| Revision as of 15:19, 12 February 2024 edit129.7.106.20 (talk) expanded citation← Previous edit | Revision as of 12:09, 16 March 2024 edit undoMichael Bednarek (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users85,122 edits →Classical music and opera: mention the London Metropolitan Orchestra which redirects here; +wl West End theatre & The Royal Opera; link tweaks.Tag: nowiki addedNext edit → | ||
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| ], ] and a red ]]] | ], ] and a red ]]] | ||
| ] has, alongside ], been described as the cultural capital of the world.<ref>{{Cite |
] has, alongside ], been described as the cultural capital of the world.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Calder |first=Simon |date=22 September 2007 |title=London, capital of the world|newspaper=]|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/london-capital-of-the-world-766661.html }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 December 2013 |title=London: a world city for culture and arts |url=https://www.anewdirection.org.uk/blog/london-a-world-city-for-culture-and-arts |website = A New Direction}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Teodorczuk |first=Tom |date=21 March 2007 |title=London is the world capital of the 21st century... says New York |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23389580-london-is-the-world-capital-of-the-21st-century-says-new-york.do |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125224024/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23389580-london-is-the-world-capital-of-the-21st-century-says-new-york.do |archive-date=25 January 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The '''culture of London''' concerns the music, museums, festivals, and lifestyle within London, the capital city of the ]. London is one of the world's leading business centres, renowned for its technological readiness and economic clout, as well as attracting the most foreign investment of any global city.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.londonlovesbusiness.com/business-news/london-attracts-most-foreign-investment-of-any-other-city/1923.article| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120319134145/http://www.londonlovesbusiness.com/business-news/london-attracts-most-foreign-investment-of-any-other-city/1923.article| archive-date = 19 March 2012| title = London attracts most foreign investment of any other city {{!}} News {{!}} LondonlovesBusiness .com}}</ref> | ||
| The city is particularly renowned for its theatre quarter, and its ] theatre district has given the name to "West End theatre |
The city is particularly renowned for its theatre quarter, and its ] theatre district has given the name to "]", the strand of mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres in London. London is also home to notable cultural attractions such as the ], the ], the ], the ], and ]. | ||
| Its main religion is Christianity with 40.66% of the population being Christians. | Its main religion is Christianity with 40.66% of the population being Christians. | ||
| Through music, comedy, and theatre, London has a lively nightlife with approximately 25.6 events per thousand people, 44.1% of those events being theatre based.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Chadha|first1=Aayush|title=UK Event Data |
Through music, comedy, and theatre, London has a lively nightlife with approximately 25.6 events per thousand people, 44.1% of those events being theatre based.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Chadha|first1=Aayush|title=UK Event Data – In Review|url=https://www.tickx.co.uk/article/772|website=www.tickx.co.uk}}</ref> | ||
| A variety of landmarks and objects are ]s associated with London, such as ], ], and the ]. Many other British cultural icons are strongly associated with London in the minds of visiting tourists, including the ], the ] bus, the ], and the ]. | A variety of landmarks and objects are ]s associated with London, such as ], ], and the ]. Many other British cultural icons are strongly associated with London in the minds of visiting tourists, including the ], the ] bus, the ], and the ]. | ||
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| ==Classical music and opera== | ==Classical music and opera== | ||
| ]]] | ]]] | ||
| There are three major concert halls in the capital. One of these is the Barbican Hall at ]; which is home to the ] (LSO) and ]. The ], based at the ] along with the ] and the ] is home to the ] (LPO), and the ]. The final and largest of all venues is the ], which hosts the ] each summer. The ] (RPO) is also based in London at ]. | There are three major concert halls in the capital. One of these is the Barbican Hall at ]; which is home to the ] (LSO) and ]. The ], based at the ] along with the ] and the ] is home to the ] (LPO), and the ]. The final and largest of all venues is the ], which hosts the ] each summer. The ] (RPO) is also based in London at ]. Founded in 1974, the <!-- This is a hack to avoid a self link from the REDIRECT. -->London Metropolitan Orchestra{{ill|London Metropolitan Orchestra|de||it|lt=<nowiki />}}<!-- End of hack. --> is a ] specialising in sound recordings of ] for British and international film and television productions.<ref>{{multiref | ||
| |{{AllMusic|class=artist|tab=credits|id=mn0000629536|title=London Metropolitan Orchestra – Credits}} | |||
| |{{cite web|url=https://lmo.co.uk/about/|access-date=16 March 2024|title=About|publisher=London Metropolitan Orchestra}}}}</ref> | |||
