The plodding workweek ahead is revitalised with your weekly installment of delightfully affordable post-daily grind activities. Oh, that and it's a Bank Holiday weekend. With a big cheers to that, let's see what's on offer in Londontown's wet summer wind-down:
Monday: It's summer season at the Houses of Parliament, which means that you get a rare look inside the Big Smoke's government happenings. Well, technically Parilament is in recess and its members are away sunning themselves on holiday, but you at least get a peek inside the mangificent buildings with entertaining anecodtes from your trusty guides. £12, £8 concessions. Check website for details. Tuesday: This happens to be the last week of Red Gate Gallery's controversial art show celebrating none other than the birthday girl Madge herself: 'Cow's Blood, Bible & Madonna: The New Controversial Pop Art Exhibition' is a collection of works by Rush Vizette. The artists refers to his work as a mash-up between Warhol and Hirst. The exhibit includes spirited multimedia installations by artist collective the NuBrits. Through Thursday, 2.30-6.30 pm. Wednesday: A free mid-week jazzy/world music/poetry/acoustica party in Dalston that goes by the name of the Last Mango in Paris? Sold. Er, free. Features the masterful oud player Attab Haddad and lyrics by Ex Central Tempest. The lassi-flavoured love kicks off at 7.30 at the Haggerston. Thursday: Every Thursday through 18th September, the Frijj Film Festival is screening film classics in cinemas across our fair city—all for free. Tonight, have your pick of the litter from Scarface, Blade Runner, Pulp Fiction, Casino, or our personal favourite, Don Corleone's unforgettable smolder in the Godfather I. Too many choices, not enough time. Reserve your tickets right quick, we have a feeling these are going to disappear faster than your appetite in these delightfully bloody classics. Friday: Before you head off to drink away all dreary memories of a particularly long workweek, drop in at Covent Garden's Night Market for an al fresco supper. Forty stalls will boast treats from some of the UK's best traders, including Wild Beef and Primrose Bakery. If that's not enough to bring you down, allow us to take this opportunity to tip you off to an appearance by that roguishly handsome nouveau Willy Wonka chocolate chef Willie Harcourt-Cooze (of Venezuelan Black Chocolate, who will display his cocoa prowess in the Kitchen Theatre programme from 6.30-7.30pm. The Night Markets take place in the West Piazza, noon-9pm. Saturday: Today is the last day of the Trafalgar Square Festival, a free set of outdoor performances. This weekend's theme is 'Images of London,' which includes Miss High Leg Kick's A-Z journey through London's landmarks via fashion show, plus Spanish dance company Factoria Mascaro's romp through classical garden settings. Shows start at 1 and 9 pm. Sunday: Drag yr mangled heart over to Clapham Common today for Get Loaded in the Park. Despite its hefty price tag, it's surely the best happening around town today, featuring sets by Gossip, freaky-deaky gypsy folk rock troupe Gogol Bordello, the lovely Presets, and somehow-still-going Iggy. If you can't afford the £35 price tag, go down a notch to the official after-party (hey, it's Bank Holiday weekend) from 9pm-6am at the Clapham Grand, featuring DJ Yoda and Plastic Little live for the slightly more affordable £15.Or, you could stay in and watch the summer rain from the dry side of your windowpanes.A little forecast image of your rainy, cheap week ahead courtesy of angus stewart's flickrstream.
