Travel

Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 27 August-2 September 2018

All week
Herbie Yamaguchi captures the 1980s new wave scene with delicacy in a new exhibition

REBELLION YELL: We’ve a chance encounter with Joe Strummer one evening on the tube to thank for these stunning photographs of the London‘s 1980s new wave scene by Herbie Yamaguchi. See the likes of Ian Dury, Billy Idol, and The Clash frontman himself as never before at Balmana Posters’ photography exhibition. Balmana Posters (Leather Lane), free, just turn up, until 31 August

SWASHBUCKLING SHOW: Board The Golden Hinde and meet Pirate Paul, a wannabe scallywag who is absolutely bombing it when it comes to buccaneering life. Can a pandemonium of parrots who have graced the shoulders of legendary pirates help him out? Find out in this kids show, and then explore the famous ship with your little ones. The Golden Hinde (Bankside), £5, book ahead, 26 August-1 September

A BIT FISHY: Yuko Mohri’s art installation involves electromagnetic force-fields, a 1930s Yamaha reed organ, and swimming fish. Though this sounds like a recipe for chaos, it makes for a surprisingly serene viewing (and listening) experience. Camden Arts Centre, free, just turn up, until 16 September

Monday 27 August
It’s that time of year again Notting Hill Carnival returns. Photo: Max Gor

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: This one hardly ne much introduction Notting Hill Carnival, one of London‘s biggest and best loved annual events returns in all its feathery, bass-thumping glory. Expect loud music, beautiful costumes, and absolutely massive crowds at Europe’s biggest street festival. First timers, here’s everything you need to know. Notting Hill, free, just turn up, 9am-8.30pm

ALLOTMENTS OPEN DAY: Get some gardening inspiration at Gordon Road Allotments, which is inviting the public to explore its 70+ plots. There’s a buzzing apiary with local honey for sale, as well as freshly grown veggies, perennial flowers and preserves. Gordon Road Allotment (Finchley), £3.50, just turn up, 1.30pm-5pm

NEW MOON: Putney’s Half Moon pub has put together an eclectic lineup for its latest new music night. There’s Rolling Stones-esque swagger from alt-rock act HANI, Katie Mac’s Laura Marling and Joni Mitchell-inspired songwriting, and eccentric pop from Jennings Couch. Half Moon (Putney), £2.50, book ahead, 7.30pm

Tuesday 28 August
A nipple tassel workshop to perk up your Tuesday.

FREE MR MEN BOOKS: Got a little reader in your life? Take your tot to the Mr Men Little Miss Bookmobile, where presenter Rochelle Humes will be handing out free copies of Roger Hargreaves’ beloved children’s book series. Thanks to some snazzy AR tech, you’ll even get to meet a 3D, life-size Mr Strong. Near Gabriel’s Pier (South Bank), free, just turn up, from 10am

A BIT NIPPY: If Notting Hill Carnival has left you lusting for your own risque, sparkly outfit, we’ve got just the workshop for you. Make a pair of your very own naughty nipple tassels over a bevvy — if you buy a drink, they’ll provide everything you need. Drink, Shop, Do (King’s Cross), free when you buy a drink, just turn up, from 6pm

Wednesday 29 August
London Fire Brigade’s pop up museum returns.

LONDON FIRE BRIGADE MUSEUM: It’s your last chance to visit London Fire Brigade’s pop up museum this summer holiday. Take the kids for some fire engine-themed crafting, mess about in the green screen photo booth, and pick up vital fire safety tips along the way. London Fire Brigade Pop-up Museum (Lambeth), free, book ahead, 10am-1pm

SAMANTHA HANNAH: Want to know how to find a husband in a year? Look no further than comedian Samantha Hannah’s new show, where she’ll be revealing how algorithms, data, and Tinder led to her perfect match. The Bill Murray (Islington), £5 to reserve a seat/pay what you want OTD, 6.45pm-7.45pm

CIRCUS LATE: The Science Museum celebrates 250 years of the circus with the help of unicyclists, magicians, clowns, stilt walkers and mime artists. Discover the technical skills behind the thrills. You’ll also get the chance to learn juggling, practice your mime skills, and get a clown makeover. Science Museum (South Kensington), free entry, book ahead for some events, 6.45pm-10pm

Thursday 30 August
The Migration Museum stays open late.

A CONSIDERATION OF CLAY: Researcher and designer Francesca Sarti is coming to Serpentine Pavilion to get to grips with clay. This is the latest in the gallery’s lunchtime gatherings dedicated to exploring the stories of different global materials. Serpentine Pavilion, free, just turn up, 1pm

MIGRATION MUSEUM LATE: The Migration Museum has teamed up with Historic England for a night of guided tours and workshops on the themes of memorialisation and commemoration. Not only is it the launch of Historic England‘s Memorialisation: The People Loved, Left and Lost, it’s one of your last chances to see the No Turning Back: Seven Migration Moments that Changed Britain exhibition before it closes next week. Migration Museum (Vauxhall), free, just turn up, 6pm-9pm

EVAN IFEKOYA: Gasworks’ current exhibiting artist will be popping in to the gallery for a chat about his multimedia practice. You’ll also get to see Evan Ifekoya’s earlier video work alongside his current sound installation. Gasworks (Vauxhall), free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8.30pm

