Free And Cheap London Events: 27-2 August 2015

By Kyra Hanson Last edited 104 months ago
Free And Cheap London Events: 27-2 August 2015
Free kids activities in Newham with Parklives

All Week

KIDS ACTIVITIES:
There's no reason to be bored over summer as Parklives is supplying kids with free activities all over London's green spaces, from rollerskating to yoga and tennis. This week, five of Newham's parks will be running events. Free, just turn up, noon-4pm

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY:
Coin Street Community Builders has an exhibition on displaying the wildlife photography of Roger Hooper which spans all seven continents. These stunning images reveal the beauty and frailty of the world around us. Free, just turn up, until 16 August

TOTTENHAM SUMMER EVENTS:
Royal Court Theatre is hosting a season of events in Tottenham as part of its residency in the area. Expect community workshops, performances, world class art and exciting new theatre. Check the website for details of events and how to get involved. Most events are free but require booking. Until 14 September

CHRISTINA BROOM:
Museum of London Docklands’s current exhibition is all about the UK’s first female press photographer, Christina Broom, a self-taught novice who turned photography into a business venture to support her family. Free, just turn up, until 1 November

NEW DISPLAY AT V&A:
A new display opens at the V&A exploring 20 years worth of artists responding to the idea of portraiture. Facing History: Contemporary Portraiture showcases work by over 20 artists including Grayson Perry and work inspired by Frida Kahlo. Free, just turn up, until 24 April 2016

Monday 27 July

SUMMER OFFICE SALE:
Charity Fine Cell Work works with prisoners developing discipline and self-esteem using craft and needlework. It's hosting a summer sale where you'll be able to purchase some of the beautifully crafted pieces the prisoners have made. Free, just turn up, 10am-6pm

NATIONAL GALLERY LECTURE:
Soak up some culture on your lunch break by heading to the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square for a lunchtime lecture. This afternoon the topic is Renaissance Worlds: A shared Graeco-Roman artistic heritage. Free, just turn up, 1pm-1.45pm

RICH MIX READING GROUP:
There's no need to prep for this reading group or pretend you've done the reading so it's a perfect way to unwind at the end of the day. Each week you'll read a poem or short story together before discussion commences. Free, just turn up, 7pm

Tuesday 28 July

THE ACE OF CLUBS:
This short film by writer Travis Elborough explores the history of Victoria Park which opened in 1845 and is Tower Hamlets's oldest park. The screening is at Chisenhale Gallery close to the park. Free, prebook, 7pm

CRAFT NIGHT:
The Make Escape is bringing the Hula to The Hackney Attic on Mare Street for a Hawaiian themed craft night to celebrate its third anniversary. Bring along any unfinished knitting projects languishing in the corner of your wardrobe. Talented guest tutors will be on hand to help and there'll be live DJs and a fully stocked bar. All materials provided. Free, just turn up, 7.30pm

VAUXHALL OUTDOOR SCREENINGS:
Tonight's film The Breakfast Club, as chosen by you the public, will be screened in the lovely surroundings of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Take a blanket and snuggle up under the stars. Street food and deck chairs will be available to purchase on site. Free, just turn up, 10pm

Wednesday 29 July

SHERLOCK HOLMES:
Head to Tate South Lambeth Library to hear an expert on Sherlock talk about Holmes’s excursions into Lambeth proper: Brixton, Kennington, Streatham, Herne Hill and parts of Norwood, together with Arthur Conan Doyle’s own connections with south London. Free, just turn up, 7pm

JERWOOD'S FIRST DRAFTS:
A chance to see new theatre in the making in the intimate surroundings of The Yard Theatre. Tonight's show is a musical about a fictional immigration removal centre, by M.J. Harding whose radical practice focuses on the relationship between performance, pedagogy and violence. £3, prebook, 7.30pm

Thursday 30 July

Camden Lock Night Market

POST APOCALYPTIC BOOK CLUB:
If you're one of those people that's already mapped their escape route in case of a zombie attack, head to Waterstones in Piccadilly where Dark Societies hosts an evening of discussion about what it takes to survive and rebuild a civilisation after total devastation. Authors Lewis Dartnell, Sarah Lotz, S.L. Grey and James Smyth will be talking us through their apocalyptic work. £3/£5, prebook, 6.30pm

