The Hawkins Area Guide

Join the City of London Sinfonia and Brighton Festival Chorus, with conductor James Morgan, for a contemplative summer programme. Vaughan Williams’ beautiful Fantasia on Greensleeves is followed by the UK premiere of Libby Croad’s The Brontë Suite – a stunning setting for choir and strings of poetry by each of the three Brontë sisters. We welcome Alexandra Wood to play Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Written in the summer of 1914 on the eve of war, it has a poignancy, beauty, and a sense of nostalgia that captures the very essence of reflectiveness and Englishness. After the interval, Duruflé’s greatest composition, his Requiem – one of the undisputed masterpieces of the 20th-century choral repertoire, described as “a work of sumptuous craft, beautiful unity and real grandeur”.

Queen Of The Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston  returns in 2026 for another show-stopping celebration, following sold-out tours across the UK, including an arena tour and iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and The London Palladium. Established as the UK’s biggest Whitney Houston tribute, this breath taking production honours the music, legacy, and unmatched talent of the legendary Whitney Houston. Celebrate Whitney’s remarkable musical repertoire in an electrifying production that honours her timeless songs with sensational vocalists and a full live band. Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary journey through three decades of all-time hits such as I Wanna Dance With Somebody,  One Moment In Time, I’m Every Woman, I Will Always Love You, My Love Is Your Love, So Emotional, Run To You, Saving All My Love, How Will I Know, Million Dollar Bill, The Greatest Love Of All, and many more. Join us for an unmissable evening filled with live music, captivating choreography, and powerful vocals, as we pay homage to the one and only queen of the night.  Please note that this is a tribute production not associated with the Estate of Whitney Houston.

Anna Maria Staczyk completed her degree at the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music, Warsaw, studying with Jan Ekier and Bronislawa Kawalla. This was then followed by a scholarship from the Ministry of Culture to Budapest with Kornel Zempleny. She furthered her postgraduate studies in London, with Louis Kentner, with whom she performed concerts. Anna Maria has performed with various orchestras and recitals in: Europe, Asia, and Central and North America, playing concerts in major concert halls including: the Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw, Van Leer Hall in Jerusalem, Tirana Opera House, Kiev Philharmonic Hall, Odessa Philharmonic Hall, St Lawrence Centre in Toronto, Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room in London and Carnegie Hall in New York. She has also appeared in several major musical festivals and has received various awards for her achievements in the world of music: the Franz Liszt Medal from the Hungarian Government for her performance of Liszt music the Order of Merit from the Polish Minister of Culture for her achievement and her contribution to the world of music the Medal of Recognition from the Polish Associations of Musicians She has been awarded two Platinum discs: From Polskie Nagrania for her CD Anna Maria Staczyk plays Liszt: From Polskie Nagrania Edition for her CD 24 Classic Hits Together with the Archway Trust she developed a peripatetic piano school in the UK which she ran for many years. Anna Maria is a co-founder and Artistic Director of the Powsin International Piano Festival in Poland celebrating this year its 29th Anniversary. She was awarded Doctorat Honoris Causa from The Puno University, UK and elected visiting Professor of this University. For us Anna Maria will play:: Chopin - Polonaise F sharp minor op. 44 Nocturne B flat minor op. 9 nr, 1 4 Mazurkas: C major op.24, F major op.64, G minor op.24, B flat major op.7 Fantasie-Impromptu C sharp minor op. 66 Waltzes: A flat major op. post, C sharp minor op.64 Scherzo B flat minor op,31 Grieg - Peer Gynt Suite No1 op.46: Morning, Aase's death, Anitra's Dance, In the Hall of the Mountain King Paderewski: Minuet in G major, Krakowiak Fantastic in H major Addinsell: Warsaw Concerto Our piano, a fine 2015 Hamburg Steinway Model B Grand, is maintained by Steinways and tuned by them immediately before each recital. After the concert, we offer a finger buffet tea of freshly-made sandwiches, savouries, cakes and chocolate biscuits with the choice of a glass of wine or unlimited tea, coffee or juice. Tea tickets are sold on the door for cash or cheque only at £10 (standard) and £5 (students, schoolchildren). We can cater for up to 70.

Stephen Triffitt as Frank Sinatra Direct from Las Vegas, the iconic music of Frank Sinatra is brought to life once again HIS WAY. Featuring the swing, the swagger and the velvet vocals of Frank Sinatra in concert, enjoy a not-to-be-missed evening with world-renowned vocalist Stephen Triffitt. Widely regarded as the master of his craft, Triffitt starred as Frank for three seasons in Las Vegas. He held the role of Ol Blue Eyes in the original West End production of The Rat Pack Live. He sold out the London Palladium (twice), and Royal Festival Hall with his own solo spectacular. He not only walks the walk, he talks the talk, and gives a masterful performance of delicious vocals delivered with consummate ease. Fly Me to the Moon, Mack the Knife, New York, New York, My Way, That's Life, Under My Skin, Lady is a Tramp, My Kind of Town, All the Way and Luck Be a Lady delight spellbound audiences. Backed by the fantastic band, Triffitt is frankly the best thing since Sinatra himself.

Sip on a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink while taking in the sights. Enjoy homemade finger sandwiches and sweet treats on a double decker bus. Witness iconic London landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the London Eye from a unique perspective. Indulge in an exquisite Afternoon Tea experience. Enjoy the comfort of seating on the lower deck. Explore London landmarks on an informative tour. Savor a glass of Prosecco or choose a refreshing soft drink. Golden Tours Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square London Eye Westminster Abbey Buckingham Palace. Public transportation options are available nearby, ensuring easy access to the departure point. Please make sure to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Infants must be seated on an adult's lap, and children under 5 years of age are not permitted on this tour. Children aged 15 and under require the company of a paying adult. This experience is suitable for guests of all physical fitness levels, offering an accessible adventure for everyone. However, it's important to note that the activity is not accessible for wheelchair users. To enhance your experience, seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with afternoon tea buses operating on a shared seating basis. Unfortunately, specific seating requests cannot be accommodated. It's essential to contact the supplier at least 72 hours prior to your travel date to confirm your menu choice (General or Vegetarian). Without prior confirmation, the General Menu will be served, and please be advised that special dietary requests cannot be met. Please be aware that we cannot ensure the absence of nut ingredients in our food, which may affect those with allergies. Alcohol is available only to guests aged 18 and over, with a valid ID required to confirm age. Be advised there are no toilet facilities on-board, so please plan accordingly before your journey. The tour route may vary due to road closures and traffic conditions, ensuring the best possible experience. Our cancellation and amendment policy allows for changes or cancellations up to 24 hours in advance without a fee. However, cancellations made later than this period will incur a 100% cancellation fee. The menus offered may undergo changes, ensuring the freshest and most seasonal dishes are served. Bookings made within 48 hours of the tour are subject to availability, so it's best to book early to secure your spot. Guests may be required to share tables, offering an opportunity to meet new people and share in the experience together. Experience supplied by Golden Tours - Gray Line London All ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded, exchanged, or otherwise modified. Click here to check out the T&Cs.

Get excited for a jaw-dropping experience of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace - like never seen before! Witness the inspiring British event up close, proudly march alongside the guards and capture unbelievable shots. Your local guide will brilliantly explain each step of the magnificent ceremony as you watch the Royal Guards, Household Cavalry, and Regimental Musical Bands. But there's more! You'll also get to discover London's most iconic landmarks - including Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Get your tickets now for the Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London!