What we're reading:
- Health warnings after toxic caterpillar outbreak in London.
- 27 vintage pictures of London in the summer.
- Why London is the global capital of machine learning.
- US ambassador insists 'thick-skinned' Donald Trump will 'definitely' visit London.
- Nearly 100 London councillors have links to the property industry.
Things to do:
YELLOW ALERT: For today only, one of the capital's iconic red telephone boxes is turning yellow. Step inside and pick up the receiver to hear real-life rescue stories from Royal National Lifeboat Institution heroes. London Bridge City, free, just turn up, 7am-7pm
MAY DAY OPEN DAY: What better time to celebrate working class history than International Workers' Day? You can do exactly that at Marx Memorial Library's annual open day, which is running free tours all day. You can also buy second hand books, graze on tasty treats, or learn the inspiring story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs as told in print. Marx Memorial Library (Clerkenwell), free, just turn up, 10am-3pm
LABOUR OF FREEDOM: Lita Cerqeuira's new photography exhibition commemorates 130 years since the abolition of slavery in Brazil by putting the spotlight on Afro-Brazilian women living and working in a country where racism is still a social and economic issue. Senate House (Bloomsbury), free, just turn up, until 20 May
SPECTRUM ART PRIZE: Eye up work created by artists on the autism spectrum at an exhibition of Spectrum Art Prize finalists. The showcase includes painting, drawing, sculpture, film, and spoken word selected by a panel of artists and autism specialists. Saatchi Gallery (Chelsea), free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 2 May
MEDIEVAL OUTLAWS: Why did the tales of Robin Hood resonate so strongly with medieval English society? Despite rulers discouraging resistance to authority in the strongest possible terms (look no further than their torture devices), such rebels were often heralded as heroes. Get inside the medieval mind and its reverence of outlaws at this free lecture. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
SAY CHEESE: Like cheese? Like beer? If so, this event couldn't be cheddar. International cheese judge and cheddar expert Tom Chatfield will take you on a sensory journey through the whole range of cheddar making methods. You learn how to taste cheddar the academy way and become closely acquainted with dynamic beer and cheese pairings. Borough Market Boardroom (Southwark Street), £45, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
TAVERN TAKEOVER: Enjoy quality beer without the hangover, as award-winning low alcohol brewer Big Drop takes over the Commercial Tavern's taps. Your ticket includes a whole sourdough pizza. Commercial Tavern (Shoreditch), £15, book ahead, 6.30pm-9.30pm
BLACK LEGEND: Author María Elvira Roca Barea uncovers the root of several stereotypes of Spanish history in this evening chat. She'll be looking at the relationship between concepts of empire and black legend, a term used to describe the demonisation of Spain in historical writing. Instituto Cervantes London (Devereaux Court), £5, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
THE FIX: Treat your ears to the best bands breaking onto the scene at The Social's monthly new music night. This time you'll hear the hotly-tipped Shama, whose sound is a bit Bjork meets MIA meets The Cardigans. She's joined by alt-pop act Pizzagirl, Italian songstress Violetta Zioni and dynamic duo Upstairs Open. The Social (Little Portland Street), free, just turn up, 7pm-12am
FREE FILM FESTIVAL: You can watch some of the year's most critically acclaimed films without paying a penny all month at the Herne Hill Free Film Festival. The fun kicks off tonight with a screening of the gorgeous and groundbreaking painted animation Loving Vincent, which explores the mysterious death of Dutch master Vincent van Gogh. The film's producer will be in attendance to take your questions. The Lido Cafe (Herne Hill), free, just turn up, 8pm, festival runs until 1 June
Good cause of the day
Throughout the whole month of May, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution is going all yellow in attempt to raise £750,000 to fund the vital kit that keeps their volunteer lifeboat crews safe. From organising a yellow-themed dress down day to whipping up lemon tarts for a bake sale, there are loads of ways you can get involved — start by downloading a fundraising pack today.
