River Thames Oddities
Now the sun is out a bit more, we're donning our shades and flocking to those murky waters we know fondly as The Thames where among the drifting debris, circling gulls and boat-loads of tourists, strange things are lurking. From floating hippos to floating houses here's our top ten list of weird things that have roamed the river.
Things to do
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SUMMER SCHOOL AT SKIP GARDENS:
The Skip Garden, an urban garden and community space opens today with a series of summer events for the green-fingered including family gardening sessions, lunchtime talks and twilight dining experiences using home grown produce. Free, just turn up, 10am-4pm
NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY CELEBRATIONS:
Take mates and an empty belly along to Queen of Hoxton for the ultimate man vs. hotdog challenge. With ten varieties of sausage to choose from and over 30 toppings, you won't need to worry about food again for a week. Free, noon-10pm
PLONK CRAZY GOLF:
Inject some fun into your Thursday by heading to the craziest golf course in town, well Dalston. This nine hole course even features a smoking volcano. £7.50, prebook, 2pm
BLIND TASTING:
Have a friend lead you around the market testing your tastebuds while getting a feel for what it's like to be blind. We tried out the blind taste testing at Borough Market organised by RLSB and we'll think you'll enjoy it as much as we did. Free, just turn up, 2.30pm-4.30pm
BLADE RUNNER AT IMAX:
Fans won't want to miss this definitive version of Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic at the IMAX. Blade Runner follow's Harrison Ford across the galaxy as he chases down escaped replicants. This timeless work of cinematic art is just as powerful 33 years on. £10.65, prebook, 6.15pm
MUSIC:
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart will be playing at The Garage in Islington, supported by Desperate Journalist. Expect bedroom pop daydreams and alternative national anthems. £15, prebook, 7pm
FINAL SHORTS UP:
It's the final short film night for Shorts Up before they take a summer break. At Arts Theatre near Leicester Square there'll be live readings from an author who wrote a series of poems about growing up on a London estate as well as a screening of a new video from Jonathan Schey. £9, prebook, 7pm
PUB QUIZ:
If you're after a night of laughter, random prizes, games and good music — and who isn't? — get yourself down to Let's Get Quizzical hosted by Aussie comedian Huw Joseph at Drink Shop and Do in King's Cross. £5, prebook, 7pm
LIVE MUSIC AND MEAL:
No plans for the evening? Head to Dado54 in Farringdon, a characterful 200 year old building under Holborn Viaduct, for a meal with drinks and live music. Entry includes a sharing platter plus a bottle of wine, what's not to like? £18, prebook, 7pm
CINEMA:
Crossing Bridges is an independent film shot around Lewisham in only 11 days that follows the life of a man who loses his job and his family then meets an angel who he leads around the entrails of his mind. The screening also has a q&a with the director. £5, prebook, 7.30pm
MEXICAN BALLET:
Apparently 2015 is the year of Mexico in the UK and it's National Tequila Day on Friday so join in the celebrations with The Ballet Folklorico De Mexico who are bringing Mexican folk dance to an international audience at the London Coliseum. £18, prebook, 7.30pm
COMEDY:
Rob Delaney headlines at the Ealing Comedy Festival in Walpole Park with support from Ed Byrne and Kerry Godliman. Paul Thorne is your MC. £22, prebook, 7.45pm
Good Cause
Meet Battersea's mini moggies at this charity event at Battersea Cats and Dogs Home. At this kitty shower there'll be a range of kid's crafty activities and you may even end up taking home a new feline friend. £3/£5, just turn up, 10.30am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm
Secrets of the Underground
Discover the secrets of the underground with Londonist's Geoff Marshall. He'll lead you through unfinished stations, hidden corridors and secret short-cuts, unearthing aspects of subterranean London you never knew existed. This updated version of the DVD includes 20 minutes of extra footage, a bonus video and updated versions of each station. You can purchase the DVD from our Londonist shop.
Find more London events in our Free & Cheap events listings. Want to see your event in these last-minute listings? Email us at [email protected] 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.
