London's West End LIVE pulls in large crowds

West End LIVE returns to London’s Trafalgar Square on June 23-24, showcasing the best of London's West End theatre live and for free in the iconic setting of Trafalgar Square. Two days of the finest entertainment the West End has to offer, all of it completely free. For visitors coming to the city for the free festival there are many London hotels nearby to choose from. West End musicals, live bands and a wonderful array of interactive exhibits from many of London’s top museums, galleries and cultural institutions are all part of West End LIVE. A stage in Trafalgar Square is put up especially for the occasion, featuring live performances by the casts of top West End shows like Billy Elliot, The Bodyguard, Jersey Boys, Let It Be, Once: A New Musical, and Matilda the Musical. West End LIVE  also offers a preview of two new musicals which don’t open until later in the year – the Menier Chocolate Factory’s "The Colour Purple" which begins on July 5, and Tim Rice’s "From Here To Eternity" which previews from September 30 at the Shaftesbury Theatre. London attractions including The Science Museum and London Film Museum are organising further free activities and exhibits during the weekend which is expected to attract over half a million people to Trafalgar Square.