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Start the day with these reads:
If Downton did drop down menus, they'd probably read something like this. Her Royal Highness? We've got your covered in Is This The Poshest Drop-Down Menu Ever?
Notice anything wrogn wth this? If so, you'll probably like Searching for Lodnon's Best Typos.
Where does the fish come from that ends up with your chips? We took a 4am Shopping trip to Billingsgate Market to find out.
News time:
Read about all the important things that have just happened in London.
Things to do today:
THE FABRIC OF INDIA: Last chance to see The Fabric of India at the V&A before it closes on 10 January. This highlight of the V&A India Festival explores the dynamic and multifaceted world of handmade Indian textiles. See over 300 exhibits, some dating back to the 3rd century, including the best of the V&A's world-renowned collection. £14, prebook, 10am-8.15pm (last admission).
SACRED ART AND MUSIC: It's your last chance to catch the final day of Greg Tricker: Revelation - Sacred Art, Sacred Music at Piano Nobile. The contemporary artist, who's exhibited at Westminster, Gloucester and Salisbury Cathedrals, presents a collection of paintings, sculpture and stained glass in at the Portland Road gallery, Notting Hill. Free, just turn up, all day event.
FRIDAY LUNCH AT SOUTHBANK: Get singing sea shanties with Hard Pressed, a group of maritime singers bringing folk to the Southbank Centre today. From traditional to contemporary, the three-piece band provide rousing accompaniment on the accordion, whistle, concertina and autoharp. Audience participation strongly encouraged. Free, just turn up, 1pm.
THAMES WHALE: Museum Scientist, Richard Sabin, takes a look back at the historic occasion, 10 years ago, when a female bottlenose whale took a wrong turn and ended up in London, 55 miles from the coast. For several days, a team of rescuers attempted to save her, making her a celebrity in the process. Join Richard to learn about the biology of these awe-inspiring animals and hear about another of London's famous whales, soon to feature in the main hall of the Natural History Museum. Free, just turn up, 2.30pm.
MASTER SEWING SLEEVES: Learn this technique and you'll be able to make and alter your own sleeves. You'll save a shedload on clothes shopping if you get it right! All machines and fabric provided, just book and get to Holloway for 6pm.
QUEEN OF HOXTON: Pick from two levels of music at Wild Life at the Queen of Hoxton. Whether it's classic party beats on the ground floor or house, disco and electro in the basement, end your week with sets from Chase The Compass Takeover, featuring DJs Holmes Price, Tian Karl, Frank McWeeny, Grand Pavilion and more. Free before 9pm/ £5 after, just turn up, 8pm.
RESOLUTION 2016 AT THE PLACE: As part of the UK’s biggest dance festival for emerging artists, The Place presents Crystal Zillwood, Traceworks and Sarah Louise Kristiansen in three exciting and interpretive performances exploring humanity, ownership and vulnerability. £15 (£11), prebook, 8pm.
Tune into Londonist YouTube
Catch up on the latest London news on our YouTube channel. With everything from Doctor Who locations to how to make a Quality Street Tube map, there's enough to keep you entertained for weeks!
Good cause of the day
Splash for cash as part of the Snowflake Swim at Charlton Lido. It's a chilly challenge raising money for Demelza Hospice Care For Children — a supportive service for young people with life limiting or life threatening conditions. All ages and swimming abilities are welcome and you choose the challenge, with various swimming distances available. £10 registration fee, £5 for children. Register on the website for the 31 January swim.
Find more London events in our Free & Cheap events listings. Want to see your event in these last-minute listings? Email us at hello@londonist.com 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.
