Our friends at British Airways have launched a new commercial – hot off the heals of their last commercial. This on is geared towards London 2012.

From their description:

This year, the eyes of the world will be on us. We’re proud to be ready to use our experience and expertise to fly customers from all over the world to London. Watch our new film to see how our team is in place and ready to serve.

Book your trip to Britain with British Airways!

British Airways: Airline Releases new Advert for London 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Londonist Out Loud a podcast for London news, views, and oddities from London, UK. Presented by N Quentin Woolf. (free on iTunes/www.londonist.com)

Welcome to the latest episode of Londonist Out Loud, a podcast about London.

News and Views
Londonist Out Loud is presented and produced by N Quentin Woolf. This week’s show comes from the unusual environment of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park near Mile End tube station.

His guests this week are:

Londonist Out Loud: A Podcast For London, 31 January 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Londonist Out Loud a podcast for London news, views, and oddities from London, UK. Presented by N Quentin Woolf. (free on iTunes/www.londonist.com)

Welcome to the latest episode of Londonist Out Loud, a podcast about London.

News and Views
Londonist Out Loud is presented and produced by N Quentin Woolf. This week’s show comes from The Star cafe in Soho.

His guests this week are:

• Peter Berthoud, Westminster tour guide and blogger at Discovering London
• Jo Moncrieff, Westminster tour guide
• Julia Forte, proprietor of The Star, and owner of the London Peculiar website

The guests discuss recent London news and features including Crossrail developments, the noses of Soho, London’s worst Tube stations, police spending on the Speaking Clock, the ‘Boris Island’ Thames airport proposals, new libraries for London, trouble with the English Defence League, as well as far more London trivia than is probably good for you.

What’s On In London
NQW rounds up the best new exhibitions and shows opening over the coming week.

Remember, you can subscribe to Londonist Out Loud via iTunes or RSS.

Sponsored by Open Pen. Interested in sponsoring this podcast? Contact us on hello@londonist.com for more details.

Londonist Out Loud: A Podcast For London, 23 January 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Free Events

1. Olympic and Paralympic Cycling Road Races
July 28 – August 1, 2012
There are lots of ways to enjoy the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games without a ticket. Some of the most iconic events will be able to be viewed from great vantage points at no cost. The men’s and women’s Road Races will begin on The Mall, a popular backdrop for formal ceremonies and major sporting events throughout the year. From The Mall, the riders will head southwest through London, cross the famous River Thames at Putney Bridge and continue out through Richmond Park past Hampton Court Palace. Before the riders make it back to The Mall for a dramatic finish, they will head to Surrey, travel north through Leatherhead, Esher and Kingston.
(www.london2012.com/cycling-road) And LOCOG have just announced that they are increasing the capacity for spectators at one of the best viewpoint – Box Hill – from 3,500 to up to 15,000 http://www.london2012.com/news/2012/01/more-spectators-will-enjoy-best-views-of-olympic-cycling-road-race.php

2. Olympic Marathons
July 5 and 12, 2012
The Olympic and Paralympic marathons will start and finish at The Mall, an iconic location in central London most recently famous as part of the wedding route for the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Each race will have around 80 athletes taking part, making it a heart-pumping spectacle worth watching.
(www.london2012.com/athletics)

3. Olympic Sailing
July 29 – August 11, 2012
The deep sapphire blue waters of Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour will play host to 10 sailing events over the course of 14 days during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These free events will offer fans excitement and drama as they watch teams race in the beautiful but testing waters on the southern coast of England.
(www.london2012.com/sailing)

4. Olympic Race Walks
August 4 and 11, 2012
Known for its regal beauty and nature, visitors can watch the Race Walks which begin and finish at The Mall in St James’s Park. Along the 2 kilometre race loop, visitors can take in the sites of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen, and the Commonwealth Memorial Gates.
(www.royalparks.org.uk/London2012.cfm)

5. Olympic Live Sites
With large screens carrying live broadcasts of the Olympic events, visitors in at least 20 locations around the UK will have the best seat in the house to watch their favourite event. Screens will feature a broad range of UK-wide and local content in partnership with community, arts and media organizations.
(www.london2012.com/get-involved/live-sites/index.php)

Affordable Attractions

6. Museum of London Docklands
Occupying a Georgian warehouse on the banks of the West India Quay in trendy East London, home to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Museum of London Docklands is a great place to take the kids and entry is free. Visitors can explore 12 galleries of artefacts, paintings, engravings and photographs that chart the history of the area from the Romans to present day.
(www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands)

7. Mudchute Farm and Park
Europe’s largest urban farm is overlooked by Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers in East London. With 34 acres of open parkland, in the heart of the Isle of Dogs, visitors can easily be in the British
countryside just miles away from central London. The farm and park offers visitors the experience to ride horses and pet sheep, pigs, ducks, geese and llamas. Picnics are welcomed and entry is free.
(http://mudchute.org)

8. The London Pass
The London Pass is a great way to experience London like never before. Travellers who purchase this pass at VisitBritain’s online shop prior to going overseas can save on the retail price. The pass allows visitors free entry into over 50 top attractions in London, which can save those on a budget up to £500 on entrance fees. Top attractions include Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, London Zoo, St Paul’s Cathedral, Wembley Stadium and Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.
(www.visitbritainshop.com/usa)

Affordable Accommodation

9. 3 star accommodation is available during the Games at St Giles Hotel in the heart of the West End / Bloomsbury for only £199 per room per night including breakfast and VAT for up to two persons sharing, while studio accommodation is available atCitadines Barbican from just £150 per night on a self catering basis.
http://www.stgiles.com/
http://www.citadines.com/uk/london/barbican.html

