When is Australia Day
Australia Day this year falls on Saturday, January 26.
What is Australia Day
Australia Day is an official national holiday. The date marks when Captain Arthur Phillip raised the Union Jack at Sydney Cove to signal the birth of the colony in 1788.
The name Australia Day was only adopted in 1934. It was formerly known as Anniversary Day, Foundation Day and ANA Day and not celebrated across the whole of Australia. Only in 1994 was it agreed to be a unified national holiday for all member states.
Why the controversy?
London rallies with Australia in a bid to abolish #Australiaday
An ‘Abolish Australia Day’ banner was draped over London’s Westminster Bridge near the Houses of Parliament in protest about Australia Day today. In an article by News Corp Australian Network, London Australia Solidarity Activism Hub spokeswoman Eda Sehyan says the action is in solidarity with Australia’s indigenous people who are protesting against the celebration of Australia Day, who call it #InvasionDay
“We are celebrating the fact that Australia was once ruled from here, from the UK, we are celebrating the act of colonisation basically”
Australia Day in London
We have many Aussies living in the capital city of London, many of whom will be getting together today to celebrate #AustraliaDay.
Let’s take a look at what is going on in London today…
Parties & Events
London is a hotspot for Australians, with over a million living in the UK. The Walkabout was the pub chain most synonymous with Australians, but there are a number of other key bars and pubs in London to visit today.D
So many places such as Belushis, the Clapham Grand and Infernos in Clapham, The Slug in Fulham, will be hosting Australian Day parties today. The Brew in Chiswick is offering Pizza and a Movie night for just £13. Check out Designmynight to find out the full list of what’s happening in London.
Best things about living in London
I asked some of my Aussie friends just what they loved about living in London. Looks like we rate highly due to our cheap booze and proximity to Europe.
“Being able to travel easily to the rest of Europe” – Nick
“Cheaper booze” – Greg
#AustraliaDay on Twitter
Is it time to change the date?
London rallies with Australia in a bid to abolish #Australiaday
Not everyone is happy about #AustraliaDay. An ‘Abolish Australia Day’ banner was draped over London’s Westminster Bridge near the Houses of Parliament in solidarity. In an article by News Corp Australian Network, London Australia Solidarity Activism Hub spokeswoman Eda Sehyan says the action is in solidarity with Australia’s indigenous people who are protesting against the celebration of Australia Day, who call it #InvasionDay
“We are celebrating the fact that Australia was once ruled from here, from the UK, we are celebrating the act of colonisation basically”