I can’t find my tickets or booking reference number, what do I do?
If you have your booking reference number you can go to this URL, enter your email address and booking reference number and press the button to resend your tickets:
https://ticket-portal.spika.com/self-help-portal/resend-tickets.html
If you can’t find your email with the booking reference, you can go to this URL
https://ticket-portal.spika.com/self-help-portal/resend-tickets.html#forgotBookingReferencePage
and try different email addresses to retrieve your booking details. You can try as many combinations
of names and email addresses as you like. The system will send you an email with a link to download
your tickets if the system has a booking using your email address and the name or postcode provided.
Emails from this Self-Help Portal come from ‘no-reply@spika.com’.
If you think you may have entered your email address incorrectly, then the system won’t be able to send you an email, so let us know on
info@householddivision.org.uk and we will try
and find your booking using any other relevant information you can provide (such as booking reference number, full name, etc).
I’m having trouble booking online, can I
request help?
If you are having problems with making a booking you can email:
info@householddivision.org.uk with your issue.
For
queries about the event itself please refer to the information in this 'What to expect' section.
Do young children require tickets?
Infants up to the age of 2 years old do not require a
ticket, provided they are sitting on a Parent or Guardian’s lap. The parade requires spectators
to remain in place for an extended period, and may not be suitable for younger children.
Are pets allowed?
No, unless it is a Guide or Assistance dog. The owner must
be in possession of a certificate.
Are toilet facilities available?
There are very limited Portaloos, mostly behind the stands, therefore we strongly advise visitors
who can to go before they arrive at Horse Guards. Information on nearby public loos may be
found on
https://www.toiletmap.org.uk/.
Please note this is an external website, so we cannot vouch for its accuracy in all respects.
If you anticipate that you may need to use the Portaloos during the parade,
please speak to an usher: they will be pleased to assist.
How do I access the parade?
Whitehall Entrance:
Charing Cross Station, Embankment or Westminster.
North Side:
Trafalgar Square via Charing Cross Station/ Embankment.
South Side:
St James Park via Petty France & Birdcage Walk or Westminster.
What time does the event start?
Visitors should be seated by 10:30. You must allow sufficient time – at least 50 mins – to clear
security. The Whitehall Gate will close at 10:00 – if you arrive after this time you will be
directed to make your way to a different entrance which may result in you not being granted
access.
What are the Parade timings?
The Whitehall Gate will close at 10:00. All other entrances will close by 11:00. Any late
arrivals will not be granted access to the parade ground.
How long does the Parade take?
The parade starts at 10:30am and finishes approx. 12:25pm.
Are cameras allowed?
Cameras are permitted for private use only. Please do not use a flash as it could scare the horses.
There is nowhere that a drone can be legally used in and around Horse guards,
the surrounding parks or any area in central London.
Is headwear required?
Hats are optional but are often worn for this event by both ladies and gentlemen.
Gentlemen wearing hats are asked to remove them as the Colour passes, and when the Royal
(or General) Salute is given.
Is there wheelchair access?
There is wheelchair access through the Whitehall Gate. From there, you will be guided to the
designated viewing area.
Is parking available?
Please note there will be NO parking or dropping off facilities available in Whitehall or the
surrounding areas of Horse Guards for these events. Vehicles will not be allowed within these areas.
What are the nearest rail and tube
stations?
The nearest Railway Stations are Charing Cross, Waterloo and Victoria.
The nearest Underground stations are Westminster, Embankment, Charing Cross,
St James’s Park and Victoria.
You must go through the correct security checkpoint for your stand (North, East or South).
What can I bring?
- A clear water bottle (which you must take with you when you leave).
- A camera for private use only. Please do not use a flash as it could scare the horses.
-
Suitable clothing for the weather. Raincoats are recommended if rain is forecast.
Umbrellas may be carried but may not be used in the stands or at any point during the
parade: they frighten horses and obscure the view of other spectators.
Ushers have been given strict instructions to enforce this rule.
Guests are asked to keep personal possessions to a minimum in order to assist with security
searches. A bag or other bulky items could lead to you being delayed during the security
checks on entry and missing the event.
Will the Parade be cancelled in bad weather?
The Parade is unlikely to be cancelled owing to bad weather but the possibility cannot be discounted,
especially if there were to be thunder and lightning forecast which would scare the horses. The last
time the Parade was cancelled due to weather was in 1948. The Parade was also cancelled in 1955 owing
to a rail strike. In the event that wet weather is forecast, you may wish to bring a raincoat.
Under no circumstances will umbrellas be permitted to be used in the stands:
they may frighten horses and will obscure the view of other spectators.
Can I buy a programme?
Official Souvenir Programmes will be available to buy on the day of the Major General’s Review,
the Colonel’s Review and the King’s Birthday Parade itself. Look for Guardsmen selling
programmes in the vicinity of the entrance points to Horse Guards Parade. Official Programmes
cost £10 each and it would help if you had a £10 note available as change may be limited.
Cards are accepted.
How do I access Horse Guards Parade?
Depending on which stand you have been allocated, you will
need to go through the correct security checkpoint as follows:
Stands A, B and C - via The Mall, Horse Guards Road (north) and Admiralty
Citadel.
Stands D, E, F and Wheelchair – via Whitehall and Horse Guards Arch.
Stands G, H and J - via Downing Street and
Treasury Passage (for the Major General's Review and Colonel's Review only). On the day of
The King's Birthday Parade, stand G will access the same as Stands
D, E,F (above) and stands H & J will access the same as stands K, L, M, N (below).
Stands K, L, M and N - via Birdcage Walk/Great George Street and
Horse Guards Road (south) and Churchill War Rooms.
Basic toilet facilities are available between stands C and D.
Please check the map provided on your ticket to view the entrance points for each
Stand/enclosure. You must use the entry point for your stand. If you try to use a different
entry point, you may be re-directed to the correct one which will involve more walking and take
more time.
Please arrive in good time (minimum of 50 minutes in advance) to allow for security
searches. Children over the age of 2 cannot be admitted without a ticket.
What if I need assistance on the day?
Military ushers will be on hand to help anyone who needs it. If you’re
looking a little lost, don’t be surprised if they approach you – they are there to help. If you
notice something that doesn’t seem right, please tell them and they will do the rest. We work
closely with the police to ensure everyone can enjoy the event safely and securely.