Things to do
BURNS NIGHT: Burns Night isn't until Friday, but events marking the occasion begin today — take a look at our guide to London's best Burns Night events.
FREE BOOKS: To celebrate the 90th anniversary of Agatha Christie's novel The Seven Dials Mystery, 90 books are hidden around the area today — if you find one, it's yours to keep. Follow @7dialslondon for clues about where they're hidden. Seven Dials (Covent Garden), free, all day
BAME SEAFARERS: Hear stories of black and ethnic minority seafarers in the first world war, pieced together with documents from the National Archives. Sailors from Africa, the Caribbean and Britain’s black communities and Indian ‘lascar’ sailors all played little-known parts in the war effort. National Archives (Kew), free, book ahead, 1pm-2pm
UNSUNG WOMEN: Senate House's Annual Lecture focuses on the women who shaped Senate House Library, including the intimidating Muriel Quinn and the generous Edith, Lady Durning-Lawrence. It's preceded by a short AGM. Senate House (Bloomsbury), free, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
ROMAN LEGIONARIES: How did Rome conquer so much of Europe? Through it's mighty legions. Simon Elliott launches his new book, Roman Legionaries, with a talk about the lives of Roman legionary soldiers, including their thorough training and impressive equipment and uniforms. Guildhall Library, £7, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
TURBANS AND TALES: Another martial book launch — this time, photography duo Amit and Naroop launch Turbans and Tales, which looks at Indian soldiers wearing the turban, how the British Army led the way in including the turban in military uniforms, and what you can tell about a turban's wearer from its colour and style. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 6pm-8.30pm
WILD SWIMMING: Travel writer Joe Minihane talks about how wild swimming eases his anxiety, and how the outdoors as a whole can improve our mental health. Expect readings from his book, Floating, and a screening of his short film, Waterlog, followed by a discussion. The Hoxton (Holborn), £7, book ahead,6.30pm-9.30pm
RACHEL WHITEREAD: Sculptor Rachel Whiteread — whose recent work included this exhibition of casts at Tate Britain — talks about her work and career with Whitechapel Gallery Director Iwona Blazwick, including her use of everyday objects and materials such as rubber, dental plaster, and resin in her artworks. Whitechapel Gallery, £9.50/£7.50, book ahead, 7pm
WOMB OF ONE'S OWN: Theatre show A Womb Of One's Own is a dark comedy telling the story of Catholic-raised Babygirl who discovers sex at the age of 18... and soon afterwards discovers that she's pregnant. Four performers play Babygirl, each bringing different aspects of her personality to life. The Space (Millwall), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm
THE SMYTHS: The Smiths tribute band The Smyths take to the stage, playing some of the band's best-known hist and recreating live performances from the years 1982-1987. The Half Moon (Putney), £14/£16, book ahead, 8pm
TONGUE FU: Poet and singer Zena Edwards, writer/performer Ross Sutherland and poet/playwright Caroline Bird are all on the line-up at tonight's Tongue Fu, a regular performance night showcasing talented poets, spoken word artists, musicians, comedians and rappers. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £9, book ahead, 8pm
WALL TO WALL BOWIE: Tonight's the first of three consecutive nights celebrating the life and music of David Bowie at this south London jazz club. Musicians including vocalists David McAlmont and Sam Obernik put their own twists on the Starman's legendary tunes. Hideaway (Streatham), £15, book ahead, 8.30pm
VAULT FEST: Vault Festival gets into the swing of things with a late night character comedy show about fictional failed 80s diva and noted pub singer Yasmine Day, who attempts to resurrect her career with a huge concert of power ballads. Waterloo Vaults, £10, book ahead, 10.50pm
Good cause of the day
Take along up to 10 items of good quality clothing along to this clothes swap, and receive tokens for them which you can exchange for items donated by other people. Entry is free but there's an optional donation of £2 which goes towards local community initiatives — so you're doing good for the environment and local charities. Full details here.
What we're reading
- There are plans for a major upgrade at Leyton tube station.
- A personal history of the C2 bus route.
- There's going to be a London Dog Week.
- Two London venues have been added to the Theatre Trust's 'at risk' register.
- The National Portrait Gallery's entrance will point towards Soho after a major revamp.
