Free And Cheap London Events: 1-7 August 2016

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Free And Cheap London Events: 1-7 August 2016

Skint? On a budget? Looking for cheap things to do in London? We hear you, which is why we've put together this list of things happening in London this week that cost £5 or less. You're welcome.

All week

Vlogger Zoella's contribution to the BFG Dream Jar Trail.

THE BFG: Keep kids (young and old) entertained for free by taking part in the BFG  Dream Jar Trail. Find the jars, designed by celebrities and well-known faces, dotted all over London. Free, just turn up, until 31 August

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: See stunning photos from all over the world — including China and Louisiana — on display in the Travel Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Unniversity of Greenwich. Free, just turn up, until 4 September

SUMMER FESTIVAL: Regardless of whether it's sunny or not, get yourself down to More London for the London Bridge City Summer Festival. There are film and sport screenings, fitness classes, live music, and best of all, it's all free. Just turn up, until 31 October

HARRY POTTER: If the release of the Cursed Child script has got you in the mood for all things Potter, head along to Mina Lima in Soho for this free exhibition of work by designers on the Harry Potter films. See copies of the Daily Prophet, Hogwarts textbooks and more. Free, just turn up, until February 2017

Monday 1 August

ANIMAL DRAWING: Try your hand at sketching in the normally private anatomy museum of the Royal Veterinary College. Free, book in advance, 5.45pm

ECOSOCIAL: Network with the Environmental Investigation Agency and watch a film about the illegal ivory trade at Radicals and Victuallers, Islington. Free, book in advance, 7pm

Tuesday 2 August

CHRISTIE'S LATES: Discover all things folk at Christie's monthly after-hours event. Explore costumes and artefacts from the Museum of British Folklore, listen to music by Mercury Prize-nominated Sam Lee, watch a unique interpretation of Morris dancing and hear photographer Henry Bourne in conversation with Simon Costin. Free, just turn up, 6pm

Henry Bourne discusses his new book at Christie's Lates. Jane Wildgoose, Jack-in-the-green © Copyright Henry Bourne, from the book Arcadia Britannica.

Wednesday 3 August

THAMES WILDLIFE: Hunt for aquatic wildlife in the Thames at Richmond and learn about the creatures you find from Zoological Society of London's conservationists. Wear sturdy shoes because it's going to get muddy. Free, book in advance, 10am

BEARD TRIM: See the works of illustrator Robin Mackney at Ruffians Marylebone and speak to the man himself — and get a free beard trim while you're there. Free, just turn up, 6pm

Meet REWM at Ruffians in Marylebone.

Thursday 4 August

ART GALLERY: Explore themes including gender and identity at the last late opening of the Bow Open Show, which only features artists from Bow. Takes place at Nunnery Gallery. Free, book in advance, 6pm

HAIKU ON FOOT: Walk and talk, write and recite — join the Museum of Walking at the Horniman Musuem to create haikus inspired by the 2016 Rio Olympics. Free, book in advance, 6.30pm

FREE COMEDY: Laugh your socks off at adults-only preview Edinburgh Fringe performances from Jimmy Bird, Sy Thomas and Tony Marrese at The Dogstar in Brixton. Free, just turn up, 8pm

Friday 5 August

RIO MARKET: Get into the Olympic spirit tasting Brazil-inspired flavours and listening to live music at St Katharine Docks. Free, just turn up, 11am-3pm

TATE LATE: See an exciting collection of art inspired by Rasheed Araeen's colourful sculpture Rang Baranga at an after-hours event curated by under 25's at Tate Britain. Watch live make-up demonstrations, get involved with African drumming workshops, and make your own structure inspired by Rang Baranga. Free, just turn up, 6pm

Street food at St Katharine Docks.

Saturday 6 August

EAST END STREET PARTY: Celebrate London's diversity, tasting everything from jerk chicken, to fish and chips and Turkish flatbreads, and listening to local bands and DJs. The Hackney street party aims to raise money for Well Street Market, a crowdfunded campaign to create a community market with live music. Free, just turn up, from 12pm

JERK FEST: Wray's Jerk Fest at the Bussey Building in Peckham is a nine-hour celebration of all things Jamaican. There are nine DJs, games to test your drink-making skills, a live graffiti mural, and most importantly, a jerk off featuring six top jerk restaurants. Free (£5 to taste all the jerk BBQs and vote in the competition), just turn up, from 2pm

COMEDY: Improv comedy act The Parenthicals are relying on the audience to inspire them at their show at the Rabbit Hole NW3 Theatre — on for only two days. Part of Camden Fringe Festival. £5, book in advance, 3pm (and 7 August)

Wray's Jerk Fest.

Sunday 7 August

MORNING EXERCISE: Start your day energised with a free workout at the Southbank Centre — today's the last day of the free classes. Free, just turn up, 10.30am

YOUTH MUSIC GIG: Listen to three young musicians at Smile Acoustic Youth Takeover Special in Rich Mix, Shoreditch. There's free cake too. Free, book in advance, 6pm

Last Updated 29 July 2016