Each year there are three Harvest Festivals organised by London's Pearly Kings and Queens. This first follows a parade from Guildhall Yard in the City and takes place in St Mary-le-Bow Church, Cheapside.
Amidst dancing and marching bands, donkey-and-carts collect harvest produce and the parade to St Mary-le-Bow is joined by some 20 mayors from around the capital. After the service the produce is donated to the Whitechapel Mission for the Homeless.
The distinctive, pearl button-swathed "Pearlies" date back 150 years. There are still around 40 active families, fundraising for a variety of charities.
Tourist Office
Visit London
There are drop-in Tourist Information Centres in Victoria Station, Liverpool St Station, Heathrow near the underground and other venues around London. See their website for details.
Phone: +44 (0) 870 1566 366
