes have become more elaborate each with a story to tell.
A costume today can have as many as 30,000 buttons sewn on to and weigh 30kg.

At the moment it is the harvest festival time with several festivals if you want to catch a glimpse of the glamour. Next festival is at St Paul's on 10 October.

Now for another hat. The red hat where prize winners are selected for competitions on aglimpseoflondon.

The winner of Luke's album

and then some
is Angie.

Thanks everyone who entered. If you're in London tonight remember you can catch Luke at the legendary Catweazle club's performance space at the North London Tavern

Exploring

I am off to explore and find a wee bit of sunshine (I hope). Technology willing a picture will still arrive each day during my break.

Olympic Torch 1948

The relay with the Olympic torch began in 1948. There were around 1720 torches that were carried, often the bearers were allowed to keep them. A few have popped up in recent years for sale.
This one, that I don't know the origins of was available at the end of the London 10K run for you to pose with.

Brass Rubbing

Want to have a go at this old and very British hobby? Coming into existence during the 17th century. A sturdy piece of paper is placed over a brass plaque then rubbed with a treated wax.

Want to give it a try? The crypt in St-Martin-in the-Fields church (near Trafalgar Square) has 90 brass replicas for you to choose from.

Skywatch Friday - Sir Keith Park

The New Zealand RAF commander Sir Keith Park was such a formidable commander during the Battle of Britain and the Battle of Malta, that the Germans nick named him 'The Defender of London'.

His statue was on the 4th plinth at Trafalgar Square from November 2009 until May 2010.

See what other skywatchers around the world have to show you today.

Festival of Chariots

Accepting a gift of fruit from a monk at the Hare Krishna festival of Chariots in Trafalgar Square last Sunday.

Colour Co-Ordinated

Nice coats girls.

The Captain and The Marathon Runner

Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year or harvest festival was celebrated in Trafalgar Square yesterday. Food, singing and dancing all part of the fun.

I met these two gentlemen, the captain and the marathon runner. The captain told me 92 year old Fauja Singh has run over 20 marathons.

Having searched on google I find he is actually 99 and began running at age 89! He has become the new face of Adidas.

Whatever his age, he is certainly an inspiration.

The Fans

A few days ago I posted the kick4life mascots running around Trafalgar Square. Today is a glimpse of some of the supporters.

Kick4Life

Running around Trafalgar Square a multitude of costumed characters. Behind all this craziness is a good cause. The World Cup Song is to be released 24.04.10. with the proceeds from sale going to kick4Life who deliver HIV education and health testing to orphans and vunerabel children in southern Africa.

Lines and Reflections

A lot of waiting is involved in having people walk into your frame just where you want them to be, especially somewhere as busy as Trafalgar Square.

Raincoat Day

A perfect day for camera raincoat, dozens of umbrellas to battle with in the streets.
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that umbrellas are getting bigger, especially in small spaces.