10. citizenM, Glasgow, Scotland
Recently opened in 2010, citizenM offers travellers on a budget an affordable luxury hotel in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre. This high-technology accommodation allows guests self check-in on touch screen terminals and has a food and beverage outlet, canteenM, that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Guestrooms are outfitted with a light and sound system that can be controlled with the touch of a button.
(www.citizenmglasgow.com)

11. Cambridge Colleges – Bed and Breakfast, Cambridge, England
Cambridge, a city of all seasons, may be a small city but it still packs a punch and offers
affordable accommodations just 45 minutes from London via rail. Trace the footsteps of college
graduates such as Newton and Darwin and stay in a room at one of the Cambridge colleges.
Staying in an historic Cambridge college accommodation during the London 2012 Games is a
unique opportunity that offers bed and breakfast service.
(http://www.cambridgerooms.co.uk/

12. Camping
There are lots of camp sites being set up in and around London specially for the Olympic Games. For example Camp In London, set in a lovely, 19-hectare green field in Walthamstow, East London is being transformed into one of the largest campsites that London has seen. It is just 4 miles from the heart of the city of London and less than a 10 minute free shuttle bus ride from the Olympic Park. It has great facilities and its own international festival running throughout the duration of the Games. You can stay in a pre-erected tent for just £40 pppn or pitch your own tent for just £15 pppn.
(http://www.campinlondon.com/)

For other great ways to experience the magic of the Olympic Games on a budget go to www.visitbritain.com

12 winning ways to enjoy the Olympic Games on a budget is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Artistic Director of the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, Danny Boyle, says the Isles of Wonder show will reflect British wit and weather. Report by Adam Sich.

2012 Olympics: Danny Boyle promises excitement at the Opening Ceremonies is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Credit: chrisdb1

The United Kingdom is gearing up for some spectacular events this summer. The Olympic Games is considered the biggest sporting and tourism event on the planet, but there are other events happening across the UK that will be taking centre stage that have a global reach and are set to attract thousands of visitors.

100 Years Since The Maiden Voyage Of The Titanic

The ill-fated Titanic set sail from Southampton on the 10th of April 1912. Four days later the ship sank after colliding with an iceberg in the freezing waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The story of the Titanic has been immortalised in books, films and even music, and the centenary commemoration is set to bring thousands of people to Belfast in Northern Ireland where the Titanic was built and Cobh (Queenstown) in County Cork in the Republic of Ireland. Queenstown was the last port of call for the ship before heading across the ocean.

The link between the Titanic and Ireland will always be particularly strong with hundreds of Irish passengers perishing when the ship went down. The Centenary celebrations in County Cork have taken on Olympic proportions with many people suggesting that the numbers of visitors to Queenstown and County Cork will exceed that of visitors to the Olympic Games in London.

Queenstown harbour in Cobh, County Cork – source: Wikipedia

Over 35,000 tickets were sold in 2011, for tours to the Titanic Centre, and County Cork has gone all out with tours, trips and a Titanic experience for the thousands of people expected. Irish websites devoted to the events number dozens and have been attracting hundreds of thousands of hits in the lead up to the centenary date in April 2012. The BBC and the Irish Telegraph have both reported on the enduring pull of this tragic story.

Events in Ireland began on the very first day of 2012 with LE Emer gliding into port in Cobh in County Cork. The yearlong programme by the Cobh Town Council includes shows, walking tours, interactive museums and even an international film festival.

Several commentators and travel writers have predicted that the Titanic centenary will be even bigger than the Olympics taking place across the Irish channel to the south. In terms of global reach, this is nearly impossible, however many of The Olympic events are reportedly downsizing while Ireland and County Cork are preparing for a massive influx of tourists.

The Olympics Could Be The Iceberg That Sinks London

Despite all of the pageantry, pomp and circumstance of the Olympics in London, the numbers of visitors to the city is not likely to rise during the summer months and particularly over the duration of the Olympic Games. The biggest issue with the Olympics is the fact that regular tourists are put off by the rumours of higher prices, overcrowding and even a lack of public services. Has London done enough to ensure that their regular summer visitors are going to visit in 2012?

Travel agencies and journalists say ìNot enough…î In 2008 the city of Beijing prepared for and expected nearly half a million foreign visitors to the city during the summer Olympics; just under 250 000 visitors entered the city during the entire month of August.

If the London Olympics is true to form, and follows the way of Beijing and Sydney, then there could be even less people visiting the city for the Olympics, which puts Ireland and the Titanic Centenary very much on top of the tourist numbers game this summer.

Article produced by GoIreland.com. If youíre favouring the centenary of the Titanic, then GoIreland have a range of hotels in Cork available for anyone looking to celebrate this once in a lifetime occasion.

Guest Post: The Titanic vs. The Olympics: Which Event Will Get The Most Spectators in 2012? is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Royal Marines and elite police officers have joined forces to showcase the UK’s biggest peacetime security operation ahead of London’s Olympics. Report by Sophie Foster.

London 2012: Royal Marines and elite police squad carry out Olympic security is a post from: Anglotopia.net

As London prepares to pull out all of the stops as hosts of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the rest of Britain has followed suit for what is set to be a blockbuster year of experiences only to be had in 2012. Whether you are a sports lover, a history buff, a Royal watcher or music lover, it’s Britain, it’s 2012 and you’re invited.

1. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, 2 – 5 June

In honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 60 years on the throne, many exciting events will be taking place across Britain. A program which will include a flotilla with 1000 boats along the River Thames, a concert at Buckingham Palace, the lighting of 2012 beacons and a Big Jubilee Lunch, have already been confirmed with the majority of events taking place over the extended weekend from 2 – 5 June. Exhibitions including The Queen: Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years at Windsor Castle and Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomy at the Queens Gallery will also be taking place during 2012. Queen Elizabeth II is only the second monarch, after Queen Victoria in 1897, to reach this 60 year milestone. More celebration information will be available online throughout 2012.

www.direct.gov.uk/diamondjubilee

www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org

2. Charles Dickens 200th Birthday, 7 February

Kent will be celebrating the bicentenary of his birth in 2012. Organisations in England and worldwide are planning festivals, exhibitions and other events in honour of one of literatures best loved authors. On 7 February, Dickens’ birthday will be celebrated with a range of activities and celebrations including street performers, musicians, food, craft activities and readings. There will also be free admission to the Birthplace for timed slots during the day. In addition, the year of the bicentenary will see new commemorative initiatives, including exciting legacy projects and heritage trails. For more information and to keep updated with the bicentenary events visit:

www.dickens2012.org

www.visitkent.co.uk/explore/charles-dickens.asp

3. The Wales Coast Path, May

Coastal Wales is the greatest region on Earth to visit in 2012, according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel. Wales is set to become the only country in the world where its entire coastline can be walked. The Wales Coast Path, due for completion in May, 2012, includes 70 sweeping beaches, 15 picturesque ports and innumerable secret coves. Whether an avid walker or up for a new adventure, visitors of all walking abilities will want to explore the Wales Coast Path, 85% of which is within the National Parks.

www.walking.visitwales.com

4. Cotswolds Olympicks, 400th Anniversary, 1 June

At the time of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, England will also be celebrating the 400th anniversary of its Olympic roots – Robert Dover’s Cotswolds Olympicks. Started by a local barrister, Captain Robert Dover, the world’s inaugural Olympick Games were staged on a Cotswold hillside in 1612. Today the annual event, held at the start of June, attracts thousands of spectators as ‘athletes’ partake in country-side games such as obstacle courses and tug-of-war, in addition to unique sporting competitions such as shin-kicking. The day is brought to a close with fireworks and a torch lit procession into Campden followed by dancing in the square.

www.olimpickgames.co.uk

5. The Sailing of the Titanic, 100th Anniversary, April

April 2012, marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster, and to commemorate this moment in history, the city of Belfast will be unveiling the ‘Titanic Signature Project’ set to make the city’s Titanic Quarter the largest waterfront development project in Europe. The new ‘Titanic Belfast,’ a state-of-the-art building in the heart of the Titanic Quarter, will include a ‘Titanic Experience’ exhibition, an ‘immersive theatre’ diving underwater to explore the wreck, and a Titanic-themed banqueting suite. The project will also include the restoration of the Titanic and Olympic slipways, the Thompson Dock and Harland & Wolff’s former Headquarters building. Belfast will also host the Titanic 100 Festival from 31 March – 31 May..

www.titanic-quarter.com

6. The World Shakespeare Festival, 23 April – November

The World Shakespeare Festival is a celebration of Shakespeare as the world’s playwright, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, in an unprecedented collaboration with leading UK and international arts organisations, and with Globe to Globe, a major international program produced by Shakespeare’s Globe. Thousands of artists from around the world will take part in almost 70 productions, plus supporting events and exhibitions, right across the UK including London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Newcastle-Gateshead, Birmingham, Wales and Scotland as well as online. The festival forms part of London 2012 Festival, which is the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad, bringing leading artists from all over the world together in a UK-wide festival in the summer of 2012.

www.worldshakespearefestival.org

7. The Olympic Torch Relay, May – July

18 May is the date the Olympic Torch is set to arrive in Britain, when it will travel across every nation and region on a 70 day, 8,000 mile journey. The Olympic flame will travel within one hour of 95% of the UK population and only in 2012 is there chance to join more than 1,000 communities in welcoming a historic Olympic tradition to Britain. The exciting Torch Relay will include some breath-taking spectacles and rather unusual modes of transport: horseback, steam train and even a zip wire are all in the plans, with more to be announced between now and 18 May. Celebrations and events across Britain will mark the flame’s arrival, creating unique local experiences across the UK. The Olympic Torch relay is a must for any 2012 Britain itinerary.

www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay

8. The Beatles’ 50th Anniversary

Liverpool is the birthplace of the Beatles and the city that shaped their lives and early music. With 2012 marking the 50th anniversary of their first smash hit “Love Me Do,” there has never been a better time to visit the award-winning Beatles Story, an experience that gives an atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture and music of the Beatles. Visitors will see how four young men from Liverpool were propelled into the dizzying heights of worldwide fame and fortune to become one of the greatest bands of all time. With the world famous Cavern Club and the home of John Lennon available to visit, make 2012 the year to bring the story of the Beatles to life!

www.beatlesstory.com

9. London 2012 Festival, 21 June – 9 September

The London 2012 Festival, taking place 21 June –9 September is the finale of the four-year Cultural Olympiad. Complementing the sporting events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the festival will be the biggest party the UK has ever seen with over 1,000 events taking place all over the UK – many of them free. Famous headliners include Cate Blanchett and Jude Law, while some of the highlight events include the World Shakespeare Festival; Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend – the national radio station’s biggest free concert ever; and West End Live where you can experience the best of London theatre for free in Trafalgar Square. More high profile events will be announced in January 2012 and over 70 productions will take place all around Britain.

http://festival.london2012.com

10. WorldPride, 23 June –8 July

The eyes, ears and rainbows of the world will be on London in 2012 as it hosts WorldPride. What promises to be an event on a truly mammoth scale, WorldPride is expected to attract over one million visitors. The two week festivities known as ‘Festival fortnight’ will take place from 23 June – 8 July with the main parade held on 7 July. Organised by InterPride, WorldPride promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues on an international level through parades, festivals and other cultural activities.