| There are also several chamber orchestras, some of which specialise in period instrument performances, including the ], and the ]. Chamber music venues include the ] at the ]; the ] and ]. | There are also several chamber orchestras, some of which specialise in period instrument performances, including the ], and the ]. Chamber music venues include the ] at the ]; the ] and ]. | ||
| A number of ] have originated in London, varying in size and musical style. Among the city's large symphonic concert choirs are the ] and ], which have their origins as the choral sections of the LPO and the LSO,<ref name="lsc">{{cite web|title=About the LSC|url=http://www.lsc.org.uk/about|publisher=London Symphony Chorus|access-date=10 September 2013}}</ref><ref name="lpo">{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.lpc.org.uk/60/history.html|publisher=London Philharmonic Choir|access-date=10 September 2013}}</ref> |
A number of ] have originated in London, varying in size and musical style. Among the city's large symphonic concert choirs are the ] and ], which have their origins as the choral sections of the LPO and the LSO,<ref name="lsc">{{cite web|title=About the LSC|url=http://www.lsc.org.uk/about|publisher=London Symphony Chorus|access-date=10 September 2013}}</ref><ref name="lpo">{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.lpc.org.uk/60/history.html|publisher=London Philharmonic Choir|access-date=10 September 2013}}</ref> ], ] and ]. Smaller vocal groups in London include the ]<ref>{{cite web|title=About us|date=19 May 2013|url=http://holstsingers.co.uk/about-us/the-choir/|publisher=Holst Singers|access-date=10 September 2013}}</ref> and the choir of ].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Choir of The English Concert|url=http://www.englishconcert.co.uk/biographies/detail.php?ID=1837|publisher=The English Concert|access-date=10 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018041745/http://www.englishconcert.co.uk/biographies/detail.php?ID=1837|archive-date=18 October 2014}}</ref> There is also a long tradition of choral singing in Christian churches and cathedrals, and among the choirs associated with ] are the choirs of ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Choir & Musicians|url=http://www.stpauls.co.uk/Worship-Music/Choir-Musicians|publisher=St Paul's Cathedra|access-date=10 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811111254/http://www.stpauls.co.uk/Worship-Music/Choir-Musicians|archive-date=11 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> ]<ref>{{cite web|title=The Choir of Westminster Abbey|url=http://www.westminster-abbey.org/music/choir|publisher=Westminster Abbey|access-date=10 September 2013}}</ref> and ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Westminster Cathedral Choir|url=http://www.westminstercathedral.org.uk/music_choir.php|publisher=Westminster Cathedral|access-date=10 September 2013}}</ref> which sing daily services. | ||
| The ] at ] is home to the Royal Opera and ] companies. The other main opera company is the ]. In the summer opera is performed in a temporary pavilion by ], and there are occasional performances by visiting opera companies and small freelance professional opera companies. | The ] at ] is home to ] and ] companies. The other main opera company is the ] at the ]. In the summer opera is performed in a temporary pavilion by ], and there are occasional performances by visiting opera companies and small freelance professional opera companies. | ||
| ==Popular music== | ==Popular music== | ||
| {{Unsourced|section|date=March 2023}} | {{Unsourced|section|date=March 2023}} | ||
| ] was a singer-songwriter from Southgate, north London.]] | ] was a singer-songwriter from Southgate, north London.]] | ||
| London is famous for its rock scene, and was the starting point of some of the greatest 60s and 70s artists such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and popular 90s acts like ] and ]. |
London is famous for its rock scene, and was the starting point of some of the greatest 60s and 70s artists such as ], ], ], ], ], ], the ], ], ], ] and popular 90s acts like ] and ]. Most major bands' tours will pass through London as well, favourite venues being the ], the ], and the ]. | ||
| In addition to spawning the bands mentioned above, London, in its capacity as the UK's cultural centre, has served as the base of a number of internationally important acts, including ] and ], as well as being instrumental in the birth of ]. | In addition to spawning the bands mentioned above, London, in its capacity as the UK's cultural centre, has served as the base of a number of internationally important acts, including ] and ], as well as being instrumental in the birth of ]. | ||
| London is also known for spawning numerous massively successful pop acts; with the ], ], ], ] and ] |
London is also known for spawning numerous massively successful pop acts; with the ], ], ], ] and ] being especially noteworthy. | ||
| London also has a thriving urban scene, mainly throughout the 21st century. Soul singers like ] and ] have found themselves chart, and international success. ] singers such as the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] are also extremely popular. London also has a strong rap scene; rappers including ] and ] among others have helped contribute to London gaining the status of having the strongest rap scene outside of the US. | London also has a thriving urban scene, mainly throughout the 21st century. Soul singers like ] and ] have found themselves chart, and international success. ] singers such as the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] are also extremely popular. London also has a strong rap scene; rappers including ] and ] among others have helped contribute to London gaining the status of having the strongest rap scene outside of the US. | ||
