Free And Cheap London Events: 22-28 August 2016

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Free And Cheap London Events: 22-28 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.

All week

The London Bridge City Summer Festival is still on

FILM FESTIVAL: Hackney Attic Film Festival continues with screenings of short films, dramas, documentaries and more, as well as talks. Most events are free, although there is a charge for some, book in advance, until 30 August

PAINTING AND SCULPTURE: White Cube's exhibition by Calcutta-born artist Raqib Shaw features fantastical and imaginative paintings and sculptures. Free, just turn up, until 11 September

SUMMER FESTIVAL: Try Olympic sports and listen to live music at the London Bridge City Summer Festival, taking place in The Scoop at More London. Free, just turn up, until 31 October

Monday 22 August

MEME EXHIBITION: It's the last day of What Do You Meme? in Peckham. Discover how and why memes became a way of communicating, and relate to both well known and specially created memes. Free, just turn up, from 10am

HERITAGE TALK: Mary Gray talks about the life and work of her father Reverend James Butterworth, the founder of Walworth Road's youth club, Clubland. There will also be a screening of Loyalty and Service, a film about Butterworth and the club. Takes place at the John Harvard Library on Borough High Street. Free, just turn up, 4pm

Tuesday 23 August

CRAFT & SKATE: Head to Alexandra Palace with the kids for animal-themed Victorian-inspired arts and crafts (£2) or a one-hour ice skating session (£4). Book in advance, 23 August-1 September

INTERNATIONAL SLAVERY REMEMBRANCE DAY: Music, workshops and a talk by David Olusoga, presenter of the BAFTA-winning Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners, take place at the National Maritime Museum today. The event culminates with a ceremony next to the Thames. Free, just turn up, 11am-4pm

MAPPING LONDON: Henry Eliot and Matt Lloyd-Rose of Curiocity explain some of the most quirky and unusual maps featured in their new book Curiocity: In Pursuit of London, at Stanford's in Covent Garden. £4, book in advance/just turn up, 6.30pm

Wednesday 24 August

SINGING SAMARITANS: Treat your ears to live music and watch out for the special guest at a night of songs dedicated to raising awareness of Central London Samaritans at The Piano Works in Farringdon. Free, just turn up, 5pm

90S POP HORROR: Watch a cabaret show featuring horror film mash-ups, 90s pop, and gore at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern - all for a fiver. £5, book in advance, 7pm

PINTS & LAUGHS: Watch a variety of comedy shorts followed by Q&As with their directors at Shorts On Tap's latest event in Shoreditch. £3, book in advance, 7.30pm

Thursday 25 August

AFTER WORK PARTY: Head to Scalpers menswear shop in Carnaby for an after-work party. Tuck into a complimentary Estrella Galicia beer and popcorn, watch a live performance from Scalpers' campaign model, Ashley Radford, and get 10% off items in new Scalpers collection. Free, just turn up, 6pm-8pm

COLLAGE ART: Peruse Steven Quinn's one-night only collage exhibition Rewind Tomorrow at the Hoxton Basement. Free, just turn up, 7pm-10pm

LIVE MUSIC: Wild Birds of Britain play their first headline London show at The Lock Tavern in Chalk Farm. The acid-folk rock band is supported by Bête Noir and Stardaze at The Lock Tavern. Free, just turn up, 8pm

Friday 26 August

Natural History Museum is open late.

PADDINGTON COVERS: No ticket for Reading Festival? No problem — get yourself down to Norfolk Square Gardens in Paddington for Paddington Covers, an afternoon of live music, plus free face painting, stilt walkers and more. Free, just turn up, 12pm-7pm

MUSEUM LATES: Chat to scientists, find out why bees dance, create an origami lotus and discover the secret language of horny shrimps at Natural History Museum's monthly late night opening. Free (charge and advance booking for some events), just turn up, from 6pm

BAT WALK: Under guidance from an expert, use a bat detector to discover the winged mammals living in Hyde Park, and learn all about them. £5, book in advance, 8.15pm

RIVER STAGE FESTIVAL: The National Theatre's free outdoor season features theatre, live music, dance and family fun. Highlights include a screening of One Man, Two Guvnors, a performance of The Threepenny Opera and techno/house sets from Charisma. Free, just turn up, all day (until 29 August)

Saturday 27 August

It's Wedding Weekend at Southbank Centre

WEDDING WEEKEND: Learn ballroom and Latin dancing moves, take part in a love-themed craft workshop and see some the couples who are getting married on stage at Southbank Centre's Big Wedding Weekend. Free, just turn up, 27-29 August

Sunday 28 August

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: The largest street festival in Europe is back. Watch the procession, dance to the beats and have a good time. Children's Day is on Sunday and the grand finale takes place on Bank Holiday Monday. Read our guide to the Carnival before you go. Free, just turn up, 28-29 August

Notting Hill Carnival. Photo by Andrew Porter

Last Updated 23 August 2016