www.pridelondon.org/worldpride

11. National Football Museum, May

Britain is the home of football and the English Premier League, which is now the most watched football season in the world, broadcasted live in 212 territories globally. The National Football Museum, opening in Manchester in May 2012 is set to become one of the city’s ‘must see’ attractions. Highlights include a shirt from the world’s first international match, played in 1872; the 1966 World Cup Final ball; and the shirt worn by Maradona during the 1986 ‘Hand of God’ quarter final match between England and Argentina. In 2012, the Olympics will see football matches in some of Britain’s world class sporting venues including Old Trafford, Wembley and the Millennium Stadium. The National Museum of Football is a must for anyone with an interest in the game.

www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

12. London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games,27 July – 12 August and 29 August – 9 September 

While tickets to the Olympic Games may be few and far between at this point in the year, there are still plenty of ways to be a part of the excitement in London and Britain during Games time. Host cities will be buzzing with excitement creating an unbeatable atmosphere of celebration. Soak up the excitement at one of the 22 Live sites across the UK or get yourself to one of the many non-ticketed events and cheer on your home-town hero. Non-ticketed events include Road Cycling, Marathon, Marathon Swimming, Race Walk, Triathlon and Sailing.

http://www.london2012.com/

12 reasons to Visit Britain in 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The Camping and Caravanning Club will be offering several temporary event campsites during the summer of 2012. Some are just 10‐15 minutes from the Olympic village. Pitches ‐ costing from £30 per night – will accommodate up to four people.

1. Ideally located near to Ebbsfleet International Station and just ten minutes away from the Olympic Park and Stadium, the Club’s Gravesend/Old Gravendians event campsites are in the perfect location to catch all of the sporting action. The event campsite will operate from Friday, July 20, 2012 to Thursday, August 16 inclusive and will accommodate all units. Full camping facilities are also available onsite. Pitches cost just £30 per night, based on a minimum three-night stay.www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/2012camping.

2. Once again located near to Ebbsfleet International Station and just ten minutes away from the Olympic Stadium, the Club’sCulverstone event campsite will operate from Friday, July 20, 2012 to Thursday, August 16 inclusive and will accommodate all units. Full camping facilities are also available onsite. Pitches cost from just £30 per night, based on a minimum three-night stay.www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/2012camping.

3. Located in one of the largest boroughs in Greater London, the Club’s Havering event campsite is only approximately 15 minutes away from Stratford Station and the Olympic Park and Stadium. The event campsite, which will run from Tuesday, July 24 to Monday, August 20, boasts 430 pitches and state-of-the-art facilities and will provide onsite entertainment. Pitches cost from just £30 per night, based on a minimum three-night stay. www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/2012camping.

4. Within a 10-minute walk to the Olympic Park, and believed to be closest campsite to venue, there really is no better location to soak up the Olympic atmosphere. The Club’s WaterWorks event campsite, which will run from Friday, July 20, 2012 to Thursday, August 16, 2012, hosts 320 pitches, offers full camping facilities and will provide onsite catering. Camping will start from £45 a night, based on a minimum three-night stay. www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/2012camping.

5. Close to the action but yet far enough away to relax in idyllic countryside, the Club’s Chertsey Club site is the perfect place to pitch up over the Olympic period. The site is just a 30 minute train ride away from London and the Olympic Park and Stadium. The site is also close to the Olympic Cycling Road Race course. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs £11.30 per adult (per pitch per night). www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/chertsey.

6. Inside London’s orbital M25 motorway and only 15 miles from the capital, the Club’s Walton on Thames Site is a great place to enjoy the Olympics. Hersham station is approximately one mile away from the site and provides easy access to all of the Olympic venues. Those who are inspired by the Games and would like to try their hand at new sports and activities will have the opportunity to take part in outdoor pursuits at several local centres close to the 115 pitch site. Camping costs £4.45 per adult (per pitch per night). visit: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/waltononthames.

7. Set in 14 acres of woodland but just half an hour train ride away from the capital and the Olympic Park and Stadium,Theobalds is a fantastic site for sports fans. For those wishing to get away from the Olympic action but yet enjoy a variety of leisure activities, Lee Valley Country Park is located nearby and is great for walking, cycling, fishing and bird watching. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs £6.90 per adult (per pitch per night).www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/theobaldspark.

8. Located on the edge of the North Downs the Horsley Club Site is a haven for wildlife –surprising considering it’s only 30 miles from Stratford and the Olympic Park and Stadium. Campers will have additional opportunities to get involved with the sporting action as the site is also close to the Olympic Cycling Road Race course. Full camping facilities are available onsite. Camping costs just £10.15 per adult (per night per pitch). www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/horsley.

9. Despite just being outside the M25 motorway, you’ll heard birdsong not traffic. The Oldbury Hill site is the perfect spot for campers looking to dip in and out of the Olympic action but still enjoy a relaxing, peaceful break. The Olympic Park and Stadium is less than 30 minutes’ drive away from the 60 pitch site providing easy access to the sporting action. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs £8.25 per adult (per pitch per night). www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/oldburyhill.

10. Only 40 minutes away from London and the Olympic Park, the Club’s Kelvedon Hatch Site is in a great location to catch all of the sporting action. For those wishing to get away from it all there’s also the lure of Essex’s beaches which are also within striking distance of the site. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs from £8.25 per adult (per pitch per night).www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/kelvedonhatch

11. For those campers that didn’t receive Olympic tickets or just want to get away from it all, the Club’s Keswick Club Site is the perfect option. Idyllically situated on the shore of Derwentwater and only a couple of minutes away from the centre of the popular market town, the site is a walker’s paradise. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs from £9.15 per adult (per pitch per night). www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/keswick

12. Steeped in history and just a short drive from the sandy family-friendly beaches of Skegness, the Club’s picturesqueWoodhall Spa site is great for adults and children alike, who want to get ‘far from the madding sports crowd’. The Edwardian resort of Woodhall Spa – a 19^th century spa town – has many places to eat out and provides a great base for a relaxing holiday. Full camping facilities are available. Camping costs from £9.15 per adult (per pitch per night).www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/woodhallspa

London 2012: Need a Place to Stay for the Games? How about Camping in London? is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The 2012 Olimpick Games will include cannon-fire, wrestling, shin kicking, swordplay, fireworks and a torchlight procession.

