Things To Do This Week In London: 19-25 June 2017

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Hampton Court Palace Festival

PALACE FESTIVAL: Soak up the atmosphere of this impressive Tudor palace as performers take to the stage in Hampton Court's beautiful open-air courtyard. Highlights include Will Young, Van Morrison, James Morrison and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Hampton Court, various prices, book ahead, 7-24 June

SWEET SCENTS: Embark on an olfactory journey, smelling smells from the self-taught to the classically trained. Some visceral, some surprising, and others simply unsavoury all feature in this celebration of the perfumery craft, perfect for so-called 'fumeheads'. Somerset House East Wing Galleries, £11, book ahead, until 17 September

UNDERBELLY FESTIVAL: The best in live circus, comedy, cabaret and family entertainment comes to the heart of the South Bank — and what better place to soak up the festival atmosphere than on the banks of the Thames. Have a tipple in one of London's largest outdoor bars before you kick back and watch some of the amazing performances. South Bank, various prices, book ahead, until 30 September

Monday 19 June

Art at the Bridge

ART AT THE BRIDGE: Constant change dictates our world. 13 talented local artists working across a range of media showcase their works, all around the theme of construction, destruction and reconstruction. Tower Bridge Exhibition Engine Rooms, £10, book ahead, 10am-5.30pm

ROUND TABLE: London is a major international tech centre — but how can councils, public services and tech institutions work together to deliver digital transformation? Promoting innovation and better services remains a major challenge and opportunity. City Hall Council Chamber, free, book ahead, 3pm-6pm

GEO-POLITICS: This panel discussion will cover the intricate relationship between water and global geo-politics — from blockades which have prevented the entry of food and water to cities, to territorial access issues. A great intro for non-specialists on the impact of water issues on policy and conflict zones. St Paul's Cathedral Crypt, free (donations welcome), just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm

SOUL CLASSICS: Classically trained pianist and vocalist Kate T performs everything from classical to soul, jazz and R&B to pop. Her sweet vocal style and stripped back sound lends itself to her breezy set list including hits such as Isn't She Lovely and Thinking Out Loud. 100 Wardour Street, free, just turn up, 8pm-10pm

Tuesday 20 June

Learn how London's tunnels are constructed

SOUTH LONDON: Uncover the histories of three areas of south London: Battersea, Herne Hill and Brighton Road. The exhibition contrasts historical images, documents, watercolour landscapes, mapping and sound recordings to bring each location to life. Morley Gallery, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm

MODERNISM: Drawing on natural beauty and abundant light, mid-century modernism was born when Californian architects saw buildings as a frame to provide a seamless connection with the landscape. Scholars and practitioners join to discuss this unique style of architecture. Royal Institute of British Architects, £9, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm

DIGGING DEEP: Go deep underground (metaphorically) to learn how London's tunnels are constructed, and what new and innovative techniques are used — as well as unique and untold stories behind the city's underground labyrinth. Including talks from people behind the Thames Tideway Tunnel and Crossrail. Museum of London Docklands, £10, book ahead, 6.30-9pm

Wednesday 21 June

TALKING BREXIT: A year ago, did we make the right decision to leave the European Union? What have been the consequences of our decision? Vernon Bogdanor, visiting Professor of Political History, discusses the implications of the referendum result for our future relationship with Europe. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm

QUIZ NIGHT: Londonist's very own Matt Brown — probably the most London-obsessed person in the world — hosts a quiz evening designed to test your insider knowledge of the capital. Tickets include a portion of fish and chips to keep your brain ticking. St John's Waterloo, £10 including fish and chips, book ahead, 7pm

LAUGH TRAIN HOME: Ditch the commute and stay for some laugh out loud comedy at London's hottest new standup comedy night, featuring established comics, TV names and rising stars. This week is headlined by Lou Sanders of Russell Howard's Good News fame. The Four Thieves (Battersea), £7/£8, book ahead, 8pm-10.30pm

Thursday 22 June

Covent Garden Rent Ceremony

RENT CEREMONY: Another one of those weird London traditions, although this one only dates from 1994. The Chairman and Trustees of Covent Garden march around the plaza to pay the 'peppercorn rents' of five red apples and five posies of flowers, reflecting the areas history as a market. Starts at 13 New Row, free, just turn up, 4.30pm

