Things To Do This Weekend In London: 1-2 July 2017

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Things to do this weekend is sponsored by Alexandra Palace

All weekend

Gluten Free Festival

FOOD FESTIVAL: Bask in the sunshine and sample a range of delectable treats as this walking banquet of gourmet traders descend on Ealing Common. A bandstand provides the soundtrack to the afternoon while you globe-trot between cuisines — be sure to turn up hungry. Ealing Common, £3 entry, just turn up, 1-2 July

CITY AGRICULTURE: Ditch city life for the weekend and enjoy the delights of the countryside. A fresh produce marquee, an equestrian show, fairground rides, a birds of prey display and a rare sheep show all feature in this agricultural festival right in the city. Mudchute Park and Farm, free, just turn up, 1-2 July

GLUTEN-FREE: London's original gluten-free street food celebration returns to Camden. Featuring innovative and delicious dishes, enjoy the best in gluten-free cakes, bread, desserts and worldwide foods. Jamestown Road (Camden), free, just turn up, 1-2 July

RIVERS WEEK: This week-long festival celebrating London's waterways comes to an end this weekend. The full programme is here — pick from walks, talks, river dipping and more.26 June-2 July

PRIDE: The parade isn't until next weekend, but there are plenty of Pride in London events this weekend including a cycle ride, video game day, museum tour, Victoria Park picnic and much more. 24 June-9 July


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Dance to The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club at this FREE summer festival

There's a day of music, theatre and craft beer galore at Alexandra Palace on 22 July. The free entry summer festival boasts three live music stages, delicious street food and theatre performances for all the family.

Book tickets for the outdoor cinema where Austin Powers will be screened under the stars against a backdrop of stunning views, or get ready for a show of colourful acrobatics thanks to Jackson's Lane. With children's activities, silent discos, a giant waterslide, and a headline act of The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club, this festival is not to be missed.

Check out what’s on for this day of summer celebrations.


Opera preview: The Dream Of Gerontius

The Dream Of Gerontius

Possibly his ultimate masterpiece, Edward Elgar’s The Dream Of Gerontius is about nothing less than life, death and the meaning of life. The English composer is best known for his Enigma Variations but this choral work been described as “one of the most epic works ever written” and, for two nights only, appears at the Royal Festival Hall. It comes complete with the English National Opera’s own orchestra and chorus as well as the BBC Singers. Throw in some innovative designs by award-winning lighting guru Lucy Carter and this is a rare treat which begs to be sampled. The Dream Of Gerontius, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. £15-£55. 1-2 July


Saturday 1 July

Pups Picnic

ONE-DAY CUP: Nottinghamshire and Surrey are a mere victory away from making history in the Royal Cup final at the home of cricket. Go and cheer them on for a quintessentially English day out. Lord's Cricket Ground, various prices, book ahead, 11am

BETWEEN THE WARS: Step through the 'hole in the wall' and be transported to an Islington from another era. What were the shops like? Where did the poor go for treatment? Discover a difficult, yet close knit time for this community. Angel station, £10, book ahead, 11.30am-1pm

FUN FAIR: A family fun day, with over 100 stalls and attractions lining the green in a 25-year old Fulham tradition. Everything you'd expect from a village-style fair, from craft stalls to bouncy castles and rides is here. Parsons Green, free, just turn up, 11.30am-5.30pm

STOCKWELL FESTIVAL: Back after a two-year hiatus, Stockwell Festival brings together an eclectic mix of local street food, crafts and activities. There's no better way to witness the unique creativity, energy and diversity of the local area. Larkhall Park, free, just turn up, midday-6pm

CANADA DAY: What better way to celebrate the 150th birthday of Canada than a day of true Canadian hospitality in Trafalgar Square, featuring great music, entertainment, and the obligatory Canadian barbecue, maple-flavoured goodies and poutine. Trafalgar Square, free, just turn up, midday-8pm

HENDRIX'S FOOTSTEPS: On the first in a series of tours about the rock star, begin at Jimi Hendrix's flat on Brook Street and mosey over to Mayfair and Marble Arch areas as you visit the places that meant a lot to him. Start at 23 Brook Street, £15, book ahead,12.30pm-2pm or 3.30pm-5pm

THEY DON'T SING: This Finnish choir is an odd one — they don't sing a single note. Join them on a four-hour workshop and learn their unique style, shouting, screaming and bellowing excerpts from a diverse range of texts. Royal Festival Hall, £12, book ahead, 1.30pm-5.30pm

