Free And Cheap London Events This Week: 17-23 April 2017

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 83 months ago

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Free And Cheap London Events This Week: 17-23 April 2017

Things to do for £5 or less in London this week.

All week

It's your last chance to see the Making Jamaica exhibition.

MAKING JAMAICA: The 1890s was a decade of transformation in Jamaica. See 70 photos and slides dating from the time, showing the island as Caribbean paradise, rather than as the place it was pre-emancipation. Rivington Place (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, until 22 April

FIELDS OF BATTLE: This photo exhibition portrays the first world war battlefields 100 years on, juxtaposing the death and horror of war with the peace and tranquility of the fields today. Guildhall Yard, free, just turn up, until 23 April

ACCESS ALL AREAS: Nirvana, Slash, Metallica, Slipknot and Muse are just some of the rock legends photographer Paul Harries has captured throughout his career. See more in this rocking exhibition. Proud Camden, free, just turn up, until 23 April

LEA RIVER PARK: The banks of the River Lea used to be little more than an industrial wasteland, but a recent project has regenerated the area, creating the Lea River Park. This exhibition gives further details about plans for the area. New London Architecture (Bloomsbury), free, just turn up, until 27 April

THE BEST IN PHOTOGRAPHY: We always look forward to the Deutsche Borse Photography Prize as the benchmark of photography as art. The finalists' styles change dramatically every year, and this annual exhibition has included many impressive winners in the past. The Photographers' Gallery, £4 (free before noon), just turn up, until 11 June

Easter Monday 17 April

Take part in the Big Sing at Southbank Centre.

BIG SING: Head to Southbank Centre to follow a trail of pop-up performances from youth choirs around the world, culminating in a Big Sing in the Clore Ballroom. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 10.30am-noon

A WORLD OF STORIES: Wind down the Easter holidays with a storytelling session at Horniman Museum. Hear tales of faraway places, inspired by the museum's exhibitions. Age 5+. Free, just turn up, various timeslots

RICH MIX: Learn how to sow seeds at this hands-on workshop in Rich Mix's own back garden. Age 9+. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, 11am. Also at the venue today is a gospel choir masterclass — you'll be clapping, singing and dancing along in no time. Free, book ahead, 6pm

Tuesday 18 April

Lunch Market at Canary Wharf, you say? We're so there.

LUNCH MARKET: If you're in the Canary Wharf vicinity when the lunchtime stomach rumbles set in, get yourself to this lunch market where you can tuck into anything from spicy patties to noodle salads to ceviche — and there's plenty on offer for dessert too. Montgomery Square, free entry (lunch is on you though), just turn up, 11am-3pm

LOLITICS PODCAST: Comedian and friend of Londonist Chris Coltrane runs monthly lefty political comedy club and podcast recording Lolitics. Guests this month include Liz Miele, Joe Wells and Stuart Laws. Upstairs at The Black Heart (Camden), £5, just turn up, 7.30pm

GREENWICH ILLUMINATED: To mark World Heritage Day, famous Greenwich landmarks including the Cutty Sark, the Queen's House and the National Maritime Museum will be illuminated in colour for one night only. The buildings themselves will be closed, but it's a chance to admire them from the outside. Maritime Greenwich, free, just turn up, 8.30pm-10pm

Wednesday 19 April

ENFIELD HISTORY: Hear a slice of Enfield history at Forty Hall. This talk gives an insight into the women who have helped to run the hall in the past — and whose stories are often overshadowed by those of the male owners. Forty Hall, £5, book ahead, 7pm

JAWDANCE: Poets, musicians and spoken words artists are given free rein at this spoken word night — plus there's a chance for members of the audience to sign up for a slot too. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, 7.30pm

Thursday 20 April

SOCIAL DANCE: Learn to shimmy, Charleston and Foxtrot at this social dance, open to dancers of all abilities (no partner necessary). It's a celebration of all things 1920s. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 2pm

DANCEHALL NIGHT: Moving swiftly on to dancing of a different kind, Bashment and Dancehall night Brukout! rocks up at Boxpark for a night of live DJs and complimentary whiskey cocktails. Boxpark Shoreditch, free, book ahead, 6pm-9pm