The annual Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olimpick Games will take place on 1 June on Dover’s Hill in the Cotswold town of Chipping Camden, 400 years after the first sporting fair took place here in honour of the ancient Games of Greece.

Robert Dover (1582–1652) was an English barrister who introduced a festival of sport and pageantry in 1612. A book of poems published in 1636 in praise of the games has a drawing on the cover showing contestants dancing, throwing the sledge hammer, performing pike drill, tumbling and shin kicking.

The World Shin Kicking Championships still take place at these games. The sport involves contestants holding each other by the shoulder and trying to kick shins and bring opponents to the ground. A Stickler (judge) makes sure that shins are hit before a fall can count. Kickers wear white coats symbolising traditional white shepherd smocks. They are allowed to protect their shins with straw.

On the day after the games, there is a procession of the Scuttlebrook Queen with fancy dress and floats, and the crowning of the new queen in the Square. This is followed by a Street Fair.

Dover’s Hill overlooks the Vale of Evesham with views of the plains of the Avon and Severn rivers and the foothills of the Welsh mountains.

The organisers of the games say: ‘As hosts of the more senior event, the village of Chipping Campden (pop 2,500) wishes London success in hosting the modern Olympiad and would be happy to pass on any organisational tips.’

Dover’s Hill, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
Website: www.olimpickgames.co.uk
www.cotswolds.com
Facebook: Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olympick Games
Twitter: @OlimpickGames
YouTube: World Shin Kicking Championship 2011
Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olimpick Games 2011 

Weird Britain: Britain’s Other Olympics – The Olympicks is a post from: Anglotopia.net

British Design 1948–2012 will showcase 60 years of British creative talent and document the transformation of design in Britain since the post-war ‘Austerity Games’ of 1948.
The exhibits will come from the museum’s unrivalled collections and include product design, fashion and textiles, furniture, ceramics and glass, theatre design, graphics, photography, architecture, fine art and sculpture. This will be the first exhibition to look at how, over the last 60 years, artists and designers who were born, trained or worked in the UK have produced innovative and internationally acclaimed works.

There will be more than 300 exhibits and they will include the designs of a 1961 E-type Jaguar car, fine art by David Hockney, textiles by Laura Ashley and an Alexander McQueen evening gown.

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is open daily 10am–5.45pm (10pm Friday), admission free. British Design 1948–2012 runs from 31 March to 12 August, admission £12.

Victoria and Albert Museum,
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Tel: +44 20 7907 7073 (ticket bookings)
Website: www.vam.ac.uk
Facebook: Victoria and Albert Museum
Twitter: @V_and_A
YouTube: V&A – The Victoria and Albert Museum
Flickr: Victoria and Albert Museum

A Celebration of British design in Olympics year at V&A Museum is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Our latest contest is sponsored by the Hilton Honors program and features the prize of a trip to the London 2012 Olympic games – including tickets to events.

Here are the prize details:

GRAND PRIZE (1 WINNER)
A 5-DAY/4-NIGHT TRIP FOR TWO TO THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES (AUGUST 4 – 8, 2012) INCLUDING:

• Hotel accommodations at The Waldorf Hilton, London
• 2 tickets to select Olympic Summer Games sporting events

• Round trip airfare

There area a bunch of other great prizes as well. The contest requires that you register with Hilton Honors. It’s open to US residents of all 50 states (and DC). Must be 18 years or older.

Anglotopia Contest Disclaimer – PLEASE READ – before you email us an complain about the contest please understand that we are NOT running this contest NOR are we affiliated with it in anyway. We are merely providing the information that this contest exists.
Click here to enter this contest and for more information.

Anglophile Alert: Win another Trip to London 2012 from Hilton is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Another week, another contest to win a free trip to London. This time the contest is geared towards the London 2012 games and is sponsored by Kellog’s.

Here are the prize details:

One (1) Grand Prize – A 5-day/4-night trip for winner and one (1) guest to the London 2012 Olympic Games (“Games”) in London, England (ARV $22,512). Prize includes round trip coach-class air transportation for winner and one (1) guest from major international airport nearest winner’s home to
London, England; 4-nights lodging for two (2) at an London-area Sponsor-selected hotel (based on double occupancy); daily breakfast provided during the trip at Sponsor-selected hotel; and two (2) single day passes to CoSport’s hospitality center in the heart of London including food, beverage and entertainment; admission for two (2) to Sponsor-selected events at the Games as follows – 7/31/12 (2 events), 8/1/12 (1 event), 8/2/12 (2 events)). Trip must be taken from 7/30/12 – 8/3/12 or prize will be forfeited in its entirety.

So, it’s not for the whole Olympics, but it’s for a good chunk of it. I reckon I’d just try to get into the opening ceremonies.

This contest is only open to US Citizens 21 years or older.

Anglotopia Contest Disclaimer – PLEASE READ – before you email us an complain about the contest please understand that we are NOT running this contest NOR are we affiliated with it in anyway. We are merely providing the information that this contest exists.

Click here to enter the Kellog’s Contest.

Anglophile Alert: Win a Trip to the London 2012 Games from Kellogs is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The company has been helping organise home exchange holidays since 1985, and says it can take six to 12 months to arrange an international home swap, especially when visitors are planning to travel for a major event. Home Base offers home exchanges in Britain and worldwide, and has a wide range of accommodation in London including luxury houses, city apartments and a houseboat on the Thames.

Home exchange works on mutual trust. By staying in a private home visitors have the chance to experience a local neighbourhood, often with a ready-made social network of neighbours on hand. ‘Children Welcome’ homes are flagged up on the website.

