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GIVE BLOOD: Today’s opportunities to donate blood are at Highgate Road Chapel in Gospel Oak and Brewers Hall in the City of London. Free, just turn up, see site for times and conditions
UDDERBELLY FESTIVAL: The overturned purple cow is back from today for a comedy festival full of weirdness, brain dumps and some incredible comedic talent. Take a look at our picks for recommendations. Until 14 July
YUM: Street Feast returns to Dalston once more to showcase some amazing street food. Napkins at the ready. Until end of June.
HEAVEN AND HELL: Chris Bracey: I've Looked up to Heaven and Been Down to Hell showcases artist Chris Bracey and his use of neon to create eye catching pieces full of energy. Free, just turn up, until 1 June
NIBS AT THE READY: A new literary festival hits Notting Hill: Nibfest. Sasha Wilkins, Sam Baker and Tim Hayward discuss writers in the digital age at 6.30pm followed by a fabulous line-up of Evie Wyld, Alex Marwood, Sabrina Mahfouz, Will Storr, Katy Regan and Abigail Tartellin settling in for a write-a-thon at 7.30pm. Prices vary, until 14 April
ASIA HOUSE FAIR: A pop-up market with over 35 exhibitors showcasing the best in arts and crafts across the pan-Asian region, takes over the rooms of the beautiful Asia House from today. Free, just turn up, until 14 April
MUSEUM LATES: Unwind after work with a spot of culture at the British Museum, National Gallery or National Portrait Gallery. Free, check websites for closing times and events
MUSIC TO FILM: At Making Tracks, filmmakers contribute films whilst The Cabinet of Living Cinema write and perform live scores to accompany them. £10/£8, prebook for cheaper tickets, 8pm
COMEDY: A new comedy night, That Thing offers comedy regulars and newbies the chance to perform alongside each other, so you expect a mixed bag of laughs. £6, prebook, 8pm
ROLLER SKATE: The Friday Night skate starts at Wellington Arch. Anyone who feels competent on skates is welcome to join. Free, just turn up, 8pm
PERMAGEDDON: The excellently named Permageddon, a cheesetastic rock tribute band, are performing an 80s jukebox night, where the audience have the power to choose exactly what songs are played. Peel on your lycra and get on down. £10-£40, prebook, 9.30pm
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Random London Fact of the Day
The London Underground is a source of strife and anguish for many daily London commuters, however, in the 19th century there were licensed bars, often on the underground platforms themselves. Good for the commuters, perhaps, but spare a thought for the poor barmaid who worked down there. A pamphlet entitled Inquiries concerning Female Labour in the Metropolis, published in 1889, articulates the tribulations of these barmaids:
'Of all barmaids these girls are most to be pitied. Draughts, bad atmosphere, and sulphurous smoke give them sore throats and heart complaints. Not a few of them stand from seventy-six to eighty-six hours in the week, or about eleven hours a day. They work in shifts, coming on early in the morning, and working with stated intervals until midnight. One Sunday in the month is considered ample time for recreation.'
Good Cause of the Day
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a scheme which takes young people who have suffered from cancer, leukaemia or other serious illnesses and helps them on their route to recovery through the fantastic experience of sailing. They work with every young persons' primary cancer care unit in the UK and aim to help these young people by increasing their independence, sense of control and confidence.
With the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Barretstown, a charity which supports children with serious illnesses and their families, you could have to chance to visit the top of the BT Tower and enjoy the stunning views from its 34th floor window. Each ticket costs £50 and includes the exhilarating 189 metre lift ride, bubbly and refreshments at the top, and of course the most wonderful 360° views of the London skyline. Most importantly, all money raised will be split between the two charities, both of which do incredible work.
London Weather (courtesy of our guest weatherman, Gary Shearin)
The BBC are hedging their bets today with an icon to cover most weather eventualities. If you're a betting person, your money is probably safe if you back Rainy Runner. Though we doubt you'll find a bookie offering good odds. If you want a flutter on an outsider, Missing Sunshine is running at 14:20 at 100-1 against. However, the going is soft with 17mm of rain overnight, and wet conditions have seen Missing Sunshine being a non-runner. Be lucky!
