Things To Do In London: Friday 20 March 2015

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Things To Do

A pop-up city farm is part of the Edible Garden Show at Alexandra Palace.

SOLAR ECLIPSE: In case you didn't know, there's a solar eclipse happening this morning. Take a look at our tips for where to see it — and whatever you do, don't look directly at it. 8.25am-10.41am (maximum obscuration at 9.31 am)

LITERARY FEST: It's the second and last day of The Daunt Books Festival, with events featuring the likes of historian Antonia Fraser, author William Fiennes and naturalist and birdwatcher Tim Dee. Various prices, prebook, until 20 March

EDIBLE GARDEN SHOW: Head up to Alexandra Palace for the Edible Garden Show and Good Food Live. Get advice from experts on how to grow and make your own food, and visit a pop-up city farm. £16/£20, prebook, until 22 March

MONSTER EXHIBITION: A new exhibition opens at Hang-Up Gallery today. Inspired by an FBI article analysing the mind of a serial killer and their preoccupation with fantasy as children, artist Magnus Gjoen launches a brand new collection of multi-media originals and limited editions. Until 26 April

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: There's a one day photography course for beginners in digital SLR photography at Ham House and Gardens in Richmond. £65, prebook, 9.30am-4.30pm

MORLEY MORSELS: Morley College hosts an open day with free one-hour taster sessions in activities such as ballet, sound engineering and massage. Free, prebook, 10.30am-7pm

HAMPSTEAD VILLAGE: Take a guided walk around Hampstead Village, an area with a rich history of intellectual and artistic associations. £10/£7.50, prebook, 2pm

ROMAN FORT: Join Museum of London for a tour of the remains of the western gate of London’s Roman military fort, located beneath the streets next to the museum. £2.50, prebook, 2pm

CARIBBEAN FOOD: Hackney based charity Headway East London host a Caribbean themed supperclub,  put together by some of the charity's clients who have survived brain injuries. Enjoy rum punch, nibbles and an open fire next to Regent's Canal before dining in the art gallery. £36, prebook, 6pm

EUROPEAN DYNASTY: Simon Winder is at The Wallace Collection to talk about the subjects of his latest book, The Habsburgs. The European dynasty's senior members included fanatics, incompetents and maniacs, yet they held a strong influence over Europe until the First World War. £12.50, prebook, 6.30pm

ARTIST TALK: Yinka Shobinare, the artist responsible for the ship in a bottle which once occupied the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, is at the V&A Museum to talk about his work, from his early paintings in the 1990s to his use of costume, photography and performance in film, and his most recent series of public art, Wind Sculptures. £15, prebook, 7pm

ANIMAL SHOWOFF: The Grant Museum of Zoology presents a special edition of its open mic night, Animal Showoff, tying in with the new Strange Creatures exhibition. Expect jokes, talks, music and more. Anyone can perform anything, the only rule is it has to be about the animal kingdom. Suggested donation £5 (which goes towards the skeleton restoration project), prebook, 7pm-10pm


Planning next week already? Check out what's on at the Royal Geographical Society

‘Made in Britain?' is the latest in the Society’s 21st Century Challenges discussion series. Expect bikes, business and banjos as a panel of experts meet on Wednesday 25 March, 7pm to focus on the future of manufacturing in the UK. Pre-book your £10 ticket now or get one on the door.

metal industy factory indoor

Today’s Things To Do In London is sponsored by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).


Good Cause of the Day

This Sunday, the London Medical Orchestra performs at the Church of St Mary Brookfield in Tufnell Park, raising money to provide state of the art maternity facilities for The Whittington Hospital’s Maternity Appeal. Get your tickets here.

Find more London events in our Free & Cheap events listings. Want to see your event in these last-minute listings? Email us at hello@londonist.com at least 48 hours before the event, and we will consider it for inclusion. Note: due to high volumes of email, we can’t always reply.