Things To Do In London: Monday 11 January 2016

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Get carried away with curries. Image: Funzing

Start the day with these reads:

It's getting a bit chilly and we love talking about the weather in Britain. Here are London's Groundbreaking Moments in the History of the Weather.

Hard to imagine how we could live without them now, here's How London Created The British Supermarket

Hidden platforms, little-known shortcuts and a memorial to a deceased station cat, watch our video on the Secrets of the Circle Line.

News time:

Read about all the important things that have just happened in London.

Things to do today:

Awe-inspiring blue whale chat at the Natural History Museum

FAITH AFTER THE PHARAOH'S: The British Museum presents Faith After The Pharaohs- Egypt's incredible journey over 12 centuries in this detailed exhibition. Chart the transformation of this ancient land- from a world of many gods, to the worship of just one God. See everyday objects documenting this change, early papyrus fragments showing some of the earliest Jewish scriptures and lost Christian gospels. This dig into the past reveals a fascinating journey from Roman to Islamic Egypt. £10 (free for under 16s), prebook, 10am

BECOME A CURRY MAKING GOD(DESS): Find out the secrets of making delicious curries at the Funzing Become a Curry Making God(dess) workshop. Don't worry if you can't tell your biryani from your butter chicken, you'll learn to make a complete Indian meal from starters to main courses, desserts under the guidance of Food Artist, Swati. All ingredients are included and both meat and veggie options are available. You'll even get written notes, recipes and food to take home- that's dinner sorted. £30, prebook, 4pm.

GOLD MEDAL SHOWCASE: Trinity Laban holds the Gold Medal Showcase- a chance to see its six most promising artists in action at the Kings Place location. Give your ears a treat with the most talented wind, percussion, voice and strings musicians. Expect a mix of jazz, classical and contemporary styles at this chance to see rising stars before their careers begin. £9.50-£14.50, prebook, 7pm.

CONTEMPORARY SOUL GROOVE: Get on your dancing shoes for Conway Hall's Contemporary Soul Groove performance workshop. Led by dance artist Tania Soubry, this two hour class will help you learn new skills, release your hidden talents and get in touch with your creative side. All levels of ability can get stuck into this exciting way to exercise. £5, prebook, 7pm.

SWAP YOUR CRAP CHRISTMAS PRESENTS: Didn't like what Santa brought? If you got too many pairs of socks or dodgy jumpers from your Gran this Christmas, swap them at the Crap Christmas Present Swap Shop. Take your unwanted gifts down to Stories at Broadgate Market and switch them for something you actually like. Any donations on the night go to Centrepoint, so you're helping others too. Free, just turn up, 7pm.

STORIES GALORE: London Dreamtime present The Hidden People- storytelling and live music in the beautifully eerie surroundings of the churchyard at St Mary's, Walthamstow. Meet at the church hall in your warm clothes and bring your own candle (in a jar) to light your way to fairyland. Adults only. £2-£3, just turn up, 7.30pm.

COMEDY: Romesh Ramganathan, Anne Edmonds, Jessica Fostekew and motormouth Ross Noble all pile into the Amersham Arms in New Cross for Happy Mondays, where they’ll be trying out new material. £5/£7, 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.