| London is the home of one of the biggest underground scenes in the world. Genres include ], ], ], ] and ]. | London is the home of one of the biggest underground scenes in the world. Genres include ], ], ], ] and ]. | ||
| ==Festivals== | ==Festivals== | ||
| ]]] | ]]] | ||
| London hosts several festivals, fairs and carnivals throughout the year with over 40 free festivals each year. The most famous is the ], the world's second largest carnival. The carnival takes place over the August bank holiday weekend, and attracts almost 1 million people. It has a distinctly Afro-Caribbean flavour, and highlights include a competition between London's ] bands and a 3-mile street parade with dancing and music. | London hosts several festivals, fairs and carnivals throughout the year with over 40 free festivals each year. The most famous is the ], the world's second largest carnival. The carnival takes place over the August bank holiday weekend, and attracts almost 1 million people. It has a distinctly Afro-Caribbean flavour, and highlights include a competition between London's ] bands and a 3-mile street parade with dancing and music. | ||
| London also hosts the |
London also hosts the Carnaval Del Pueblo, Europe's greatest Latin American Festival, held on the first Sunday of August each year. Seven countries participate in this street procession, which ends in ]. Live music, dance, and Funfairs go up to 9:30 pm. | ||
| There are also large parades held on ] (23 April) and ] (17 March). |
There are also large parades held on ] (23 April) and ] (17 March). The ] is held every October, and features a variety of dance companies putting on displays across London. In addition there are many smaller fairs and parades, including the ], a fair held annually to promote ]. | ||
| ] at the ]]] | ] at the ]]] | ||
| ==Theatre and dance== | ==Theatre and dance== | ||
| There are over three dozen major theatres, most concentrated in the ] (see the articles West End theatre and ]). West End theatres are commercial ventures that host predominantly Musical Theatre shows but genres such as comedy and serious drama are sometimes shown. The subsidised or non-commercial theatre is vibrant in the capital with theatres like the ] and ] both of which are based on the ], the ] in the city, the ] in ] which specialises in new drama, and |
There are over three dozen major theatres, most concentrated in the ] (see the articles ] and ]). West End theatres are commercial ventures that host predominantly Musical Theatre shows but genres such as comedy and serious drama are sometimes shown. The subsidised or non-commercial theatre is vibrant in the capital with theatres like the ] and ] both of which are based on the ], the ] in the city, the ] in ] which specialises in new drama, and ]; and ], both in ]. The ] which is based in ], presents seasons in London as well. Smaller fringe theatres like ], ], ] and ] are also popular. | ||
| The capital also boasts a successful dance and physical theatre scene, home to two ballet companies; |
The capital also boasts a successful dance and physical theatre scene, home to two ballet companies; ] based at the ] and ] based in ], performing at the ]. ] on Rosebery Avenue in ] exclusively shows dance performances throughout the year ranging from existing and new ] companies, musical theatre, and touring ballet companies. Dance performances also take place at the ], ] (Sadler's Wells), and the ]. ], ], ], and ] are all based in London as well as choreographers such as ], ], ], and ] also basing their companies within the capital. | ||
| ==Film== | ==Film== | ||
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| ==Museums and art galleries== | ==Museums and art galleries== | ||
| ]]] | ]]] | ||
| {{main|List of |
{{main|List of museums in London}} | ||
| London is home to over 240 museums,<ref>{{cite web|title=Culture of London|url=http://europe-cities.com/destinations/uk_england/cities/london/culture/|website=Europe-Cities|access-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> galleries, and other institutions, many of which are free of admission charges and are major ]s as well as playing a research role. The first of these to be established was the ] in ], in 1753. Originally containing antiquities, natural history specimens and the national library, the museum now has 7 million artefacts from around the globe. Also of eighteenth-century foundation is the ]; its ] has been an annual fixture on the London social calendar since 1769. | London is home to over 240 museums,<ref>{{cite web|title=Culture of London|url=http://europe-cities.com/destinations/uk_england/cities/london/culture/|website=Europe-Cities|access-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> galleries, and other institutions, many of which are free of admission charges and are major ]s as well as playing a research role. The first of these to be established was the ] in ], in 1753. Originally containing antiquities, natural history specimens and the national library, the museum now has 7 million artefacts from around the globe. Also of eighteenth-century foundation is the ]; its ] has been an annual fixture on the London social calendar since 1769. | ||
| ] from Trafalgar Square]] | ] from Trafalgar Square]] | ||