Anyone can view the Home Base website to see the homes offering holiday swaps. A membership fee is payable to access contact information about the homes. Members make their own arrangements between themselves. Membership costs £29 for one year, £39 for two years.

Home Base Holidays, 7 Park Avenue, London N13 5PG
Tel:+44 20 8886 8752
Website: www.homebase-hols.com
Facebook: Home Base Holidays
Twitter: homeexchangeuk

London 2012: Swap a home for the Olympics Instead of Staying in a Hotel is a post from: Anglotopia.net

With exactly one year to go until the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, organisers confirm that preparations for the Games are on track and London’s vision to host Olympic and Paralympic Games that inspire the world and acts a catalyst for lasting change, is set to become reality.

The Games next year will mark the end of a decade-long project, with London winning the bid in 2005 based on a vision to stage Games which would have athletes at its heart, inspire young people to choose sport, showcase iconic London and be a catalyst for transformation and lasting change. With just 365 days to go, London is on track to deliver on its promises, host spectacular Olympic and Paralympic Games and lay the foundations for significant social, sporting and economic legacies.

London’s progress in the last six years has been closely monitored and is now 88% complete. More than 3.5 million tickets have been sold so far, setting the scene for full venues at Games time and a sensational atmosphere for competing athletes. London 2012’s mascots Wenlock and Mandeville have been unveiled to the world, the Olympic sport schedule published, design of the Olympic Torch finalised, the initial route of the Olympic Torch Relay announced and London was given a snapshot of what it feels like to be an Olympic Host City when the giant Olympic rings were unveiled at St Pancras International station earlier this year.

The London 2012 Games will extend well beyond the host city and reflect the worldwide appeal of the Olympic movement. Transport links have been improved, waterways cleaned and communities reconnected and renewed.

Teams from around the world are also confirming pre-Games training camps around the UK where they will be based in the run up to the Games.

With just twelve months before the Games begin, Venues will be turned into Olympic and Paralympic sporting theatres, a 17,000 seat hockey arena must be built, seating for the BMX track installed, two restaurants, a hospitality centre, sponsor pavilions and superstores constructed. Catering outlets and a range of spectator facilities must be installed. Temporary venues around London will also be created – ExCeL will host seven Olympic and six Paralympic sports, Greenwich Park will provide a spectacular backdrop to Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon events and a temporary stadium must be constructed at Horse Guards Parade for the Beach Volleyball competition.

LOCOG has already begun the process of testing venues and between now and 2012, will hold 42 test events in 26 venues, working with partners to test venues, technology and teams to prepare for the events in 2012 itself when 15,000 athletes from over 200 countries will compete in the Olympic and Parlaympic Games for 4,400 medals. With them will be nearly 10,000 team officials, more than 4,000 representatives and officials from the 26 Olympic and 20 Paralympic sports and over 20,000 accredited media will be in London reporting on the Games, with a similar number of unaccredited media expected.

LOCOG is also committed to making sure that the London 2012 Games will be the most accessible possible and that everyone has the opportunity to be involved with the Games. Specific innovations include the Ticketcare programme which allowed disabled people to apply for a free additional carer or Personal Assistant ticket if they were successful in their ticketing application, accessibility improvements to London along the River Walk which are giving disabled visitors the opportunity to enjoy an enhanced City experience while they are here for the Games, and a dedicated web page, www.london2012.com/accessibility, which provides disabled people with the information for a wide range of topics including transport, Blue Badge parking at London 2012 venues and accommodation.

The Mayor of London Marks 1 Year to Go:

One year from now… from TelegraphTV:

London 2012: One year to go from Channel 4:

Videos: London Celebrates 1 Year to go until London 2012 Olympics is a post from: Anglotopia.net

As many Anglophiles out there, I’m really looking forward to the London 2012 games next summer. I wanted to write about something that is really starting to annoy me as we get closer to the games.

Basically, Visa is the only card accepted for London 2012. That includes for purchasing tickets, souvenirs and anything else related to the games. One would assume it will also be the only card accepted on the Olympic grounds next year.

This annoys me because I don’t have a Visa card. All my debit/credit cards are Mastercards.

This means I cannot buy tickets to the games (no matter – no one can seem to get tickets anyway) or anything else.

Now, I didn’t really care. That is until I was at Heathrow Terminal 5, heading home from my Royal Wedding Trip. I had looked forward the whole trip to browsing the Official London 2012 Store in the terminal. I wanted to pick up some gifts and t-shirts. I browsed the store and picked out a few things. The prices were nose bleedingly high – but you only live once, right?

I went to the counter and saw a charming little sign that said “Visa – the official Credit Card of the Game – only accepted here.”

Well, let’s just say they lost a purchase of several hundred dollars.

Thankfully, another non-London 2012 gift shop had some suitable souvenirs I was able to buy instead.

I think it’s pretty boneheaded to only accept one specific type of credit card – especially when most people don’t even think there’s a difference between Visa and Mastercard. I fail to see how discriminating against a certain segment of customers will endear yourself to them.

But hey, what else can we expect from our banks?

Rant over.

London 2012: Rant Against Visa is a post from: Anglotopia.net

London 2012 has unveiled the 2012 Torch design – the Torch that will be carried by 8,000 people as it makes it’s way through Britain on it’s way to the opening ceremony.

From London 2012:

The Torch celebrates the best of British design, engineering and manufacturing talent and reflects the celebratory nature of the Olympic Torch Relay and the Olympic Games.

It has been designed by internationally-acclaimed designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, in partnership with Basildon-based product engineers Tecosim and Coventry based manufacturers The Premier Group.