ICANDANCE: icandance is a charity which offers dance and performance opportunities to children and young people with varying disabilities. Today, watch 14 year old Ellie, who has cerebal palsy, take to the stage with her heroes, BalletBoyz in solo section of the School of Rock inspired performance. Artsdepot (North Finchley), £13, book ahead, 2.30pm

PUPS PICNIC: Bring your own blanket, food and dog for a pawsome meet up on Hampstead Heath. This afternoon is filled with dogs, delicious food and gorgeous views, and is the perfect opportunity to get to know other dog lovers in the area. Parliament Hill, free, book ahead, 2.30pm-4.30pm

CRAFT BEER: A ticket to the Craft Beer Cares' inaugural beer festival will net you a keepsake glass and tokens to spend on the huge variety of beer on offer. The festival celebrates all the good that is being done in the craft beer industry while raising money for charities Mind and the Newman Trust. Brew Club, 38-40 Upper Clapton Road, £14.40, book ahead, 6pm-11.30pm

ART NIGHT: Some of the world's leading artists transform the City with free art, performance and music. Taking place in locations such as the Bascule Chamber at Tower Bridge and the Masonic Temple at Andaz Liverpool Street, it's a great chance to explore London's history, culture and architecture. Various locations around the City of London, free, just turn up,6pm-6am

LA LA LAND: London has had pretty good weather recently, but it's still not quite LA, is it? Experience the glitz and glamour of the jazz soaked City of Angels with a screening of Damien Chazelle's award-winning film La La Land. St John the Evangelist Church (South Norwood), £20, book ahead, 7pm-11.30pm

Sunday 2 July

Eid Festival

SUMMER STREETS: Every Londoner's wish comes true, as Regent Street becomes pedestrianised for a day, in a bid to encourage visitors to relax, unwind and enjoy the fantastic range of entertainment along the street. This year's theme of culture, style, wellness and food and drink promises a bold day out. Regent Street, free, just turn up, all day

HAMPSTEAD BEACH: JW3 Jewish Centre in North Finchley is getting a beach for the summer. Golden sand, tasty food and cocktails set the mood for long evenings of sun, fun and holiday vibes. JW3, free entry, just turn up, 9am-10.30pm

CITY SOUND: This two mile guided walk explores the City of London through the medium of sound. From church bells to road crossings, this sonic tour will introduce you to sounds of the past, present and future, and show you how London's soundscape is changing through time. St Paul's tube, £18, book ahead,11am-1.15pm

CROYDON AIRPORT: Before Heathrow there was... Croydon. Get up close to the world's first air traffic control tower at this historic airport's monthly open day. The exhibitions and displays take you on the journey of London's previous international airport, right up until closure in 1959. Croydon Airport, free, just turn up, 11am-4pm

MODERNIST HAMPSTEAD: Discover the best of the revolutionary Modernist architecture in Hampstead on the guided walk, from the 1930s Sun House by Maxwell Fry and the the iconic Isokon flats in Belsize Park. Mainly echoing European design trends, eighteenth-century design was also a strong influence for architects of these buildings. Hampstead Station, £9-£12, book ahead, 11.30am-1.30pm

EID FESTIVAL: As Ramadan draws to a close, everyone is invited to come together in Trafalgar Square for entertainment and attractions for the whole family to enjoy. With a global food festival, live music, arts and crafts and calligraphy, there is no better way to celebrate Eid. Trafalgar Square, free, just turn up, 12pm-6pm

LET ME TAKE A SELFIE:Unprecedented social pressure to look slim, prosperous, happy, extroverted and popular has led to an increase in depression and suicide. This talk charts the ride of narcissism and the selfie generation, taking us back to its origins on the shores of Ancient Greece. Conway Hall, £3, book ahead,2pm-3.30pm

WOODY ALLEN: Spend a heady night listening to New Orleans style jazz in the splendour of the Royal Albert Hall in a one-off concert headed by none other than American director Woody Allen. Allen once famously missed accepting a 'Best Picture' Academy Award as he was performing a concert on the same evening. Royal Albert Hall, various prices, book ahead, 4.15pm

DRUNKEN PERFORMANCE: You've heard of Sh*t-Faced Shakespeare, but how about its sibling, Sh*t-Faced Showtime? Enjoy a performance of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with one actor selected at random to drink themselves silly before the performance. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, and a whole lot of laughs. Leicester Square Theatre, £15, book ahead, 8pm

The weather is looking great too, so why not take a look at our pub database and find a nice beer garden to kick back in?