Art Telephone Boxes

Scattered around the city are dozens of telephone boxes that have been turned into works of art. This one, and several more, are in Covent Garden.

The BT art telephone boxes is a project to celebrate 25 years of Childline.

World Record Breaking Egg Hunt

It's official, a new Guinness world record has been set for the most participants in an egg hunt. Crowds gathered in Covent Garden yesterday to see the more than 200 Faberge eggs that have been hidden throughout the city in recent weeks, all assembled together.
The eggs will be on display until the 9th April. You can also enter the on-line auction to buy your very own Faberge egg. Funds all go to charity.

Rudolph is a Myth

I don't want to be a spoilsport at Xmas but I have to tell you Rudolph is not real. How do I know this? Remember recently I had a behind the scenes visit to the Natural History Museum, well another of the gems I learnt that evening is that male reindeer lose their antlers in winter. However the girls don't lose theirs until spring. So Santa's sleigh is really led by Clarisse. Go girls!

Live Art

A grand master spied running down the road.

Street Music

Busking Xmas songs

Leggo Glasshouse

Pretty cool don't you think? A leggo glasshouse. During design week we get to see some pretty amazing ideas around the streets of London. Look for this one in Covent Garden.

Click

Clever marketing? Well I did go to the website to see what these giant hands were doing in Covent Garden. Nikon is the answer.

Puck in the Park

Preparing the set for A Midsummer's Night Dream in the gardens of St Paul's Church in Covent Garden.

Monopoly - Bow Street

Monopoly Board orange square. £180.

Bow st runs along side the Royal opera House in Covent garden. An area steeped in history.
The first professional police forces originated here. In 1749 a group of just eight men known as the Bow St runners, a nickname they didn't like. They felt it a derogatory term. Working alongside the Bow St magistrates court they represented the first formalised and regulated policing. Finally disbanded in 1839.

Easter Bunny

Giant bunny has appeared in Covent Garden. Created by the students of the Academy of Flowers using symbols of spring; moss,foliage and flowers.

The Little Tramp

Preparing for a bit of slapstick in Covent Garden.

Wizard

Merry Xmas with many kisses.

Men at Work #30

The dressing room of a Covent Garden performer.
The history of street performers in Covent Garden goes back to the 1600's. It is now one of the most prized spots in the world to perform. To get a spot on this patch you must pass an audition, pay a heft licence fee and be good at pulling the crowds in. Your time slot is generally only 40 minutes.

Under the Mistletoe

Two women in red encourage you to Merry Kissmas. Where did the mistletoe tradition come from do you know?

Xmas at Covent Garden

This years decorations at Covent Garden

Bright Sheep

No they haven't been to school. They're racing around town showing us how great we can look in woollies.
It's all part of wool fashion week (11-17 Oct). Prince Charles is leading the campaign. Support British farmers, wear something eco-friendly an alternative to throw-away garments.

And look out for sheep all week.

Helping the Kids

When you're trying to raise funds for a worthy cause the last thing you need is for the rain to bucket down. Well that's what happened to the London taxi drivers trying to raise funds for their Christmas appeal. They do a fantastic job taking under privileged kids on outings to the seaside, parks, circus and the like.

Every January, together with the Grosvenor Hotel, celebrities and entertainers, they organise a fantastic tea party to some 650 disadvantaged kids.
Just pop one less bauble on your Christmas tree and give the equivalent to their fabulous tea party here.

Punch and Judy

Punch and Judy punching it out at the annual convention in Covent Garden yesterday.

Tomorrow I will announce the winner of Saturday's competition. You still have a few hours to enter.

September Theme Day - Markets

Covent garden is one of the most famous markets in the world. It is known a fruit and vege market has been here since 1630. However archaeological digs in recent years points to activity here around AD 410.

To see other markets in the city daily photo community Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Cirque de Rein

Meet this group in Covent Garden the other day.
Jack the ring leader has this to say:

" the name of this circus is called the "Cirque De Rein" and for those who can't speak French it means "Circus of Nothing" which I hope is pretty self explanatory, but it all boils down to that the only thing the circus really has is the ring leader and maybe one or two performers depending if I can pester some people hehehe."

Follow his progress here. When he's famous you can say you first met him on aglimpseoflondon.