Palmdale teacher wins London’s Guest of Honour

The Palmdale winner of an international search to find London’s Official Guest of Honour, who will embark on a unique two week trip to the city packed with a series of extraordinary experiences, says winning is like a dream come true.

The campaign, which has captured the imagination of people across the world, will see 24 year-old Adaeze Uyanwah travel to London next month to enjoy a once in a lifetime trip, during which she will be hosted by some of the capital’s most famous residents at the city’s most iconic visitor attractions.

Adaeze, 24, a substitute teacher and freelance writer, who is dreaming of waking up at Buckingham Palace, has described the chance of coming to London as like winning the magic ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Last year a record 16.8 million international visitors came to London but the new figures put the city on course to top this number. US visitors are coming to London in increasing numbers.

Now, Guest of Honour Adaeze will visit some of London’s world famous attractions and immerse herself in the vibrancy and diversity of the city. Visitlondon.com, in partnership with VisitBritain and the UK Government’s GREAT Britain campaign, will be rolling out the red carpet for Adaeze who will;

  • Visit the Science Museum with renowned physicist Professor Stephen Hawking.
  • Have afternoon tea at Lord’s Cricket Ground with Downton Abbey’s butler Carson – actor Jim Carter
  • Take a behind the scenes tour of the Houses of Parliament with Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP
  • Open Tower Bridge, the most famous bridge in the world
  • Have a meal cooked by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton at his flagship restaurant, Pollen Street Social
  • Be taken on a tour of the Royal Opera House by world-famous singer and conductor, Plácido Domingo and British ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell,
  • Take a VIP tour with former tennis star Tim Henman of the All England Tennis Club, which hosts The Wimbledon Championships.

During her two week stay in London, Adaeze is particularly looking forward to visiting the Houses of Parliament but will also be venturing outside of the capital including a trip to Wales.

Adaeze, who will travel to London with her mum, Faye, and stay in a luxurious suite at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street, said: “I cannot express how excited and happy I am to be coming to London! Winning this competition feels like a dream come true – like something out of ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory’.

“I have been in love with London and the UK ever since I can remember and I am so grateful that I’m able to bring my mother and share all of these incredible experiences with her – we are beyond excited!”

“I’m confident Adaeze will take away amazing memories and encourage her American friends to join the millions of international visitors enjoying London’s rich culture, events and iconic landmarks every year,” said Mayor of London Boris Johnson

Over 100,000 people registered on the Guest of Honour website and 10,000 people submitted entries which included a short film and in 70 words described their perfect day in London.

“First, I’d wake up at Buckingham Palace if possible. Then I’d go for a full English breakfast at a traditional English pub. I’d then take a tour of Parliament and see a show in the West End. I’d end the day on the London Eye, overlooking the city. There are so many more things I’d love to do in my favourite city! Not enough hours in the day,” Adaeze said

Adaeze, who is a big fan of Harry Potter, added: “Ever since I was a toddler, all I’ve heard about is London.  It’s got so much culture, so much tradition, that I’m just not used to… It’s beautiful, in my opinion, I love London so much.”

Great things for 2015 include Hamlet at the Barbican, with Benedict Cumberbatch, a new Damien Hirst Gallery in Lambeth, Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty exhibition at the V&A, Prudential Ride London, the Rugby World Cup, a new Shrek visitor attraction on the South Bank and dozens and dozens more.

To find out more go to www.visitlondon.com/guest or follow Adaeze’s journey live @LondonGuest

 

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