Friday 21 April

A total of 103 rounds will be set off to mark the Queen's birthday across London. Earplugs are advisable.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Head to the recently reopened National Army Museum for a talk about how love and attraction were used in propaganda to mobilise the nation during both world wars. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 11.30am

FREE MUSIC: The Royal Albert Hall's Verdi Italian Kitchen hosts the Rob Terry Trio for a free performance of jazz and classical music. Royal Albert Hall, free, just turn up, 11.30am. Elsewhere, jazz band The Jonathan Vinten Trio put on a free concert at Southbank Centre. Free, just turn up, 1pm

GUN SALUTES: If you're in the vicinity of Hyde Park around midday, brace yourself for a 41-round gun salute. It's all in honour of the Queen's birthday. Don't say we didn't warn you. Hyde Park, free, just turn up, noon. If that's not enough bangs for you, there should be an even larger 62-round salute at the Tower of London at 1pm. Never let it be said that one does not know how to party.

CROWN MAKING: In celebration of One's birthday (did you not hear the guns earlier?!?) get yourself to Drink, Shop & Do to fashion a crown and strut your stuff. Kudos to whoever does the Photoshopping over at DSD for this gem. And these ones. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), free when you buy a drink, just turn up, from 7pm

Saturday 22 April

The Feast of St George comes to Trafalgar Square.

BIG DIG LONDON: The Big Dig is a nationwide event which encourages the public to help get local gardens ready for the growing season. Find out what's happening near you. Various times and locations.

VINTAGE CAR BOOT: Once again, VW Camper Vans, classic minis and the like roll into Granary Square for the Classic Car Boot Sale, where vintage clothes, retro homewares, vinyl records, collectibles and more are sold out of the vehicles. Granary Square (King's Cross), £4, book ahead/just turn up, 22-23 April, 10am-6pm

ELIZABETHAN ISLINGTON: Acquaint yourself with the Islington of 1853 on this Elizabethan Islington walk, which ties in with this year's Cityread events. Hear stories of archery contests, Huguenot migrants and more. Finsbury Library, free, book ahead, 11am-noon

FEAST OF ST GEORGE: Celebrate the patron saint of England at London's Feast of St George. A feast of traditional English food will be set up in the Square, along with live music performances, kids' activities and more. Trafalgar Square, free entry (charge for some events), just turn up, noon-6pm

EXPLORE ZOOLOGY: The Grant Museum of Zoology is letting kids get hands-on with some of its specimens. Amaze them with how heavy an elephant tusk is or how sharp a shark's tooth is. Grant Museum (UCL), free, just turn up, 1pm-4pm

STARLIGHT STORYTELLING: Join professional storyteller Vanessa Woolf for an evening of live music and storytelling about Richmond’s very own highwayman Jack Judd and his beautiful dog, Lucifer. Adults only.  Secret Richmond location, £3, book ahead, 8pm

The Classic Car Boot Sale is at King's Cross all weekend. Photo: Londonist

Sunday 23 April

LONDON MARATHON: It's Marathon day! Why not head to somewhere along the route to cheer on those hardy runners (and see how many ridiculous costumes you can spot)? We'd recommend avoiding Greenwich and Tower Bridge, as these areas are busiest with spectators. Even if you're not watching the race, be aware that road closures will be in place all over London — more information here. And if you're running — we take our hats off to you. Mass race starts at 10am

FLEA MARKET: Get your hands on some vintage bargains at The Big London Flea, an indoor flea market with 50 traders, a food hall, a sound system and more. Epic Dalston, free, just turn up, 11am-6pm

ST GEORGE: St George is being celebrated in Borough Market today — a rare treat, as the market is normally closed on a Sunday. He's the patron saint of Catalonia as well as England, so both cultures are being celebrated through food, music, storytelling and theatre. Borough Market, free entry, just turn up, 12pm-4pm

EXHIBITION TOUR: Take a free 30-minute tour of the National Army Museum's War Paint exhibition, including a discussion about the purpose of painting during war. National Army Museum (Chelsea),  free, book ahead, 2.30pm

Last Updated 12 April 2017