(Please note, when telephoning the UK:  the country code is 44;   telephone numbers listed below employ the London city code prefix of  020, unless otherwise noted).
Some of the events that occur throughout the year:<br>
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Changing of the Guard. The display by the Queen's Foot Guards occurs daily at 11:30 am April-July and on alternate days the rest of the year at Buckingham Palace. No ceremonies take place in extremely wet weather. The time sometimes varies on days when state events occur.<br>
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Changing of the Horse Guards Parade. The mounted Queen's Life Guard leaves Hyde Park Barracks and rides to the Horse Guard Parade grounds at Whitehall. Monday-Saturday at 11 am, Sunday at 10 am, daily during the summer and on alternating days the rest of the year. The time sometimes varies on days when state events occur.<br>
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Ceremony of the Keys. See the nightly lockup (seven minutes before 10 pm) at the main gate of the Tower of London by the chief warder and an escort of guards. Guests are escorted in promptly at 9:30 pm. Passes are required.<br>
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January,<br>

Early-Late January: Harrods Annual Sale. The shopping event of the year at the legendary Harrods. Brompton Road, Knightsbridge. For information, call 7730-1234..
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1 January: <br>
New Year's Day Festival. London's New Year's Day Festival, composed of a parade and concerts, is an international event. More than 1 million people view approximately 10,000 performers from at least 16 countries as they pass along the 2.2-mi/3.5-km route from Parliament Square to Berkley Square. The Music for London concerts feature young artists, including marching bands, chamber-hall musicians, singers, pipers and baton twirlers. For information, call 8566-8586.
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Throughout January: <br>
Opera. The Royal Opera mounts more than 20 productions each season at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. For information and tickets, call 7304-4000. Continues through mid July