Events in London during 2012

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2012 is the year of the London Olympics, but even if you're not a sports fan there's plenty to keep you entertained on the streets of the English capital.

Welcome to the Year of the Dragon

January sees the start of the Chinese Year of the Dragon, with one of the biggest parades outside China, centred on Trafalgar Square on 29 January. If Irish music and traditional food and drink is more your thing, then March sees the annual St Patrick's Day parade, again with Trafalgar Square as the focal point.

Springtime in London

Head for the banks of the Thames for the Boat Race between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in March, or show your support for runners and charities alike with the London Marathon in April. Soak up a spot of Shakespeare in the World Shakespeare Festival in April, or relax with an altogether slower pace of life as the glorious colours and imaginative gardens of the Chelsea Flower Show light up the exhibition halls.

Strawberries, Cream and Diamond Jubilees

June is well-known for strawberries, cream and the occasional glass of bubbly at Wimbledon, and in 2012 it also sees Queen Elizabeth II celebrate an astonishing 60 years as our sovereign. There'll be street parties, bunting and flags galore. Our Majesty's Official Birthday and Trooping the Colour in the same month bring a dignified end to the royal celebrations this month.

Olympic Fever

August is dominated by the Olympics and the Paralympics, but the theme of celebration continues into September, with the Mayor's Thames Festival. Take in the Euro qualifiers in October, before the full grandeur of the Lord Mayor's Show bursts on to the streets in November.

Winter Wonderland

December allows you to 'ooh' and 'aah' as the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is illuminated. Wrap up warm afterwards and head off to Somerset House or Canary Wharf for a stint of outdoor skating. Watch a spectacular end to the year with fireworks over the Thames, finish with a glass of bubbly, and get ready to do most of it all over again in 2013.