In this article, I will more talk about artistic life in Lancaster and London, the two cities where I stayed in.

First, let's talk about Lancaster!

Music and concerts

We can find in Lancaster, many of pubs where we can go to listen to a live music. Musician people are invited to perform in the pubs, when they want and for free.

For the moment I went only once to a pub where there was a music live. It was really nice, they wasn't a prepared stage for them, it was just a group of friends who came to play music together. The funny thing was that everyone came when he wanted and joined the performance after getting a drink and preparing his musical intrument.

There are also some concerts organized by the Dukes.

In the pedestrian street, we can hear some music from one person or a group of musician. It is quite lovely to be able to hear some live music when you walk in the street, and it warms the heart while you are braving the British cold... ^^

Theatre

It exists two theatres in Lancaster, the Dukes Theatre and the Grand Theatre.

Cinema

You ca find two different cinemas in Lancaster! One is more dedicated to alternative movies (The Dukes cinema) and the other one to International and more common movies.

Art galleries and museums

Lancaster city museum

The City museum is located in the Lancaster city centre. Here you can discover more about the past of the city from the Romans. You also learn the pedigree of Lancaster' regiment from 1680.

Judges' lodgings

Find the Lancaster's oldest town house at the bachdrop of Lancaster castle anf Lancaster Priory. And Enjoy seeing a renowned collection of Gillow furniture, fine art and the Museum of Chilhood which presents toys and games from the 18th to the present.

The cottage museum

 Nearly the Lancaster Castle and the Judges' Lodgings is the Cottage Museum where you can discover how was the Victorian life and which ustensils and gadgets people used in the 19th century. The house is spread over 5 floors.

London is the capital of England, so it is an attractive city. London offers plenty of activities and things to do and see.
Let me demonstrate it in introducing some amazing and funny activities for this summer 2013!

 From the 1st of June until the 30th is occuring the London Festival of Architecture  which is a "citywide celebration of architecture. It spreads across various locations where open studios, public realm installations, performance and others activities are taking place.

From the 10th of June to the 18th of August, ther is the Royal Summer Exhibition which is the largest regular contemporaru art exhibition in the world which allows anyine to submit its work. It is taking place at the Royal Academy's great courtyard.

The Hampton Court Palace Festival is taking place in the open air court of King Henry VIII's palace from the 13th June to the 24th June.

Enjoy major works of the French post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin from the 20th June to the 8th September at the Courtauld Gallery. The exhibition presents paintings, works on paper, and two marble scultures.

From 23rd June to 26th of July is occuring the City of London festival which provides a summer programme of music, visual arts, films, walks and talks.  You can enjoy the festival in the St Paul's Cathedral, St Paul's Churchyard and other outdoor spaces for free.

Custom

We know specific custom from England, for example English people are used to drive on the left of the road with their steering wheel on the right. Althought the UK is part of the European Union, it has refused Euro to keep its currency which is the Pound sterling.

Symbols

What symbolises England? It is of course red telephone kiosks, red post boxes, red double deck buses, black taxi cabs, Big Ben, the Royal Family, tea and even more!

But these are other symbols that everybody does not know but important symbols of England...

 The England flag called "St George's Flag"

Three lions emblem, the emblem is also on the badge of England's football team 

and on the badge of England's crocket team 

The red rose is recognised as the national flower of England

National celebrations

 Here are some celebrations I could attend during my semester in England:

Mother's day (10th March), Red nose day (15th March), Father's day (16th June), St Patrick's day (17th March), St George's day (23rd April). But we know other celebrations like Thanksgivings, Easter, Christmas day.

St Patrick is Ireland's patron saint, so St Patrick's day is a cultural and religious day which commemorates St Patrick and also the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. And the tradition wants us to wear green colour the day of St Patrick' day. It is today a celebration known all over the world with its public parades, festivals. St Georges is England's patron saint. The red nose day is an event to collect found for the British charity Comic Relief.

Foods

When you talk about England, you cannot forget talking about the food! Not because it is amazing and delicious, but quite original and so-so. I am sorry guys but I am French and my tastebuds are not used to the English food... ^^'

When I came in England, I have discovered for the first time Fish & Chips, Jelly, the traditional English breakfast (composed by eggs, bacon, baked beans, sausages, fried bread and mushrooms), Yorkshire Pudding, pasta with more cheddar than pastas etc.

English people have three main meals:

1. Breakfast normally taken between 7am and 9am
2. Lunch between 12pm annd 1.30pm
3. Dinner or supper between 6.30pm and 8pm

However the dinner can be replaced by the Tea Time taken anywhere from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

 Event

This year England has celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Queen coronation. It was the 4th of June 2013.