| In 1824 the ], London was founded to house the British National collection of Western Art to 1900, and now occupies a prominent position in ]. | In 1824 the ], London was founded to house the British National collection of Western Art to 1900, and now occupies a prominent position in ]. | ||
| Other major collections of pre-1900 art are The ]; the Courtauld Gallery at |
Other major collections of pre-1900 art are The ]; the Courtauld Gallery at ]; and ]. The national collection of post-1900 art is at ] and the national collection of British Art is at ]. ] has a major collection dedicated to prominent British people from all periods. The Royal Academy's temporary exhibitions are also important. | ||
| In addition to ] major contemporary art venues include ], the ], and The ]. | In addition to ] major contemporary art venues include ], the ], and The ]. | ||
| In the latter half of the nineteenth century the locale of ] was developed as "]", a cultural and scientific quarter. Three major national museums are located there: the ] (for the ] and ]), the ] and the ]. The national gallery of British art is at ], originally established as an annexe of the National Gallery in 1897. The Tate Gallery, as it was formerly known, also became a major centre for modern art; in 2000 this collection moved to ], a new gallery housed in the former ]. London's museums of military and maritime history also opened in the twentieth century: the ] in 1917, and the ] in 1934. | In the latter half of the nineteenth century the locale of ] was developed as "]", a cultural and scientific quarter. Three major national museums are located there: the ] (for the ] and ]), the ] and the ]. The national gallery of British art is at ], originally established as an annexe of the National Gallery in 1897. The Tate Gallery, as it was formerly known, also became a major centre for modern art; in 2000 this collection moved to ], a new gallery housed in the former ]. London's museums of military and maritime history also opened in the twentieth century: the ] in 1917, and the ] in 1934. | ||
| London has several smaller museums of note. The ] was the first purpose-built public art gallery in England, opening in 1817. Its architect, Sir ], turned his own house in ] into a museum and architectural showcase, known as the ]. The ] is a notable small collection of ] paintings and furniture, with an emphasis on French works. |
London has several smaller museums of note. The ] was the first purpose-built public art gallery in England, opening in 1817. Its architect, Sir ], turned his own house in ] into a museum and architectural showcase, known as the ]. The ] is a notable small collection of ] paintings and furniture, with an emphasis on French works. ], which pioneered the study of ] in Britain from its foundation in 1932, is now located in ], the former premises of the Royal Academy. The ], charting the capital's history, has been located in the ] complex since 1976; a ] opened in 2003. | ||
| ==Libraries== | ==Libraries== | ||
| ], ]]] | ], ]]] | ||
| The ], located on ] in ] is the ]. It is the ] of the United Kingdom and is a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/british-library|publisher=HM Government|title=British Library|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/28/pdfs/ukpga_20030028_en.pdf|publisher=HM Government|website=Legislation|title=Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003|pages=2–3}}</ref> There are many local public libraries across London, with each borough having its own library system, joined through the London Libraries network.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/our-key-themes/culture-sport-and-tourism/arts-and-culture/networks/association-london-chief|title=London Libraries|publisher=London Councils|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref> Some notable local libraries include ] and the ]. There are also private subscription libraries, including the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/31732a86-6753-11e9-9adc-98bf1d35a056|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221211231208/https://www.ft.com/content/31732a86-6753-11e9-9adc-98bf1d35a056|archive-date=11 December 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live| |
The ], located on ] in ] is the ]. It is the ] of the United Kingdom and is a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/british-library|publisher=HM Government|title=British Library|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/28/pdfs/ukpga_20030028_en.pdf|publisher=HM Government|website=Legislation|title=Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003|pages=2–3}}</ref> There are many local public libraries across London, with each borough having its own library system, joined through the London Libraries network.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/our-key-themes/culture-sport-and-tourism/arts-and-culture/networks/association-london-chief|title=London Libraries|publisher=London Councils|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref> Some notable local libraries include ] and the ]. There are also private subscription libraries, including the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/31732a86-6753-11e9-9adc-98bf1d35a056|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221211231208/https://www.ft.com/content/31732a86-6753-11e9-9adc-98bf1d35a056|archive-date=11 December 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|newspaper=]|access-date=3 January 2020|date=26 April 2019|title=Shhh! Private libraries are making a quiet comeback}}</ref> | ||