WE THE CREATORS: Jessie Ware heads up this panel discussion about working in the music industry. The three-time Brit Award nominee will be sharing her challenges, successes, and future plans alongside DJ MarshmeLLO, talent manager Sam Gill, and DJ/presenter Carly Wilford.  WeWork (Moorgate), free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Friday 31 August
Przymierska Morgan performs at Hyg Nights. Photo: Tanya McGeever

LAST OF THE SUMMER WINES: Have a liquid lunch with food and drink writer Leah Hyslop. She’ll be spiking her recipes with booze from Borough Market’s lovely traders, as well as mixing a few drinks for you to sample over at the demo kitchen. Borough Market, free, just turn up, 1pm-2.30pm

GALLERY LAUNCH: Be one of the first to check out the West End’s latest gallery, M1 Fine Art. There’s plenty of art to eyeball and complimentary prosecco up for grabs at the gallery launch. M1 Fine Art (Charing Cross Road), free, book ahead, 6pm-8pm

THAMES MYTHS AND LEGENDS: For centuries, the River Thames has been the site of pagan ritual, sacred rites and popular celebrations. It’s no surprise, then, that it’s birthed more than a few urban legends. Hear all about them with folk performer and storyteller George Hoyle. Southwark Cathedral, £5, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

HYG NIGHTS: On its six month anniversary, this experimental theatre and performance art showcase presents works with themes of belonging, longing, loss, and love. Hundred Years Gallery (Hoxton), £4, just turn up, 7.30pm-10.30pm

Saturday 1 September
Camberwell Fair makes a comeback

SUMMER JAMBOREE: St Margaret’s House is rounding off the summer holidays with a day of family fun. Make a kaleidoscope collage, get the kids introduced to yoga, and learn some African and Latin-American percussion at their creativity and wellbeing focused workshops. St. Margaret’s House Hall (Bethnal Green), free, book ahead for some events, 11am-3pm

CAMBERWELL FAIR: Back in 1855, Camberwell’s annual fair was banned for causing immoral and riotous behaviour. Its 21st century revival is probably a slightly more low-key affair, but there’s still plenty to get excited about — like games, street food, and a day time carnival led by Kinetika Bloco. Camberwell Green, free, just turn up, 12pm-9pm

ALL YOU MEAD: Gosnells, London‘s only mead makers, are celebrating their fourth birthday with cake, free tours and plenty of the ancient honey tipple. No worries if you’re skint — the first glass is on them. Gosnells of London (Peckham), free, just turn up, 12pm-10pm

COMMON GROUND FESTIVAL: A new music festival is coming to Flat Iron Square, and it’s totally free. Folk singer and festival co-founder Beans on Toast headlines, with other highlights including Glasto legend DJ Chris Tofu and south London rock n rollers The Shakers. Flat Iron Square (Borough), free entry, just turn up, 12pm-12am

Sunday 2 September
A day of festivities on Regent’s Canal.

FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL: Give that knackered Lion King DVD a rest and celebrate all things cinematic at Beckenham’s Grade II listed mansion. There’s family-friendly short films, features, animations, and even silent films, as well as plenty of drop in workshops to nurture your pint-sized Scorseses. Beckenham Place Mansion, free entry, just turn up, 10.30am-6pm

ANGEL CANAL FESTIVAL: With boat rides, craft stalls, and live music there’s plenty to keep you entertained — both on the water and back on dry land— at the Angel Canal Festival. City Road Lock, free, just turn up, 11am-5pm

KLEZMER IN THE PARK: It’s set to be a very lively afternoon indeed at the bandstand in Regent’s Park. The Jewish Music Institute has put together a brilliant line-up dedicated to the folk musical tradition, including an appearance from BBC Radio 3 DJ Reinhardt. Regent’s Park Bandstand, free, just turn up, 12.30pm-6pm

EXPLORE ENGINEERING WALK: From the tallest to the deepest, and from the oldest to the newest, discover how the City’s most remarkable feats of civil engineering came into being on a free guided walk. Meet at the Guildhall, free, book ahead, 2pm-4.30pm

Fun things to do with our friends and sponsor Funzing

Paddle Boarding in East London – Beginners

Take to the waters and glide about in this beginner paddleboarding session. By the end of it, you’ll be standing up and paddling solo, and there’s plenty of help on hand to improve your technique. Change of clothes required.  Get tickets

Lost London Walking Tour

London is a city of incredible transformation. With structural remains that date back to ancient history still in existence, this unique walking tour takes in Lost London in all its former glory. From the Titanic booking office to the graveyards of man’s best friend, you’ll discover the weird and wonderful places that used to exist in the capital but are now only committed to memory. Using old photographs, newspaper cuttings and stories from the past, you’ll be amazed at what has largely been written out of our history books
  Get tickets

Couple Painting – Dating With a Difference

Get creative with your partner in this date night with a difference. Between you, you’ll get to create your very own piece of artwork on a large canvas. Help is on hand if you need it, but freestyle pieces are always encouraged… Get tickets

Forgotten Old London

Have you visited London‘s Roman ampitheatre? What about London‘s Medieval market places? Hear weird and wonderful tales of our beautiful city as you take a walking tour, seeing everything from centuries-old churches to the hanging place of William Wallace. Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are visiting for a few days, you’re sure to learn something new about London. Get tickets