Things To Do In London: Friday 15 January 2016

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Create cupcake craft. Image: Funzing

Start your day with these reads:

It's 51 years next week since Winston Churchill smoked his last cigar and checked out at the ripe old age of 90. Find out How to Eat, Drink and Smoke Like Winston Churchill in London.

We're a biscuit dunking nation and so, with many of the classics we love created in Bermondsey's own 'Biscuit Town'. get your mouth watering with The Biscuits That London Made.

As Lumiere London comes to the city this week, take a look at A History of London Lights: From Candles to Lasers. Just remember to switch them off when you're done.

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All the day's biggest news stories.

Things to do today:

CRAFTY CAKE: Kids aged 12 upwards (and parents too) can get creative with cake this Friday. Baking pro, Lucy, will guide you through making and decorating cupcakes in Cupcake and Cake Craft Experience, but the designs (and how many sprinkles you squeeze onto them) are up to you. The ticket price includes all baking materials, refreshments and recipe cards. There'll also be a lot of cake to take home. £35, prebook, 10am-12.30pm

MODEL LONDON: The London Model Engineering Exhibition at Alexandra Palace opens this Friday. See displays from scale model ships to remote control trucks, boats and aeroplanes and even a Meccano roller coaster. Special attractions include the 50th anniversary celebration display of Star Trek with a selection of models and space themed memorabilia and plenty of chances for kids (and big kids) to do some hands-on model making. £11, just turn up, 10am-5pm

LIBERTY IN FASHION: Celebrate 140 years of London's distinctive black and white department store. Liberty in Fashion at the Fashion and Textile Museum charts the history of the store that was "determined not to follow existing fashion but to create new ones". From 19th century orientalism and aesthetic dress, to the iconic Liberty prints — explore the shop's role as an originator of key fashion trends throughout its history. £9, prebook, 11am-6pm

Dive into the Great Barrier Reef. Image: Natural History Museum

DIVE WITH DAVE: Take a virtual reality journey underwater at the Natural History Museum. Using the latest VR technology, experience the reef's corals, colourful fish and threatening sharks, with Sir David Attenborough as your guide, as you watch this fascinating journey into the world below the waves. Unsuitable for children under 13 and those with some medical conditions. £6.50/£4.50, prebook, 11.30am/1.30pm/3.30pm

COMEDY: We have a little comedy crush on Elf Lyons, who’s on at the Camden Head tonight. Also appearing at Chatback Comedy are Funmbi Omotayo, Daphna Baram and Trevor Lock. £8/£7, prebook, 8pm

BOWIE TRIBUTE PARTY: Celebrate the life of the music superstar at RIP David Bowie at Machine No.3. Whether you're a Ziggy or a Jean, come in your best Bowie costume for a chance to win a free drink. Facepaint and stardust are strongly encouraged. DJ David Anderssen takes to the decks from 8pm, playing Bowie classics, collaborations and covers, so let's dance. Free, just turn up, 8pm- 12.30am

SWING BALL: Whatever way you swing, get dancing at Swing Patrol's Winter Ball in central London. Lindy Hop and Charleston your way through an energetic evening. If you're a total beginner, don't worry — the night starts with an optional taster class. Then keep jitterbugging right through to the small hours. £14, prebook 7.30pm (taster class)/ 8pm-1am

Win a year's free travel, or a night at a hotel and dinner:

Head on over to our rather splendid new showcase site in partnership with Dot London — londonist.london — to find out more.

Good cause of the day

The 1st Annual Homeless Benefit takes place this Friday at Soho's 68 and Boston, with musical talent from the likes of Henri Herbert, Jiten Patel and Delly-J. Instead of an entry fee, just bring an item of warm clothing: socks, gloves, coats, hats, sleeping bags — whatever you have. These will be donated to homeless rough sleepers around the city after the event, along with a hot meal. See event page for details, 8pm