Things To Do In London This Weekend: 25-26 January 2014

There's a snowdrop sale on this weekend. Photo by Laura Nolte

All weekend

IMPROVATHON: Have you got the stamina to witness 50 hours of improvised soap opera comedy? The annual Improvathon challenges you to stay awake for the duration while its performing talent makes it up as it goes along. Read our preview. It's at Park Theatre, Finsbury Park and tickets are £55 for the full shebang, £10 per two hour episode. There's even a kid-friendly session on Sunday morning. Starts 7pm Friday, finishes 9pm Sunday.

TWITCH: Take part in the RSPB's annual Big Garden Birdwatch. Just look out of your window or sit in the park for an hour and count the birds that visit your patch. Free, register online, do it anytime.

WANDER: There are over 30 free guided walks to choose from this weekend as Walk London presents its Winter Wanders Weekend. Whether you fancy a river route, a city stroll, stunning views, challenging hikes or sightseeing sorties there's something to suit you. Free, just turn up, check the website for times and meeting points.

FUNNY FILM: LOCO London Comedy Film Festival will be showing loads of excellently funny films from Thursday to Sunday, and this year has a special focus on satirical comedy. Pick from world premieres, shorts and old favourites including Withnail and I, Monty Python's Life of Brian, Team America: World Police and Dr Strangelove. Plus there's a Jnr selection for kids, including Bugsy Malone and The Princess Bride. Read our preview. At cinemas across London, tickets vary, check website for full listings and booking.

MIMEFEST: London International Mime Festival is underway – read our preview. Check out the huge programme which runs till 1 February and book tickets now.

FOOTBALL: Consult the London Football Guide for a round up of all the local football action taking place this week, including tips on ticket availability and deals and a top 10 fixtures list.

STAY DRY: Sworn off alcohol this month? Try these booze-free venues.

Saturday 25 January

SNOWDROPS: Get your hands on both common and rare early snowdrops at Myddelton House & Gardens' Ultimate Snowdrop Sale. Once you've bagged your precious plants, explore the beautiful grounds. Free entry, just turn up (early - there might be a bunfight) 10am-12.30pm

RECORDS: Visit the biggest collection of CDs and vinyl in Europe, as the Musicmania record fair comes to Olympia. Free, just turn up, 10am-4pm

UNLONDON: It’s not often we promote anything that’s “un-London” but for this we can certainly make an exception. UnLondon at St Mary’s Old Church in Stoke Newington is a one-day festival of literature, art and music inspired by the less celebrated sides of our city, such as the local launderettes, back streets and betting shops. Free, prebook, 2-10.30pm

UKE KNOW YOU WANT TO: We tried this ourselves recently and had a blast. Guitar too mainstream? Violin too expensive? Cello too big? Why not try the ukelele instead? Learn to Uke runs a taster session today - ukuleles provided so all you need to bring is yourself and a willingness to sing (or at least pretend to sing) The Lion Sleeps Tonight. £38, prebook, 3-4.30pm

BURNS NIGHT: Tis the night to recite the poetry of the Bard of Scotland, eat haggis, drink whisky and ceilidh dance your tartan socks off. Find out about Burns Night parties here and restaurants and bars serving up Scottish fare here.

Sunday 26 January

AUSTRALIA DAY: Fans of all things antipodean can celebrate Australia Day in London this weekend. The Australian Times has a list of pubs and parties that will be turning green and gold and welcoming Poms and Aussies (and any other nationality for that matter) in enjoying Aussie beverages, Aussie tucker and Aussie tunes. We have seven of our own ideas how to mark Australia's national day.

CHEAP: It's a one-off pay what you can day for Museum of London's Cheapside Hoard exhibition. Read our review. Booking ahead recommended, open 10am-6pm

DANCE: Danceworks, a fitness studio just off Oxford Street that offers a variety of dance, fitness, martial arts and singing classes, opens its doors to non-members today with over 20 free taster sessions, from kickboxing to ballet. Free, just turn up (first come first served), 11am-6pm

FREE PARTY: Head along to the Lock Tavern in Camden Town where Yard Life offer free music and DJs, including The C90s, Youth Club and Electric Palms. Free, just turn up, 4pm-late

PROTEST/CHANGE: Hard to Resist: A Short Sharp Festival of Protest comes to a close tonight at Camden People's Theatre with a show and tell salon on systems and how to change them. Tickets £10.12 (inc fees), prebook, 7.30pm

Other good stuff

Catch up on all latest features, see what we like in theatre and arts and browse more things to do in London.

What have we missed? Let us know what’s going on this weekend, leave a comment or email [email protected].

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