| There are many research libraries in London, including the ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/futurelondon/culturecity/best-libraries-in-london-wellcome-trust-british-library-canada-water-victoria-and-albert-guildhall-a4072696.html|title=Best libraries in London| |
There are many research libraries in London, including the ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/futurelondon/culturecity/best-libraries-in-london-wellcome-trust-british-library-canada-water-victoria-and-albert-guildhall-a4072696.html|title=Best libraries in London|newspaper=]|access-date=3 January 2020|date=21 February 2019}}</ref> There are also many ], including the ] at the ] (LSE), the ] at ], the ] at ], and the ] at the ]. Many learned institutions host a library such as the ], and the ] contains the ] and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aim25.com/which_inst.htm|title=List of repositories|access-date=3 January 2020|publisher=Archives in London and the M25 area}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parliament.uk/commons-library|title=House of Commons Library|publisher=UK Parliament|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/work-of-the-house-of-lords/lords-library/|title=The House of Lords Library|publisher=UK Parliament|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref> | ||
| ==Night-life== | ==Night-life== | ||
| ]]] | ]]] | ||
| Apart from the pubs and clubs, there are many music venues. Among the best known are ], ], ], ], ], ], the ] and the ], which has now closed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.festivalrepublic.com/venues/#Astoria |title=Astoria |website=www.festivalrepublic.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220070927/http://www.festivalrepublic.com/venues/#Astoria |archive-date=20 December 2007}}</ref> Between 2007 and 2015, London lost 35% of its grassroots music venues, threatening the city's role as an incubator of new musical talent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/rescue_plan_for_londons_grassroots_music_venues_-_progress_update_-_jan_2017.pdf|title=Rescue Plan for London's Grassroots Music Venues|publisher=Mayor of London|date=January 2017|website=Greater London Authority}}</ref> London is home to many clubs such as the ]. | Apart from the pubs and clubs, there are many music venues. Among the best known are ], ], ], ], the ], ], the ] and the ], which has now closed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.festivalrepublic.com/venues/#Astoria |title=Astoria |website=www.festivalrepublic.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220070927/http://www.festivalrepublic.com/venues/#Astoria |archive-date=20 December 2007}}</ref> Between 2007 and 2015, London lost 35% of its grassroots music venues, threatening the city's role as an incubator of new musical talent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/rescue_plan_for_londons_grassroots_music_venues_-_progress_update_-_jan_2017.pdf|title=Rescue Plan for London's Grassroots Music Venues|publisher=Mayor of London|date=January 2017|website=Greater London Authority}}</ref> London is home to many clubs such as the ]. | ||
| London also has a thriving ] community with a high number of venues catering to gays and lesbians, such as ], ], ] and ]. However, London lost 58% of its LGBTQ+ night time venues between 2006 and 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ucl.ac.uk/urban-lab/sites/urban-lab/files/executive-summary-lgbtq-cultural-infrastructure-in-london-night-venues.pdf|title=LGBTQ+ Cultural Infrastructure in London: Night Venues, 2006–2017|date=September 2017|website=UCL Urban Laboratory}}</ref> Spaces catering to ] ]Q+ people have been disproportionately vulnerable to closure.{{cn|date=September 2023}} | London also has a thriving ] community with a high number of venues catering to gays and lesbians, such as ], ], the ] and ]. However, London lost 58% of its LGBTQ+ night time venues between 2006 and 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ucl.ac.uk/urban-lab/sites/urban-lab/files/executive-summary-lgbtq-cultural-infrastructure-in-london-night-venues.pdf|title=LGBTQ+ Cultural Infrastructure in London: Night Venues, 2006–2017|date=September 2017|website=UCL Urban Laboratory}}</ref> Spaces catering to ] (BAME) ]Q+ people have been disproportionately vulnerable to closure.{{cn|date=September 2023}} | ||
| Comedy is widely popular with the capital having around 100 venues showing ].{{cn|date=September 2023}} London is also home to ] one of the longest running comedy venues in the world. | Comedy is widely popular with the capital having around 100 venues showing ].{{cn|date=September 2023}} London is also home to ] one of the longest running comedy venues in the world. | ||
| ==Sport== | ==Sport== | ||
| {{main|Sport in London}} | {{main|Sport in London}} | ||
| London is the home of many professional sport teams and has hosted various international sporting events, including the ] in ], ], and ]. ] is very popular and London is home to ] as well as club stadiums such as the ], ] and ]. ] grounds such as ] and ] are in London and ] and ] are popular team sports in the city. ] and ], among the most famous contests in rowing and tennis, respectively, occur in London. The ] hosts athletics events. | London is the home of many professional sport teams and has hosted various international sporting events, including the ] in ], ], and ]. ] is very popular and London is home to ] as well as club stadiums such as the ], ] and ]. ] grounds such as ] and ] are in London and ] and ] are popular team sports in the city. ] and the ], among the most famous contests in rowing and tennis, respectively, occur in London. The ] hosts athletics events. | ||
