Free And Cheap London Events: 4-10 January 2016

By Londonist Last edited 98 months ago
Free And Cheap London Events: 4-10 January 2016

Interesting and unusual things to do in London for £5 or less this week.

All week

Explore the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park on Friday 8 January Photo: Maynard Case (2010)

LAST CHANCE: There's still time to catch sight of Alex Chinneck's giant inverted pylon in Greenwich this week, which will be lit up at night. Free, just turn up, until 10 January

WINTER LIGHTS: This weekend Canary Wharf (PDF) will be lit up with special displays for all the family to enjoy including 3D shapes accompanied by storytelling and face painting. If you can't make this weekend you can still admire sculptures, installations and structures created by innovative artists which are displayed around Canary Wharf. Turn up after 4pm to get the most out of the many light effects. Check the website for locations. Free, just turn up, until 22 January

MUMMIFIED CROCODILE: Head to The British Museum to see its latest display — a mummified crocodile with baby mummified crocs in tow. Free, just turn up, until 21 February

VIDEO GAME ART: Can video games be art? Head to Whitechapel Gallery to help you make up your mind. This one room exhibition features six video clips which push the boundaries between two worlds. Free, just turn up, until 15 May

Monday 4 January

LAST CHANCE: Today is your last chance to catch an exhibition at The Barbican Centre library which celebrates 70 years of the Philharmonia Orchestra. The display features archive material to tell the Orchestra’s story including a specially curated selection of images, memorabilia and digital materials. Tomorrow an exhibition opens celebrating the work of textile artists. Free, just turn up, 9.30am-5.30pm

COMEDY: Romesh Ranganathan headlines the Good Ship in Kilburn, with other sets from Dave Green, Dylan Gott and Tania Edwards. £4, prebook, 8pm

Tuesday 5 January

SCRATCH NIGHT: Get the lowdown on the latest musical theatre talent at this scratch night at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green, with six new works-in-progress. Each musical has been paired with a director and performers and given a day of rehearsal to prepare for the evening. Vocal support and feedback is encouraged. £4, prebook, 7.30pm

Wednesday 6 January

Say farewell to Christmas in the gardens of the Geffrye Museum. Photo: Jayne Lloyd

PROJECT AWESOME: If one of your New Year's Resolutions was to get fit (whose isn't?) then head to The Scoop at More London for a (very) early exercise class. Free, just turn up, 6.30am-7.30am

FAREWELL TO CHRISTMAS: The Geffrye Museum is saying farewell to Christmas with a traditional garden party where holly and ivy will be burnt as you sing carols, hear tales about Epiphany and wash your Twelfth Night cake down with mulled wine. Free, just turn up, 3.30pm-5pm

Thursday 7 January

DOGS IN SPACE: Hear Doug Millard, the senior curator of Cosmonauts, discuss what has been launched into space and why at The Science Museum. Check out the Cosmonauts exhibition while you're there which includes the first canine space travellers. Free, just turn up, 2pm-3pm

Friday 8 January

ISABELLA PLANTATION WALK: Join the gardeners at Richmond Park for a guided walk around Isabella Plantation. You'll be treated to 40 acres of Victorian woodland including the evergreen azaleas the park is known for. Free, just turn up, 11am-12.30pm

LUNCHTIME TALK: Take your lunch along to the Open Data Institute to hear a talk about what the government gets up to with our data from Paul Maltby, Director of Data at the Government Digital Service. Tea and coffee provided. Free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm

THE CUBAN JAM: Head to The Forge in Camden for an evening of live Cuban music. Free before 8pm, £5 after, prebook, 6pm

Saturday 9 January

The interior of the Museum of Childhood. Photo: Paul Wood (2012)

MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD: A new exhibition opens today at the Museum of Childhood. It's a Hard World for Little Things features heartbreaking photographs of children locally and globally as they carry heavy burdens in a world of adult hostility. Free, just turn up, until 17 July

SEEDS OF CHANGE WALK: The volunteers at CoolSE1 have organised a free guided walk around London's South Docks where you'll hear about the radical history of Rotherhithe and Bermondsey. It's a three mile tour so dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes. Free, just turn up, 11am-1pm

ROMAN FORT GATE TOUR: Take a tour of the remains of the western gate of London’s Roman military fort, located beneath the streets next to the Museum of London. £5, prebook, 2pm-2.30pm

AFTERNOON POETRY: Head to Keats House to hear about Keats's influence on the work of American writer F Scott Fitzgerald. Free, just turn up, 3pm

Sunday 10 January

REGGAE ROAST: Head to The Forge in Camden for an all-day reggae sound system session which will have you dancing into Monday. Free, prebook, 1pm

BUSH HILL PARK WALK: The conservation area only developed in late Victorian times but its short history includes tragedies as well as triumphs. Explore the history of Bush Hill which had three historic mansions and some follies. Free, prebook, 2pm

Last Updated 03 January 2016