At 800mm high and weighing just 800g, the Torch is one of the most lightweight in the history of the Olympic Movement. Its gold-coloured form is perforated by 8,000 small cut-out circles, representing the 8,000 Torchbearers and their stories of personal achievement. The circles, which run the length of the Torch, will also offer a unique level of transparency – allowing people to see right into its heart – and help keep the Torch cool.

The triangular design has been inspired by the multiples of three identified across the vision and delivery of the Olympic Games. These include the three Olympic Values of respect, excellence and friendship; the fact the UK has hosted the Olympic Games three times; and the vision for the London 2012 Olympic Games to combine three strands of work – sport, education and culture.

I think it looks like a golden cheese grater…

London 2012: Torch Design Unveiled is a post from: Anglotopia.net

London 2012 unveiled the Olympic Torch relay path through Britain. They plan to cover 8,000 miles of the British Isles from top to bottom.

Here’s a map:

London 2012′s Olympic torch relay will start in Land’s End and travel as far as the outer Hebrides on the 8,000-mile journey to the stadium, organizers have announced.

The Olympic Flame will arrive in Britain from Greece in exactly one year and the relay will continue for 70 days and with 8,000 torchbearers until the opening ceremony of the Games on 27 July 2012.

Here’s a video all about it:

Keep up with the Latest London 2012 News on Anglotopia.net

London 2012: The Olympic Torch Route Through Britain Revealed is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Big news for folks looking forward to the London 2012 games – tickets will officially go on sale on March 15th – but this is only for UK residents.

The process sounds complicated:

Olympic Games tickets will be on sale for six weeks, until 26 April 2011, enabling people to consider their options before making final choices and submitting their application. Tickets for oversubscribed sessions will be allocated via a ballot process.

Applications for tickets can be made at any point during the six-week period – tickets are not allocated on a first come, first served process.

LOCOG Chair Sebastian Coe commented: ‘On 15 March, the application process opens to be part of the greatest show on earth. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world’s greatest athletes going for gold in the UK – a chance for people to see their favourite sport and perhaps try a new one. Our message today is simple – mark the date in your diary and sign up to our ticketing site at www.tickets.london2012.com to receive all the information you need to help you with the process.’

LOCOG will announce full details of the purchasing process and the finalised schedule for all 650 sport sessions in February 2011. The two million people who have already signed up to the London 2012 ticketing database will receive all the information about how to apply and use their existing log-in details to access the application process.

Further details of the application process for Paralympic tickets will be announced later this year, with prices announced in May 2011.

Source.

However, if you’re like us and your based in the USA – this does not affect you. DO NOT apply when tickets go on sale.

To become eligible for London 2012 tickets, you have to apply through the US Olympic Committee and the organization they sell tickets through.

You can already express your interest on this form here.

But there’s no information yet on when tickets will become available for Americans and how much they’ll cost.

My dream is to at least attend the opening ceremony. But looking at the process they’re putting into place, I’m not optimistic for that outcome.

London 2012 Tickets To Go On Sale March 15th – But Not for Americans – Details Inside is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The London 2012 Olympics are still 18 months away but the main stadium is almost done – and was built under budget, they like to add. The Prime Minister and Mayor of London recently turned on the lights in the stadium for the first time with a gaggle of school children.

Here’s a video of the show:

London 2012: Olympic Stadium Lights Turned on for the 1st Time is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Short Answer: Yes.

Now for the long answer. But first – let me address something that was floating around Dragon*Con while I was there. Many people had heard that if you volunteer to help out with London 2012 – you’ll automatically get a visa and they’ll also provide somewhere to stay.

This is NOT true.

You have to qualify for the visa on your own and you must provide your own lodging.

According to the very helpful page: Are You Eligible, there are several basic qualifications everyone must meet.

First:

You must:

• be willing to volunteer for a minimum of 10 days at either the Olympic Games or the Paralympic Games; or for a minimum of 20 days if you want to volunteer at both;
• be able to attend a 30-minute face-to-face interview at a selection event;
• be able to attend a minimum of three training sessions before the Games (a minimum of 15 hours spread over three days); and be willing to accept the role and venue you are offered.

All seems pretty straightforward. However, then there are requirements you must meet to get a Visa into the UK to volunteer.

You must:

• be eligible to volunteer in the UK in accordance with immigration rules. In other words:
• have the right to live and work permanently in the UK; or
• hold a valid passport or identity card from any country in the European Economic Area; or
• be in the UK or coming to the UK to work in accordance with the UK Points Based System; or
• be in the UK for another reason with a permission to remain in the UK that allows you to volunteer; or
• be able to provide specialist sports-specific skills at the Games or have extensive previous Games experience and be able to meet the requirements for a sports visitor visa.

You can’t come to the UK on a regular tourist visa and work for London 2012. You have to apply for a Tier 5 Charity worker visa.

This visa allows you to come to the UK for up to 12 months to live and work (for free). You are not allowed to be paid. This visa requires sponsorship from London 2012. You also have to have £800 (approx. $1300) in a bank account for 3 months before you apply as well as pay a £138 application fee (approx. $220). The purpose of this visa is proving that you can support yourself while you’re in the UK volunteering and won’t need to work for money, because you won’t be allowed to.

More details on the Visa here at the UK Border Agency.

Taking all that into consideration, you’ll also be subjected to a background check and screened when applying to volunteer to the games. It’s practically like getting a job, except without pay.

Honestly, I find this whole process ridiculous. They really are making it quite hard to just volunteer your time for something as amazing as London 2012. The byzantine process will certainly turn a lot of people off of the idea – so that may mean that it will be a lot easier to actually get the visa and volunteer.

Then again there is something really romantic in the notion of flying over for a few weeks to live in London like a local, be a part of something amazing like the Olympics and experience Britain as if you truly lived there. Be a great way to figure out if you wanted to move to Britain permanently.

If you’re interested in volunteering, applications opened two days ago – go to London 2012 GamesMakers to express your interest and apply.