| == Cultural influence == | == Cultural influence == | ||
| {{Main category|London in |
{{Main category|London in popular culture}} | ||
| Because of its history and fame, London has frequently been depicted in various forms of media. As such, cultural tourism is growing as London became the second most visited city in the world in 2017,<ref>{{Cite |
Because of its history and fame, London has frequently been depicted in various forms of media. As such, cultural tourism is growing as London became the second most visited city in the world in 2017,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/these-were-the-worlds-most-visited-cities-in-2017/EP43T2RGOPQSB6LBR3KC4OKV6U/|title = These were the world's most visited cities in 2017|newspaper=]}}</ref> and many travellers come to the capital to enjoy the British way of living. Culture tourism generates £3.2 billion per year for London's economy and supports around 80,000 jobs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/take_a_closer_look-_a_cultural_tourism_vision_for_london_2015_-_2017.pdf|title=A Cultural Tourism Vision for London 2015–2017|website=www.london.gov.uk}}</ref> This is why London has recently{{when|date=September 2023}} been promoted as a cultural centre to attract a greater amount of tourists, and compete with cities such as Tokyo, Paris and New York.{{cn|date=September 2023}} | ||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 108: | Line 110: | ||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| {{reflist|30em}} | {{reflist|30em}} | ||
| ==External links== | |||
| * {{commons category-inline}} | |||
| {{Portal bar|London}} | |||
| ] | ] | ||
Revision as of 12:09, 16 March 2024
Overview of the culture in London
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London has, alongside New York, been described as the cultural capital of the world. The culture of London concerns the music, museums, festivals, and lifestyle within London, the capital city of the United Kingdom. London is one of the world's leading business centres, renowned for its technological readiness and economic clout, as well as attracting the most foreign investment of any global city.
The city is particularly renowned for its theatre quarter, and its West End theatre district has given the name to "West End theatre", the strand of mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres in London. London is also home to notable cultural attractions such as the British Museum, the Tate Galleries, the National Gallery, the Notting Hill Carnival, and The O2.
Its main religion is Christianity with 40.66% of the population being Christians.
Through music, comedy, and theatre, London has a lively nightlife with approximately 25.6 events per thousand people, 44.1% of those events being theatre based.
A variety of landmarks and objects are cultural icons associated with London, such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the tube map. Many other British cultural icons are strongly associated with London in the minds of visiting tourists, including the red telephone box, the AEC Routemaster bus, the black taxi, and the Union Flag.
The city is home to many nationalities, and the diversity of cultures has shaped the city's culture over time.
Classical music and opera
There are three major concert halls in the capital. One of these is the Barbican Hall at Barbican Centre; which is home to the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) and BBC Symphony Orchestra. The Royal Festival Hall, based at the South Bank Centre along with the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Hayward Gallery is home to the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), and the Philharmonia. The final and largest of all venues is the Royal Albert Hall, which hosts the BBC Proms each summer. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is also based in London at Cadogan Hall. Founded in 1974, the London Metropolitan Orchestra [de; it] is a studio orchestra specialising in sound recordings of film music for British and international film and television productions.
There are also several chamber orchestras, some of which specialise in period instrument performances, including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Chamber music venues include the Purcell Room at the South Bank Centre; the Wigmore Hall and St John's, Smith Square.
A number of choirs have originated in London, varying in size and musical style. Among the city's large symphonic concert choirs are the London Philharmonic Choir and London Symphony Chorus, which have their origins as the choral sections of the LPO and the LSO, the London Chorus, London Voices and the Bach Choir. Smaller vocal groups in London include the Holst Singers and the choir of the English Concert. There is also a long tradition of choral singing in Christian churches and cathedrals, and among the choirs associated with London churches are the choirs of St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral, which sing daily services.
The Royal Opera House at Covent Garden is home to the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet companies. The other main opera company is the English National Opera at the London Coliseum. In the summer opera is performed in a temporary pavilion by Opera Holland Park, and there are occasional performances by visiting opera companies and small freelance professional opera companies.
