Celebrating the launch of the Mazda Thrillseekers campaign.
What are you up to this weekend? Try our judicious picks for 48 hours of London weekend leisure time
Friday: Being the last Friday of the month you can stay Late at the V&A until 10pm. Late Escape puts the spotlight on 1:1 - Architects Build Small Spaces and the London Festival of Architecture. Explore the Museum's architectural quirks and hidden bits with a curator, enjoy a personal disco and boys - for one night only you can enter the fabulous ladies loo.
Over in Chalk Farm the London Gay Men's Chorus raise the roof on the first night of The Seven Deadly Sins at the Roundhouse. They'll veer from Lily Allen to Verdi, Jaques Brel to the Pet Shop Boys. Tickets from £10. Be there for 8pm.
Saturday: Been a busy week? Step back, draw breath and slow down with Slow Down London Day at Foyles, Charing Cross Road. Be mindful, meditate, take time over lunch and write a letter. Get your ticket from the Foyles website £12/10.
Never mind if you didn't get tickets for the Men's and Ladies' Singles 3rd Round at Wimbledon? Pack a picnic blanket and some sarnies and head for the Wellcome Collection Midsummer Picnic in Cumberland Market, NW1. There'll be kid and adult friendly activities and performances inspired by Henry Wellcome and his collection and it's free, midday till 4pm.
Even though it's Big Dance Open House at Sadlers Wells this weekend it's opera that starring in the main house. The Classical Opera Company present Mozart's Zaide with a period orchestra and their hot, young cast. Less intimidating than the Opera House and boasting a proper boozer within interval drinking distance, this could be an ideal operatic adventure for the previously uninitiated. Tickets are still available from just £8.
Sunday: Hop on the DLR to the Royal Albert Docks to watch the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat race on the Thames from 10am. Lion dancing and Kung-Fu will keep you landlubbers entertained.
Let's face it, today is mostly about England v Germany in the World Cup today. Don't fancy the pub? Head for Walthamstow Town Square for a communal al fresco big screening of the 3pm kick off. Stay out of the sun at one of the Odeon's putting on free screenings or pay to go to an swanky Everyman Cinema for a plush seat, air con, bar & snacks kinda experience.
Avoiding the football? Take in a free eccentric tea on the turf outside the National Theatre with Los Fandangos and The Tea Corner at 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm (part of the Watch This Space Festival). Or head to Riverside Studios, Hammersmith for the 3rd Hungarian Film Showcase. Honouring Hungarian born John Halas, Britain’s pioneer filmmaker is a showing of Animal Farm at 2pm.
If hot and hectic town is to be avoided at all costs this weekend then, get away from it all and chill at the London Wetland Centre, Barnes. Let watery wildlife and birdsong soothe your soul ready for Monday.
Check out our regular literary, music, arts and cheap recommendations of things to do and browse our latest food and drink content for gastronomic inspiration.
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