South Bank Sand Sculptures
For those of us unlucky enough to be stuck in the city over summer, some relief is offered by way of the South Bank's pop-up sandy shore along the Thames. Check out these sand sculptures that take inspiration from The Simpsons to The Queen, could you do any better?
Things to do
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LONDON INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL:
Europe's largest Asian film festival has arrived in cinemas all over London. Over ten days you can enjoy the best independent films coming out of India. This years programme offers fresh perspectives of India and there's something for everyone — from comedies and love stories to children's adventures and documentaries. Until 26 July
BLINDFOLDED TASTE TESTING TOUR:
Pick up a map and blindfold from Borough market's information office and have a friend lead you round the stalls, blind tasting the culinary delights on offer. We did, it was great. Follow the sensory route set by a young blind person at RLSB and test your tastebuds. Free, just turn up, 2.30-4.30pm
JACK THE RIPPER HAPPY HOUR TOUR:
This tour sounds like a bit of a contradiction in terms to us, but head to Whitechapel for a Jack the Ripper experience where you'll be served up gin with a dash of gruesomeness. £25, prebook, 5.30pm
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OPEN AIR THEATRE:
Get your Shakespeare fix this summer at Wanstead's open air theatre, set in the lovely grounds of Wanstead Park. Tonight's al fresco performance by theatre group Illyria is The Taming of the Shrew. £14.95, prebook, 6pm
ITALIAN FOOD:
We were really impressed with the Moretti Gran Tour last year and this year sounds just as tasty. Take a culinary trip around Naples, Lombardy, Puglia and Sicily. They'll also be a chance to take part in a cookery masterclass. Ticket includes two cans of Italian beer, two plates of food and gelato. Yum. £10, prebook, 6pm-10.30pm
BOOK TALK:
Michael Rosen is well known for his children's poems but his new book is strictly for adults. Head to Keats House in Hampstead Heath to hear him read out surreal and political poems from his new book Don't Mention the Children. £6, 7pm-8.30pm
HEADBAND MAKING:
Head to Drink, Shop and Do in King's Cross to learn how to make your own weird and wonderful headbands, so at least your headgear is sorted for summer festivities. £18, prebook, 7pm
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FRANCIS BACON SCREENING AND TALK:
Whitechapel Gallery is hosting a special screening of Love is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon to coincide with the current V-A-C collection display on the Irish painter. The screening is followed by a talk with director John Maybury. £9.50, prebook, 7pm
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PERFORMANCE:
Head to Barbican Art Gallery for a spectacular performance by Kuwait-based multimedia artist Zahed Sultan which combines skilful lighting with live music, dance and theatre. £10, prebook, 7.30pm
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COMEDY:
Here’s someone we’ve been hearing good things about: The Man, who is previewing his Edinburgh show tonight at the Comedy Cafe Theatre in Shoreditch. Chris Dangerfield is also on the bill. Free, prebook, 8pm
MUSIC:
It's head banging Thursday at Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen. Tonight's line up includes rock bands Bad for Lazarus, Saint Agnes and Pink Lizards. £6, prebook, 8pm
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MAGIC AND MIRTH:
This alternative night at The Star of Kings in King's Cross blends comedy with magic tricks for an evening of jaw-dropping entertainment. £9, prebook, 8pm
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Good cause of the day
It's your last chance to see World Wide Weave Extraordinary Lives at Conway Hall in Holborn which celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Camphill Foundation, a charity that supports people with learning difficulties. This exhibition showcases the craft and creativity of people living with disabilities through textile art.
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