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Listings
BLOOD: Today’s opportunities to donate blood are at Hilton Hotel at the Tower of London, Lewisham shopping area, Sir James Hawkey Hall in Woodford Green and the usual donor centres. See site for terms and conditions.
KNITTED GARDEN: It's your last chance to see the Blooming Marvellous exhibition at artsdepot in North Finchley. The life-sized garden is made entirely from wool — garden shed, tools, ducks, a picnic — the lot. Free, just turn up, until 4 September
FILM FESTIVAL: The Smalls Film Festival consists of a series of talks, masterclasses, workshops, screenings and parties aiming to engage, encourage and inspire people to create exciting new short films. See website for programme. £7 per event, prebook, until 5 September
LITERATURE FESTIVAL: Battersea Literature Festival begins today with a host of events based around the Battersea and Clapham Junction areas. Various prices, prebooking recommended, until 15 September
RIVER THAMES: Everyone is invited to take part in The Big Thames Tidy at Gabriel's Wharf. Help to clean the capital's much-loved river: full equipment, supervision and support is provided — see more information on the website. Free, just turn up, 10.30am-1pm
NATIONAL THEATRE: Ancient and Modern historian Bettany Hughes and theatre scholar Oliver Taplin discuss the role of women in religion and their depiction as dangerous and tragic figures. The talk takes place at the National Theatre and is connected to the current production of Medea. £4/£3, prebook, 6pm
LONDON MEMOIR: Daunt Books in Holland Park hosts the launch party of PP Wong’s first novel, The Life of a Banana. The novel is inspired by the author's experiences growing up in London. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm
FOREIGN LANGUAGE: Interested in learning a new language? Lingua Diversa Group offers an introductory lesson to Brazilian Portuguese at its offices in Holborn. £5, prebook by email, 6.30-7.30pm
ARTISTIC MAYHEM: Take part in a life drawing class with a difference at Southbank Centre. Dr Sketchy's art classes have become renowned in New York and other cities around the world. The models are burlesque performers and circus acts, creating a Moulin Rouge-esque atmosphere. In between each round of sketching, there's a chance to grab a drink and watch some cabaret. £15.50, prebook, 7.30pm
COMEDY: Hello Comedy Club is on stage at the Catford Constitutional Club, entry is free. Just turn up, 8pm
Find more London events in our Free & Cheap events listings. Want to see your event in these last-minute listings? Email us at [email protected] at least 48 hours before the event, and we will consider it for inclusion. Note: due to high volumes of email, we can’t always reply.
Good Cause of the Day
Tonight, Koko in Camden hosts The Isle of Wight Festival Reunion Gig in aid of Variety, the children's charity which helps ill, disabled and disadvantaged children across the UK. Artists who performed at the festival will be taking to the stage, including The Struts, James Walsh, The Carnabys, Little Eye, The Soho Hobo, King Eider and Skinny Living. Tickets are a bargaintastic £10, and can be bought here.
From the Archive
One to get your thought trail flowing on a Monday morning: what's the longest journey you can think of around London that makes use of covered walkways? See the article for the full list of rules.