Popular music
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London is famous for its rock scene, and was the starting point of some of the greatest 60s and 70s artists such as David Bowie, Iron Maiden, The Clash, Led Zeppelin, Renaissance, Fleetwood Mac, the Sex Pistols, The Who, Pink Floyd, Queen and popular 90s acts like Blur and Coldplay. Most major bands' tours will pass through London as well, favourite venues being the Brixton Academy, the O2 Arena, and the Hammersmith Apollo.
In addition to spawning the bands mentioned above, London, in its capacity as the UK's cultural centre, has served as the base of a number of internationally important acts, including The Beatles and Elton John, as well as being instrumental in the birth of dance music.
London is also known for spawning numerous massively successful pop acts; with the Spice Girls, Cliff Richard, The Rolling Stones, One Direction and Little Mix being especially noteworthy.
London also has a thriving urban scene, mainly throughout the 21st century. Soul singers like Amy Winehouse and Lemar have found themselves chart, and international success. R&B singers such as the Sugababes, Leona Lewis, Taio Cruz, Adele, Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Jessie J, Little Mix, Jay Sean and Alexandra Burke are also extremely popular. London also has a strong rap scene; rappers including Wiley and Dizzee Rascal among others have helped contribute to London gaining the status of having the strongest rap scene outside of the US.
London is the home of one of the biggest underground scenes in the world. Genres include UK garage, drum and bass, dubstep, 2-step garage and grime.
Festivals
London hosts several festivals, fairs and carnivals throughout the year with over 40 free festivals each year. The most famous is the Notting Hill Carnival, the world's second largest carnival. The carnival takes place over the August bank holiday weekend, and attracts almost 1 million people. It has a distinctly Afro-Caribbean flavour, and highlights include a competition between London's steelpan bands and a 3-mile street parade with dancing and music.
London also hosts the Carnaval Del Pueblo, Europe's greatest Latin American Festival, held on the first Sunday of August each year. Seven countries participate in this street procession, which ends in Burgess Park. Live music, dance, and Funfairs go up to 9:30 pm.
There are also large parades held on Saint George's Day (23 April) and Saint Patrick's Day (17 March). The Dance Umbrella is held every October, and features a variety of dance companies putting on displays across London. In addition there are many smaller fairs and parades, including the Christmas Without Cruelty Fayre, a fair held annually to promote animal rights.
Theatre and dance
There are over three dozen major theatres, most concentrated in the West End (see the articles West End theatre and List of London venues). West End theatres are commercial ventures that host predominantly Musical Theatre shows but genres such as comedy and serious drama are sometimes shown. The subsidised or non-commercial theatre is vibrant in the capital with theatres like the National Theatre and Shakespeare's Globe both of which are based on the South Bank, the Barbican in the city, the Royal Court Theatre in Chelsea which specialises in new drama, and the Old Vic; and Young Vic, both in Lambeth. The Royal Shakespeare Company which is based in Stratford, presents seasons in London as well. Smaller fringe theatres like Battersea Arts Centre, Bloomsbury Theatre, Almeida Theatre and Tricycle Theatre are also popular.
The capital also boasts a successful dance and physical theatre scene, home to two ballet companies; the Royal Ballet based at the Royal Opera House and English National Ballet based in Kensington, performing at the London Coliseum. Sadler's Wells Theatre on Rosebery Avenue in Islington exclusively shows dance performances throughout the year ranging from existing and new contemporary companies, musical theatre, and touring ballet companies. Dance performances also take place at the Barbican Centre, Peacock Theatre (Sadler's Wells), and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Rambert, Richard Alston Dance Company, Candoco, and Siobhan Davies Dance are all based in London as well as choreographers such as Matthew Bourne, Wayne McGregor, Lloyd Newson, and Hofesh Shechter also basing their companies within the capital.
Film
Main article: London in filmLondon has been used frequently both as a filming location and as a film setting. These have ranged from historical recreations of the Victorian London of Charles Dickens and Sherlock Holmes, to the romantic comedies of Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill, by way of crime films, spy thrillers, science fiction and the "swinging London" films of the 1960s.
Because of the dominant role played by the city in the British media, many British films are set in London. It has also been used many times in American films, and often recreated on a Hollywood studio backlot.
Museums and art galleries
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London is home to over 240 museums, galleries, and other institutions, many of which are free of admission charges and are major tourist attractions as well as playing a research role. The first of these to be established was the British Museum in Bloomsbury, in 1753. Originally containing antiquities, natural history specimens and the national library, the museum now has 7 million artefacts from around the globe. Also of eighteenth-century foundation is the Royal Academy of Arts; its summer exhibition has been an annual fixture on the London social calendar since 1769.
