Katharine Heim, Tuesday 03 July 2012
The BT River of Music, part of London Festival 2012, is a premier event not to be missed.
With concert sites ranging from iconic Tower of London to London Pleasure Gardens, BT will be bringing the sounds of the world to London. Each stage coincides with a specific part of the globe like the Oceania or Americas stage. The event takes place from July 21 to 22 along the River Thames and is a great way to celebrate the Olympics before opening ceremonies.
Tickets, which only cost £3 for a processing fee, guarantee entrance to a specific stage. Because the event is practically free anyone can partake in the Olympic festivities without paying hefty ticket prices. Tickets for Somerset House, celebrating the sounds of Europe, are fully booked. But don’t worry, Trafalgar Square is also celebrating the sounds of Europe and still has tickets available.
After 4:30 pm stages are open to the public, but space is limited so make sure to book tickets in advance. All doors open at 11am, and music will be played from midday till 9 – 9:30pm.
Highlights include Gong Linna of China and Staff Benda Bilili from the Congo. If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by an adult. You are allowed to bring food and drinks in plastic containers; however, bringing alcohol is prohibited as it will be sold at the event. Leave the deckchairs at home, but blankets or mats are ok to bring. Stage line-ups and tickets can be found online at www.btriverofmusic.com. Maximum of four tickets per order.