Click here to Apply to Volunteer for London 2012.

Click here for details on the Visa you’ll need if your accepted into the program.

Can Americans Volunteer for the London 2012 Games? is a post from: Anglotopia.net

They’re planning on building a tower to rival that of the Eiffel Tower that will sit on the site of the London 2012 Games.

Here’s a video about it:

I think it looks really cool and I can’t wait until we’re there in 2012 to climb to the top!

London to Get New Tower for London 2012 Games is a post from: Anglotopia.net

From time to time I like to share a bit of local news from up here. Might seem insignificant when stacked up next to big stories coming out from the major national newspapers, but the point of this site is to help Anglophiles feel a bit more connected to life in Britain, so I hope my “small town” news updates are a welcome addition.

Back in August the IOC finally voted to open up the sport of boxing to women for the summer games (see the BBC article here), with the inaugural matches to take place at the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games. I can’t believe it has taken this long for this sport to become recognized as an Olympic Event, but I’m thrilled the door has finally opened to bring the sport of women’s boxing to the Olympic arena.

Since the announcement was made in August, the area has been abuzz with rumors about Hartlepudlians representing Team GB at that first event in the London games. This is a boxing town, and the local female boxers have a great following. Two local girls were named in the top twelve back in January and this week the national team has been whittled down from those twelve to the “magnificent seven” with both female boxers from Hartlepool making the cut. Savannah Marshall, age 18, is a contender for the middleweight under 75kg class and Amanda Coulson, age 27, is vying for a spot in the lightweight under 60kg class. No, the last name is no coincidence, Amanda is my husband’s cousin so we are very excited and thanks to Jonathan’s link last week I have already put in my interest for tickets to London 2012.

Hartlepool's own Amanda Coulson

Since the announcement was made last year, the local boxers have both set their sights on making the team. It would be so special for the town if two of our girls represented Team GB in the first ever women’s boxing event, and it is made even more special that they could be involved in marking this historic event on home turf here in Britain. In the coming months both girls will train hard and fight for their spots on the final national team roster. I wish both of them luck and hope they make the final team in 2012 and do this town proud. Watch this space for updates!

Dispatches from the North: Hartlepool Fights its Way to London 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Has watching the Vancouver Olympics inspired you to want to work for London 2012? They’re on a hiring spree right now and will be for the next couple years as they ramp up for the games in London in August of 2012.

If they hope to fill all their open positions, they’ll need to recruit from abroad. So, I shot them an e-mail and asked them what their policy was on sponsoring qualified Americans for a UK Points System Tier 2 Visa.

This was their response:

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, there is no short answer to your query – however, you should find the following useful:

VISAS

• British and EEA (and Swiss) Passport holders are eligible to work in the UK
• If you are Canadian or from a Commonwealth country e.g. Australian and have a Grandparent who was born in the UK, individual can apply for an Ancestry visa and qualify for UK working
• If you are Canadian and qualify for the Youth Mobility Visa, this is only valid for a maximum of 2 years and you cannot then switch to another UK immigration permission on an in-country basis. Therefore, this type of visa would only work for a 2 year time-frame, e.g. 2011 and 2012.
• In order for LOCOG to sponsor you to obtain a visa (points-based visa schemes), we need to satisfy a number of criteria to obtain the required number of points: e,g, satisfy the resident labour market test (e.g. prove we have advertised a role within the UK) and justify why we want to appoint someone who is not a British or EEA passport holder due to the specialised nature of the role requirements, minimum salary requirements, qualifications and knowledge of English language.

For further information visit the UK Border Agency’s website: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Thanks,

HR & Recruitment team

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Ltd
One Churchill Place, 22nd Floor
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5LN
www.london2012.com

So, essentially, they are open to sponsoring someone qualified for a certain position. However, they have to make sure there is no one in the UK who can do the job first. That means there’s a chance – a lot of the positions they’re looking to fill are very specific so the UK job market may not have someone suitable.

If you fancy giving it a go, check out the current London 2012 job openings here.

Good luck!

UK Immigration: Inspired by Vancouver Olympics to Work for London 2012? is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Today marks a milestone – 1,000 days until the London 2012 games. I’ve been pretty excited about the 2012 games since they were announced, which seems like ages ago.

Iconic London Blogger Diamond Geezer has a great post about the 2012 games today – the history of the bid, current construction status and the future.

Check it out here.

Here’s a blog post from Visit London today about the milestone:

On Saturday, there are just 1,000 days to go until the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has released details suggesting more than 5 million people are now “involved” in the Games in one way or other.

So, if you’re reading this, chances are you’re either one of them, or you know someone who is!

Whether it’s the Inspire Programme looking at community projects, the Get Set programme in schools, the Cultural Olympiad, School Sports Week, or your company is working on the Games, it’s becoming clear than 2012 is having quite an impact.

So, tomorrow is time for London to celebrate this involvement in different ways:

- A Games-themed photography exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, called The Road to 2012, featuring portraits of people working towards the Games
- A spectacular firework display from the BT Tower tomorrow night, including a huge LED banner count-down message on top of the tower. (Watch this from London’s hilltops – Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill or on the BBC Lottery programme from 8.45pm)
- The London 2012 Corgi-made replica London bus goes on sale tomorrow in Hamley’s
- The limited edition adidas t-shirt, with pictures representing all the Olympic sports is available to buy here
- The Royal Mail’s 2012 stamps go on sale

With just 1,000 days to go, all eyes are on the next step: the aquatic centre’s roof is due to be finished before the end of the year…

But, alongside London 2012, we want to know what you’re going to achieve in the next 1000 days? Let us know in the comments below, tell twitter @london2012team, or visit www.london2012.com

I plan to be there in 2012!

What about you?

1,000 Days and Counting Until London 2012 is a post from: Anglotopia.net