1936 On the Continent

in “floating hotels” on the Thames, fifteen big English and foreign steamers having secured berthing points between Greenwich and Gravesend and London Bridge. In addition to the English ships, there will be Dutch, Polish, American and Scandinavian vessels of a tonnage varying between fifteen and twenty thousands. Facilities will be provided to enable the visitors to reach the centre of the City at any time of the day or night. In addition to the large vessels, a number of yachts will also be stationed along the Thames.
Train Hotels
    One of the English railway companies has equipped a “hotel train,” composed of fifty-two compartments with accommodation for eight passengers each. The train will be standing at a suburban station for a week, and will serve as a dormitory for the lucky 416 people. Special traffic arrangements have been made, and visitors will be able to stay at places 50 or 60 miles away without inconvenience, as fast trains between these places and the Capital will be available at short intervals.
    For weeks London, particularly at night, will present a magnificent spectacle. The authorities, in conjunction with large private concerns, have made arrangements to provide illumination on an unprecedented scale. The most imposing buildings will be floodlighted; the ThamesEmbankment, the Houses of Parliament, the Shell building, and many others, will be bathed in brilliant light, and will present a spectacle which alone would justify a visit to London.
The Opera Season
    As we have said, the Coronation Season will extend far into the autumn, and all the usual spring and summer events will assume a special festive character, quite apart from the large number of events which will not be repeated.
    May will see the beginning of the International Opera Season at Covent Garden, one of the greatest attractions not only in the musical, but also in the social sense. In addition to Sir Thomas Beecham, the most famous foreign conductors will conduct; the greatest German, Italian and other foreign stars will sing; and the boxes and stalls will be occupied by members of the Royal Family, the aristocracy and foreign visitors, presenting a gorgeous scene that cannot be matched anywhere else in the world. The season will last till June 30th.
Stratford
    Thousands of people will make a pilgrimage to Stratford-on-Avon, where, in the vicinity of the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the greatest dramatist of all time, a Festival Season of his plays will be given from May till September.
    The Mozart Festival begins on May 19th at Glynde-bourne, near Brighton. In the intimate atmosphere of an aristocratic country house musical performances of the highest perfection will be given.
    On July 1st begins, at the Covent Garden Opera House, the season of the world-famous Russian Ballet, which will last a whole month, and will bear a brilliant festive character similar to the opera season.
    Another Festival Play Season will take place in Malvern, Worcestershire, from July 26th till August 21st.
The Theatres
    Naturally, all the London theatres are ready to participate in the Coronation Season in a worthy manner. C. B. Cochran, André Charlot and Ivor Novello all have Coronation Revues in preparation.
    The Overseas League for Coronation visitors has been founded to collaborate with the Royal Empire Society in entertaining overseas visitors. These bodies have appointed a Reception Committee, through which their good offices can be taken advantage of.
    On Tuesday, May 4th, Lord and Lady Londonderry will hold a great evening reception at the famous Londonderry House.
    On May 15th, the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland will give a garden-party at Sutton Place, near Guildford.
    On May 19th there will be a reception at the headquarters of the British Broadcasting Corporation in honour of 250 overseas visitors.
    On May 28th the members of the Zoological Society will give a dinner in the floodlighted Zoo.
    On May 29th Lord and Lady Salisbury will give a garden party in Hatfield.
    On June 3rd the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey will offer a concert to overseas visitors, at which the new organ of the Abbey will be played.
    The date of a reception to be held by the Masters at Eton is not known at the time of going to press.
Aldershot Tattoo
    Of the more usual events we can only mention the most important. The world-famous military display, the Aldershot Tattoo, will take place this year on a particularly festive scale. The proceedings will