Things To Do In London Today: Tuesday 3 May 2016

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Get your early morning jog on in Islington and you might catch this sky. Image: Cormac70

Must-read stuff:

We know they're congested, but just how long are London's longest roads? And where do they lead to?

Did you know the world's worst rollercoaster accident happened right here in London?

If you went overboard on the long weekend, take a look at our sugar-free guide to London. Even Willy Wonka wouldn't miss it in these places.

Things to do today:  

FREE FITNESS: Take a free fitness class at Sweaty Betty's Islington store. Join the one hour Run Club with a certified instructor and enjoy your morning workout without paying a penny. Free, prebook, 7am

POETRY PERISCOPE: A new sound installation pops up in the British Library Piazza for the next four weeks, officially launched today. The Poetry Periscope contains a curated poem from 30 countries, in both English and their original language. Free, just turn up, 9.30am

SEAFARING: Is the sea in your blood? Find out with Tracing Your Seafaring Ancestors — a new book by Simon Wills. He's launching it today at Guildhall Library. He's discuss the country's fascinating maritime heritage, and how you could be a part of it. Free, prebook, 2pm

OLD VIC VOICES: Tonight the Old Vic gets talking about caretaking in the community. Are we failing those suffering with mental ill health? And what should we do to help them? Join the discussion with an expert panel, including Luciana Berger MP and Paul Farmer, CEO of Mind. £6, prebook, 5.45pm

SARA PASCOE: TV favourite and all round hilarity queen, Sara Pascoe launches her new book at Foyles Charing Cross Road. Join her for a comic chinwag about all things animal — it promises to be entertaining and informative. £16 (including book), prebook, 6pm

CHRISTIE'S LATES: This Tuesday, grab a taste of South China at Christie's Lates. Learn Mandarin, sample Chinese tea and listen to live music. You can even take part in a printmaking workshop at the South Kensington location. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm

Things are coming up rosy at St James Studio.

THINK PINK: Celebrate swing at St James Studio. The vibrant Pink Champagne Sisters bring their fizz to a repetoire of classic swing numbers — think The Andrews Sisters, Gershwin and Cole Porter. £15, prebook, 8pm

COMEDY: Shappi Khorsandi takes the audience down her personal Yellow Brick Road tonight in her new show, Because I'm Shappi, at JW3. Be prepared to meet her friends, family and oh, anyone who's helped her in her hilarious journey. £12, prebook, 8pm


Good cause of the day

In aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital, Channel 4's Comedy Gala 2016 bursts into the O2 this week. A stageful of funny people, including Michael McIntyre, Russell Kane, Aisling Bea, Alan Carr, Warwick Davies and loads more, get your giggles going — to raise money for a new operating theatre at the hospital. Tickets start from £40, 7.30pm, 6 May