CAMDEN SUMMER NIGHT MARKET:
Who wants an early night when you can be feasting at Camden night market instead? The fun begins today with two al fresco cinema screens, street food, bars and plenty of entertainment including live music, street art and reggae dance workshops. Free, just turn up, until 4 September

COMEDY:
Johnny and the Baptists accidentally told a four year old girl they’d stop climate change. Find out how that’s going with this preview of their new Edinburgh show at Crossrail Place roof garden. Free, prebook, 7pm

COMEDY IN THE COURTYARD:
Even comedy has gone al fresco this summer. St Martin's Courtyard brings you an evening of free comedy in the heart of Covent Garden. Taking to the stage will be Joel Dommett, Justin Moorhouse, Aisling Bea and Chris Gilbert. Register for tickets. Free, prebook, 7.30pm

Friday 31 July

BREWERY PARTY:
Looking for a fun pint? On the last Friday of every month The London Beer Factory hosts a free brewery party in Crystal Palace serving up world class beers and craft ales alongside entertainment in the shape of table football and live music. Free, just turn up, 7pm

COMEDY:
The Comedy Bin is a regular free night of comedy introducing both new and established comedians. Tonight's line up features Edinburgh previews from Saskia Preston, Benji Waterstones and Sean Cannon as well as stuff from Mike Shepard, Paul Laight, Joe Bains and Victoria Lessina. Free, just turn up, 8pm

Saturday 1 August

No Fit State Circus in Barking

POP UP PERORMANCES:
The first Saturday of every month is reserved for all the family and especially the little ones at V&A. Today No Nonsense Theatre is bringing Lions to life. Free, just turn up, 11am, 1pm, 3pm

GREAT DAY OUT AT VICTORIA PARK:
The pleasures of the seaside have washed up on the grassy shores of Victoria Park today. Expect donkey rides, face painting, fairground rides and Punch and Judy shows. Learn how to build a cardboard city, swing from the trees and listen to live music from the bandstand. Free, just turn up, 11am-4pm

RICH MIX YOUTH TAKEOVER FESTIVAL:
Rich Mix kicks off 22 days worth of free arts events and activities for 16-25 year olds today. There will be plenty of opportunities for young people to meet creative professionals and develop skills. A variety of events showcase the best emerging talent in spoken word, music, comedy, dance and theatre. Free, just turn up, until 22 August

NO FIT STATE CIRCUS:
On reclaimed land in the far east of London, you are invited to run away with No Fit State Circus for a few hours! At Barking Riverside outside Rivergate Centre you can participate in a range of taster circus skills workshops throughout the day or you can simply sit back and watch as the circus spectacle unfolds. Throughout the day there are free family arts and crafts workshops, food, drink and crafts stalls, face painting, bouncy castle and a family disco area. Free, just turn up, 11am-5pm

URBAN FOOD FEST:
This Flamin' Hot Fiesta themed street food market will have your taste buds tingling from noon until midnight. Alongside the super-hot fries and chilli desserts the bar will be serving up craft beer (of course) and spicy Mexican cocktails. Come in hot chilli fancy dress to win a free beer. Free, just turn up, noon-midnight

Sunday 2 August

Acoustic Sunday's Jam Sandwich in Haggerston

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION:
An exhibition at Mall Galleries in Charing Cross features landscape images by over 100 amateur and professional photographers who studied under the UK's leading landscape photographer Charlie Waite. Light and Land on the Mall displays stunning, atmospheric images taken from all over the world. Free, just turn up, until 10 August

SUN-DAY FUN-DAY:
Union Chapel is holding a traditional summer fete on Compton Terrace Gardens to raise money for charity and restoration work to the building. Expect the usual stalls, cakes, family friendly activities and a bar in case it rains. Free, just turn up, noon-4pm

ACOUSTIC SUNDAYS:
Enjoy a relaxed evening soaking up the summer vibes at Acoustic Sunday's Jam Sandwich, a day of live music and tasty food held at The Crypt in Haggerston. Nothing says summer better than Pimms and acoustic jams. Free, just turn up, 2.30pm-8pm

SUMMER OF SOUND:
As part of Curzon Cinema's Summer of Sound season they are hosting a free screen talk in Bloomsbury about 1959, an explosive year for jazz music. Free, just turn up, 3.15pm

Last Updated 28 July 2015