Things To Do In London Today: Tuesday 12 September 2017

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Things to do today is sponsored by the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

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MENTAL HEALTH: How do you ensure your mental wellbeing? Hear real life stories and celebrate the aspects of life that keep our brain healthy at this three-day festival of talks, debates and seminars. There's a great lineup of events, including a talk from Ed Balls. Various locations, from £3, book ahead, until 14 September

DRAWING AND PAINTING: Draw and paint Holland Park — one of London's most picturesque green spaces — on this full day course. All the materials you need will be provided, just make sure you bring a sketchbook and a stool to pitch up on. Holland Park, £85, book ahead, 10.15am-5.15pm

AGAINST ARMS TRADE: This week, one of the world's largest arms fairs is setting up shop at ExCel in east London. Art at the Arms Fair is hosting an exhibition to highlight the inhumanity of the event, in aid of Campaign Against Arms Trade. SET (East London), free, just turn up, 11am-7pm, until 15 September

GINGERBREAD AND TEA: Every Londoner knows that Mayfair is synonymous with a great afternoon tea. But where did the tradition come from? On this tour, discover the surprising histories of some of the world's most famous hotels and eateries. Green Park tube, £12, book ahead, 2pm-3.45pm

GRESHAM TALKS: You've probably heard of Gresham College — you may have even learnt a thing or two from one of its free talks. But who was Sir Thomas Gresham, and why did he leave a large portion of his fortune to educating Londoners through this lecture series? Find out at this lecture and book launch at Barnard's Inn Hall (Chancery Lane). Free, just turn up, 6pm-8pm

Why is Mayfair synonymous with afternoon tea?

TASTER TUESDAYS: We love a bargain, we do. But we love a bargain even more when it involves delicious food. Sample some of Boxpark's tastiest treats on a chilled Tuesday taster evening, from the likes of Arancina and Les Deux Amies. Boxpark Croydon, food from £2.50, just turn up, 6pm-11pm

FRIEND OR FAUX: This talk focuses on the future of authentic design during today's digital age where technology allows even the most complex designs to be mass produced. The discussion includes a panel of leading voices in the field of design who will emphasise the importance of design heritage. Design Museum, £10, book ahead, 6.15pm-7.45pm

SPORTY SHORTS: 1000 Londoners have teamed up with London Sport to share their stories of being more physically active in the city. Run on down to the cinema and catch the screening of these sporty shorts, why don't you? Ritzy Cinema (Brixton), £5, book ahead, 7pm

BOROUGH TALKS: The true cost of the food we eat is discussed at this talk by a panel of agriculture and environment experts. They will discuss how industrialised food production is affecting the earth and if it is possible to produce food in more sustainable ways that are economically viable. Borough Market, £17.50, book ahead, 7pm-9pm

ART ON A UKULELE: Join the Hepatitis C Trust for an evening of music, fine art, and ukuleles painted by artists Mick Rooney, Ramiro Fernandez Suas, Cathy Pilkington, and many others. The instruments will be showcased at this concert hosted by Channel 4 News' Jon Snow. The Jazz Cafe, £35, book ahead, 7pm-11pm


See in the autumn at this free festival

On 24 September, Stratford's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park hosts Harvest Stomp, a day of music, games, food and performances. Say goodbye to summer in the best way possible, by playing classics such as splat the rat, tasting an array of jams and chutneys, and settling down for some tunes with a craft beer.

There's plenty for kids, whether they want to join in an art and craft workshop, learn some cookery skills, or show the farm animals some love. For adults, food stalls, drinks (both boozy and soft), and a cracking line up of bands, choirs and soloists will surely tickle some taste buds.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the place to be on 24 September. Entry to Harvest Stomp is completely free. Get the lowdown on this end of summer celebration here.


Art review: underwater butterflies & flags

Copyright Alexander James

Artist Alexander James photographs beautiful butterflies and the American flag made from flowers underwater. He then ripples the water so that the image produced distorts and abstracts to create stunning artworks. Alexander James: Death of the Dream with Dellasposa at Herrick Gallery, 93 Piccadilly, W1J 7NQ. Until 17 September, free. ★★★★☆ (Monday-Sunday)

Theatre review: Godot comes home

Samuel Beckett's 1953 play is back in its ancestral home, The Arts Theatre, where it saw its first London performance in 1955.  Absurdist clowning, mysterious pronouncements and a lot of waiting, it's a classic play that's not one for everyone. Irish company AC Productions give a fresh and pause perfect rendition, and their expertise and experience in performing Beckett shines through. Waiting for Godot, The Arts Theatre, 6-7 Great Newport Street, WC2 H7JB £20-43, until 23 September [Monday to Saturday] ★★★★Chris Bridges

Good cause for the day

PUB QUIZ: Everybody loves a pub quiz. This one's in aid of Walking With The Wounded, a charity that supports vulnerable veterans as they re-integrate back into society. There are great prizes up for grabs including a signed 2016/2017 Chelsea shirt, and the winning team even gets to create a set of bespoke Top Trumps cards. Hard Rock Cafe, £15, book ahead, 6.30pm-10.30pm, Thursday 14 September