Why London is the 'cultural capital of the world'

Blackleaf

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It's a far cry from the rolling hills and quaint countryside of Downton Abbey, but Jim Carter, better known as the successful TV show's butler, Mr Carson, has revealed his favourite cultural attractions in London.

In a promotional video Carter explains why he believes London is the 'cultural capital of the world'.

In the film, previewing the coming autumn season of events in London, Mr Carter homes in on London's theatrical offerings and recommends the Southbank to any visitor to the capital.

Downton Abbey's butler Jim Carter serves up reasons why London is the 'cultural capital of the world'


London is world's most googled city for art galleries and performing arts

Jim Carter gives insider highlights to promote autumn Season of Culture

Culture contributes £7.3bn per year to the capital city's economy

France and USA are
top overseas markets for London's cultural attractions

By Naomi Leach For Mailonline
4 August 2015
Daily Mail


London is the world's most googled city for art galleries and performing arts

It's a far cry from the rolling hills and quaint countryside of Downton Abbey, but Jim Carter, better known as the successful TV show's butler, Mr Carson, has revealed his favourite cultural attractions in London.

In a promotional video Carter explains why he believes London is the 'cultural capital of the world'.

In the film, previewing the coming autumn season of events in London, Mr Carter homes in on London's theatrical offerings and recommends the Southbank to any visitor to the capital.


Popular TV actor Jim Carter, better known as Mr Carson in Downton Abbey, narrates the new video


Within the footage the actor highlights London's top cultural attractions. Pictured: The Globe Theatre

Carter said: 'The Southbank not only features the Southbank Centre with its range of cultural events over the autumn season, but also allows you the opportunity to take in stunning views of London.

'The unique thing about London is it's all so accessible, you can see it all so quickly.'

The actor also highlights London's art credentials and opportunities in the footage, made by VisitLondon.com and the GREAT Britain tourism campaign.

He said: 'The World Goes Pop is a fantastic exploration of the spirit of pop art and its impact on the modern world.




Carter also selects the Southbank Centre for its array of cultural events throughout the autumn season



Tourists are flocking to the capital to experience the city's cultural landmarks according to Mayor Boris Johnson

'The Tate Modern is a must-visit destination for cultural tourists from around the world.

'The autumn season of culture features something for everyone, from Russian spacecraft, to incredible images of nature in action, as well some of the greatest artists that have ever lived.

'When I walk through London, from Buckingham Palace to the Tate Modern, I'm always taken aback by the spectacle of this awe-inspiring city.'


Amidst the cultural hot spots visitors can meander through Regents Park in London


Historic appeal: The National Portrait Gallery is featured as a unique tourism highlight



Trafalgar Square

Mr Carter's assertions about London are backed up by a recent report by London & Partners, the Mayor's official promotional office, that states that London is the most googled city in the world for art galleries, performing arts and design.

The Science Museum in London is the museum most searched for online in the world according to Google.

It is followed by The Natural History Museum and the British Museum ranking second and third.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson commented: 'London is without a doubt the cultural capital of the world.


Jane Eyre (left) is showing at The National Theatre this autumn and singer Maia von Lekow is to play at the Southbank Centre (right)


The sinister and surreal thriller Pomona is showing at the National Theatre this September



The Natural History Museum is the second most googled museum worldwide. Pictured is an entry into the Museums Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition


The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square


'Tourists are flocking to our great city in ever-increasing numbers, drawn by our exceptional cultural attractions and landmarks.

'Our world-famous museums, galleries, theatres and performance venues have done a terrific job creating and attracting the blockbuster exhibitions and events that form this spectacular Autumn Season of Culture in London.'

Separate new research published by London & Partners and MHM Insight illustrates that in 2014/15 London's museums and galleries received 17.9 million overseas visits, accounting for 57 per cent of the total 31.5 million visits.


This image will also be on display during The Natural History Museums Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition during the coming months


Galleries are hosting 'blockbuster exhibitions and events that form this spectacular Autumn Season of Culture in London,' noted Johnson. Pictured an image from the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition

Watch the video:

Gordon Innes, Chief Executive of London & Partners said: 'Culture is the leading reason why visitors come to London and it is vital to the city's economy, contributing an estimated £7.3bn per year.'

The number of international visits at London's museums and galleries has risen by more than 19 per cent over the last four years.

The top overseas markets visiting the capital's museums and galleries in 2014/15 show French and American visitors tied in first place, followed by Italy, Spain and Germany.

Collectively these top five markets accounted for 9.7 million of the total of 17.9 million overseas visits recorded.


In the film previewing the coming Autumn Season, narrated by Mr Carter (left and right) he hones in on London's theatrical offerings and recommends the Southbank to any visitor to the capital.


The Southbank Centre is hosting VoiceLab Zambian Song with Namvula Rennie



Om Music by Sukhwinder Singh is also part of the prestigious autumn schedule in the city


 
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Blackleaf

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London is a leading global city,[11][12] with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism, and transport all contributing to its prominence.[13][14][15][16] It is one of the world's leading financial centres[17][18][19] and has the fifth-or sixth-largest metropolitan area GDP in the world depending on measurement.[note 3][20][21] London is a world cultural capital.[22][23][24][25] It is the world's most-visited city as measured by international arrivals[26] and has the world's largest city airport system measured by passenger traffic.[27] London's 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education institutes in Europe.[28] In 2012, London became the first city to host the modern Summer Olympic Games three times.[29]

London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret's Church; and the historic settlement of Greenwich (in which the Royal Observatory, Greenwich marks the Prime Meridian, 0° longitude, and GMT).[37] Other famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and The Shard. London is home to numerous museums, galleries, libraries, sporting events and other cultural institutions, including the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, British Library and 40 West End theatres.[38] The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world.[39]


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London

Any of them got NASCAR tracks?


No. In Britain, unlike in North America, our racing drivers are able to turn right.
 

Ludlow

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wherever i sit down my ars
whenever I think of London all that comes to mind are those underground sewers with all those rats as big as hound dogs. Or is that Paris. Oh well same thing lots of sewers and huge rats
 

Blackleaf

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Oct 9, 2004
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whenever I think of London all that comes to mind are those underground sewers with all those rats as big as hound dogs. Or is that Paris. Oh well same thing lots of sewers and huge rats


Nah. That's Paris. Paris is a boring sh*thole that's stuck in the 1890s. Paris and London are so different culturally that it's hard to believe they're only 200 miles apart.
 

Blackleaf

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They actually did quite well last season, did Villa. They reached the FA Cup Final for the first time since 2000. Alright, they were thrashed 4-0 by Arsenal, but that's beside the point.