News, Tips & Bargains : A Towering Centennial

LONDON — The Port of London Authority is going all out to celebrate the 100th birthday of Tower Bridge, one of the British capital’s most popular landmarks.

During the past year, the bridge was substantially refurbished from the massive stone foundations to the tip of the famous towers and a new exhibition called “The Celebration Story” was installed to tell the story of what is considered one of the engineering marvels of Victorian Britain. It is open daily from 10 a.m. Admission is just over $5.

The great bridge, made of steel and clad in brick and stone, spans the River Thames close to the historic tower of London and attracts half a million visitors a year.

On June 30, Prince Charles will unveil a plaque at the bridge--which was opened by his great-great-grandfather, King Edward VII, on June 30, 1894--launching a waterfront celebration. Scheduled events include a river procession, concerts by military and jazz bands and a fireworks display.

Two days later, on July 2, as the bells of Big Ben chime noon, the huge bridge bascules will open to signal the start of another 12 hours of festivities. In the evening, performances by military bands, and a fireworks display with special laser effects will close the party.