The 17th May - Norway's National Day - commemorates the signing of Norway's written constitution on 17th May 1814. This date is a public holiday in Norway and is celebrated extensively by Norwegians all over the world. The main event in London is the gathering in Southwark Park, SE16, with a children's parade, a marching band, games and speeches, but there is a full programme of celebrations at different times and venues all across London.
Programme
9.00 am: Flag-hoisting at the Norwegian School, 28 Arterberry Road, Wimbledon, SW20.
Speeches and singing
Visitors welcome
Tube: Wimbledon (District Line)
11.00 am: Celebratory Service at the Norwegian Church, Albion Street, Rotherhithe, SE16
The Rev. Torbjørn Holt officiates
Tube: Bermondsey or Canada Water (Jubilee Line) or Rotherhithe (London Overground)
1.00 pm: National Day Festivities in Southwark Park, Jamaica Road, SE16
Keynote speech by Grete Faremo, Minister of Justice and Public Security
Speeches by children from the Norwegian School and the Saturday School
Tube: Bermondsey or Canada Water (Jubilee Line) or Rotherhithe (London Overground)
1.30 pm Grand Flag Parade for children and adults in Southwark Park, SE16, followed by:
Musical entertainment
Children's games and races
Sale of helium balloons
Sale of ice cream and hot dogs
Sale of flags and lapel ribbons
Grand Raffle
See programme details at www.london17mai.com
3-5.00 pm: Hot Buffet and children's games at the Church (see above).
7.00 pm: National Day Celebration with Buffet Dinner at the Norwegian Church, Albion Street, Rotherhithe, SE16. All welcome. Tube: Bermondsey or Canada Water (Jubilee Line), Rotherhithe (London Overground).
Entry: Adults £20
Students/Children £10
For more details, please see: http://www.sjomannskirken.no/london/aktuelt/2012/04/17-mai.
7.00 pm: Black Tie Dinner at Den Norske Klub, The In & Out Club, 4 St James's Square, SW1 Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Guests of Honour: Ambassador Kim Traavik and Minister of Justice Grete Faremo
Musical Entertainment by Norwegian-British violinist Charlie Siem
Welcome drink, three-course Norwegian-themed dinner with wines, coffee and kransekake
Grand Raffle
New members and guests/non-members welcome, tickets £85
For details of how to sign up, please e-mail the Klub secretary at secretary@dennorskeklub.co.uk. See also www.dennorskeklub.co.uk
8.00 pm: 17th of May Roof Gardens Party
Kensington Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA
Tube: High Street Kensington
A great gig in the sky on the occasion of the Norwegian constitution day
Bands:
Disclosure (UK)
Eye Emma Jedi (NO/UK)
DJ Charlotte Thorstvedt (NO)
Tickets £37 (includes: access garden + showcase concerts + 2 drink tokens)