ART ON THE TUBE: You know all those lovely 'Art on the Underground' posters you see on your commute? The former marketing director Dr Henry Fitzhugh, responsible for introducing the scheme, is giving a talk on the Underground's long history of responsibility towards such art and heritage. Accompanied by an auction of a unique collection of tube prints. Antikbar (King's Road), £5, book ahead, 6.30pm

Friday 23 June

See in the weekend at Zoo Nights. (c) ZSL London Zoo

BEHIND THE ARCHIVES: This gatekeeper of history throws open its doors and offers you the chance to go behind the scenes, discovering how records are maintained for future generations and exploring some of the hidden gems in the collection. The National Archives (Kew), £10, book ahead, 11am-12.30pm

ZOO NIGHTS: As the sun goes down, the curtain goes up on the zoo as you've never seen it before. Neon effects create a backdrop for an after-hours adventure in the wildest part of the city. Fun talks with certificate-18 themes feature alongside the very best in street food. ZSL London Zoo, £17.50, book ahead, 6pm-10pm

SIXTY MINUTES: Tables turn on veteran political commentator Andrew Marr, as this time he's the one being asked the tough questions. With a string of high profile roles at the BBC, The Economist and The Independent, he's certainly one to learn from. China Exchange, £10, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm

MR SPEAKER: The Speaker of the Commons, John Bercow, joins political commentator Steve Richards for a conversation about his political career. Why did he choose to be a Speaker rather than pursue a party political career? How much further does the Commons need to modernise? There will also be a chance to put your own questions to Bercow. Kings Place, £14.50-£29.50, book ahead, 7pm

TASTING SESSION: If you like wine but can't tell your Pinot Noir from your Pinot Grigio, this and informal wine and cheese evening is the one for you. Kicking off with a session on 'How to taste wine like a professional', you'll then learn how to match your tipple with the right cheeses. Leadenhall Market, £45, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm

Saturday 24 June

Preserving history

TAI CHI: Bring peace and balance into your life with this free tai chi class in Regent's Park. Based on the smooth flow of energy around the body, its gentle nature means that people of all ages and abilities can join in. Regent's Park, free, just turn up,10am-midday

KENSINGTON GARDENS: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and learn about the rich variety of tree life and historical significance of one of London's most scenic green spaces. Italian Garden (Kensington Gardens), £5, book ahead, 10.30am-midday

POLITICAL CARTOONING: Renowned political cartoonist Steve Bell reveals the deep, dark secrets of lampooning prominent figures in his vividly illustrated sketches. With a career spanning four decades, he certainly knows how to tear holes in the political establishment. Kings Place (King's Cross), £15, book ahead, midday

RETROFIT ARCHITECTURE: You're used to skyscrapers springing up, but did you know that most development in the City is actually retrofit? This involves taking a historic or post-war building and re-cladding or renovating it to bring it up to 21st century standards. See the best examples on this walking tour. The City Centre (City of London), £18, book ahead, 2pm-4pm

PRESERVING HISTORY: Discover one of the most severely bombed areas of the city from the second world war — from the buildings they tried to rescue, to the ones that have been lovingly restored, and even those that remain as damaged monuments. Moorgate Station, £12, book ahead, 2.30pm-4.30pm

Sunday 25 June

Tour The Holme, a secret garden in Regent's Park

SHOP WITH SOUL: The long running Beckenham Market presents over 50 independent traders, serving up sizzling street food, complete with food emporium selling artisan and local produce, as well as workshops, craft, music and more. Venue 28, Beckenham, £2, 10am-4pm

KEATS HOUSE: Hear the stories of John Keats and his good friend Charles Brown on this tour of the basement and first floor areas of their former home, and discover how it was transformed into the building we know and love today. Keats House, free with admission, just turn up, 11.30am-12.15pm

THE HOLME: Take a rare peek in this four acre garden filled with interesting and unusual plants in the heart of Regent's Park. Extensive rock gardens complete with waterfall, stream and pool complement the formal flower garden. The Holme (Regent's Park), £5, just turn up, 2.30pm-5.30pm

MUSEUM OF COMEDY: A rip-roaring rollercoaster of improvised comedy, as this improv comedy group create an epic series of fast-paced games, scenes and songs on the fly using audience suggestions. A once in a lifetime performance, literally. The Museum of Comedy, £8, book ahead, 7pm-8pm