In 1824 the National Gallery, London was founded to house the British National collection of Western Art to 1900, and now occupies a prominent position in Trafalgar Square.
Other major collections of pre-1900 art are The Wallace Collection; the Courtauld Gallery at the Courtauld Institute of Art; and Dulwich Picture Gallery. The national collection of post-1900 art is at Tate Modern and the national collection of British Art is at Tate Britain. The National Portrait Gallery has a major collection dedicated to prominent British people from all periods. The Royal Academy's temporary exhibitions are also important.
In addition to Tate Modern major contemporary art venues include White Cube, the Saatchi Gallery, and The ICA.
In the latter half of the nineteenth century the locale of South Kensington was developed as "Albertopolis", a cultural and scientific quarter. Three major national museums are located there: the Victoria and Albert Museum (for the applied and Decorative arts), the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. The national gallery of British art is at Tate Britain, originally established as an annexe of the National Gallery in 1897. The Tate Gallery, as it was formerly known, also became a major centre for modern art; in 2000 this collection moved to Tate Modern, a new gallery housed in the former Bankside Power Station. London's museums of military and maritime history also opened in the twentieth century: the Imperial War Museum in 1917, and the National Maritime Museum in 1934.
London has several smaller museums of note. The Dulwich Picture Gallery was the first purpose-built public art gallery in England, opening in 1817. Its architect, Sir John Soane, turned his own house in Lincoln's Inn Fields into a museum and architectural showcase, known as the Soane Museum. The Wallace Collection is a notable small collection of Old Master paintings and furniture, with an emphasis on French works. The Courtauld Institute of Art, which pioneered the study of art history in Britain from its foundation in 1932, is now located in Somerset House, the former premises of the Royal Academy. The Museum of London, charting the capital's history, has been located in the Barbican complex since 1976; a sister museum in the Docklands opened in 2003.
Libraries
The British Library, located on Euston Road in St Pancras is the largest library in the world. It is the national library of the United Kingdom and is a legal deposit library. There are many local public libraries across London, with each borough having its own library system, joined through the London Libraries network. Some notable local libraries include Kensington Central Library and the Barbican Library. There are also private subscription libraries, including the London Library.
There are many research libraries in London, including the Wellcome Library and Dana Centre. There are also many university libraries, including the British Library of Political and Economic Science at the London School of Economics (LSE), the Abdus Salam Library at Imperial College, the Maughan Library at King's College, and the Senate House Libraries at the University of London. Many learned institutions host a library such as the Inner Temple Library, and the Houses of Parliament contains the House of Commons Library and the House of Lords Library.
Night-life
Apart from the pubs and clubs, there are many music venues. Among the best known are Shepherd's Bush Empire, Brixton Academy, Hammersmith Apollo, Wembley Arena, the Marquee Club, The UCL Bloomsbury, the Royal Albert Hall and the London Astoria, which has now closed. Between 2007 and 2015, London lost 35% of its grassroots music venues, threatening the city's role as an incubator of new musical talent. London is home to many clubs such as the Ministry of Sound.
London also has a thriving LGBT community with a high number of venues catering to gays and lesbians, such as G-A-Y, The Black Cap, the Coleherne and Heaven. However, London lost 58% of its LGBTQ+ night time venues between 2006 and 2017. Spaces catering to black and minority ethnic (BAME) LGBTQ+ people have been disproportionately vulnerable to closure.
Comedy is widely popular with the capital having around 100 venues showing alternative comedy. London is also home to The Comedy Store one of the longest running comedy venues in the world.
Sport
Main article: Sport in LondonLondon is the home of many professional sport teams and has hosted various international sporting events, including the Summer Olympics in 1908, 1948, and 2012. Football is very popular and London is home to Wembley Stadium as well as club stadiums such as the Emirates Stadium, Stamford Bridge and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Cricket grounds such as Lord's and The Oval are in London and rugby league and rugby union are popular team sports in the city. The Boat Race and the Wimbledon Championships, among the most famous contests in rowing and tennis, respectively, occur in London. The Olympic Stadium hosts athletics events.
Cultural influence
Main category: London in popular cultureBecause of its history and fame, London has frequently been depicted in various forms of media. As such, cultural tourism is growing as London became the second most visited city in the world in 2017, and many travellers come to the capital to enjoy the British way of living. Culture tourism generates £3.2 billion per year for London's economy and supports around 80,000 jobs. This is why London has recently been promoted as a cultural centre to attract a greater amount of tourists, and compete with cities such as Tokyo, Paris and New York.
See also
References
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External links
Media related to Culture of London at Wikimedia Commons
