Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 26 February-4 March 2018

By Kyra Hanson Last edited 73 months ago

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Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 26 February-4 March 2018

All week

The Garden of Light 2017, Paternoster Square

DIFFERENCE FESTIVAL: Soho has a unique history all of its own and it's that individuality that is celebrated by this festival, through free tours themed around its LGBT community, seedy past and history at the heart of the swinging 60s. Plus, join workshops in zine-making and ceramics and hear talks on queer activism and more. Various venues, free, book ahead, 26 February-3 March

GARDEN OF LIGHT: 4,000 illuminated daffodils have sprouted up in central London. But they aren't just a pretty Instagram picture. Lean into the beds of yellow and you'll notice the flowers have voices. Listen carefully and you'll hear families pay touching tributes to Marie Curie nurses. Paternoster Square, free, just turn up, until 11 March

DRESS YOURSELF: Grab four different dresses off a rack and arrange them into a composition of your choosing — anyone can be responsible for curating part of this exhibition, which takes fashion as its starting point. Parasol Unit, free, just turn up, until 18 March

CHISWICK WALL MAPS: A wall in Chiswick has been beautified with maps which trace the area's history from 1593 to the present day. Each map is presented on a glossy panel about 3 metres tall. You'll find them just outside Turnham Green tube station, on the District and Piccadilly lines. Ongoing

Monday 26 February

HOLDING THE BABY: It's your last chance to catch this travelling oral history exhibition, which invites visitors to pull up an armchair in a makeshift twentieth century living room, slip on a pair of headphones and listen to stories of childcare and parenting from London's East End played through a converted 1950s radio. Manor Park Library, free, just turn up, until 28 February

Tuesday 27 February

Kino London, now in its ninth year, is back with another edition of their short film night.

KINO OPEN-MIC FILM NIGHT: Practically anything goes at London's premier open mic short film night, so expect plenty of laughs, raised eyebrows and free popcorn. Candid Arts, Angel, £4, book ahead, 7pm-10pm

BRIDGES THAT BUILT LONDON: Bridges are not just about getting from A to B. Learn about the folklore, literary associations and ecology behind London's bridges at this event as part of the Talks by the Thames season. Chiswick Pier Trust, The Pier House, £3, book ahead, 7.30pm

ON THE EDGE: Get lost in a world of cartoon buffoonery and lighthearted quips from Ed McLachlan, one of Britain's finest cartoonists. Chris Beetles Gallery, St James's, free, just turn up, until 31 March

Wednesday 28 February

Craft around the clock at this vintage 1950s craft night.

CREATIVE FUN: Bring 2-5 year-olds to this morning craft session, where they get to play games, listen to a story, make something to take home and make friends. House of Illustration, free, book ahead, 10.30am-noon

ART AS THERAPY: Hopefully it's not something you'll ever need but today you can learn about the art psychotherapy work carried out in the community following the Grenfell Tower fire from Susan Rudnik, founder of Latimer Community Art Therapy. Gallery Elena Shchukina, Mayfair, free (donation encouraged), book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm

YOUNG DISABLED AND LGBT+: Life is hard enough as it is, so imagine the challenges thrown at young disabled LGBT+ people. Well, you don't have to imagine as they'll tell you in this event, as part of a season on identity and belonging. The British Academy, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm

BIG IDEAS EXCHANGE: The fourth in this series of debates focuses on business values. Stick around for the complimentary drinks and you might meet someone who shares yours. Mitsubishi Corporation, Holborn, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-9.15pm

SWEAT, TEARS AND TRIUMPH: At this sports and wellbeing science late you can have a go at cricket in the batting cage, get hands-on with real life animals and watch or wince as BMX riders perform stunts in the museum. Science Museum, free, just turn up, 6.45pm-10pm

THE MAKE ESCAPE: Into the whole 1950s vibe? Rock that look with these DIY accessories. Make your own retro headband, cocktail ring or shoe clips, plus learn how to knit or crochet with the help of seasoned crafters. Hackney Attic, free, book ahead, 7.30pm-11pm

Thursday 1 March

Anna Barsegjana and Giacomo Banella from the Southbank Sinfonia (2018)

NUMBER 90 BIRTHDAY PARTY: It feels like only yesterday Number 90 was marking its first birthday. Now this canal-side venue is inviting you to this four-day bash to mark four years of great DJs, top nosh and even better booze. Number 90, Hackney Wick, free, just turn up, until 4 March

THE DIGITAL ARCHIVES: Marking 40 years since the National Archives relocated to Kew, this talk outlines the mammoth task to digitise the collection. The National Archives, Kew, free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm

THE BLOODY LENS: Does reporting fuel conflict? Do journalists bear some responsibility for copycat massacres? How is casualty reporting politicised? All will be discussed at this debate on the media's treatment of war and terrorism. The Court Room, Senate House, free, book ahead, 6pm

CONCERT LAB: Classical music not your thing? We reckon you could be a fan after a trip to the concert lab, which uses lighting and tech to bring classical music into the 21st century. St John's Waterloo, free, book ahead, 6pm

CITY STREETS TALK: Want to know whether your commute is going to get any easier or the air outside your house any cleaner? Join this panel discussion to hear about the future policy changes that will shape London's transport system. The City Centre, free, book ahead, 6pm-7.30pm

CLIMATE CHANGES: Comedian and environmental economist Dr Matt makes light of issues such as fracking, renewables and global warming in a way that informs, entertains and makes you care more. The Bill Murray, £5, book ahead, 6.45pm-7.45pm

Friday 2 March

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: See trippy, vibrant and psychedelic artworks inspired by Alice’s otherworldly experiences down the rabbit hole. Careful, you might have to book an Uber home after this art-induced high. Imitate Modern, Mayfair, free, just turn up, until 14 March

SCARED TO DANCE: Merging "ethereal psych-folk with vocals influenced by 90s R&B", girl group the Leaf Library sound like a good shout for a Friday night. The Victoria, free, just turn up, 7.30pm-10pm

Saturday 3 March

Create works of art inspired by some of the weird and wonderful animals that call the Grant Museum home.

KID'S COOKERY CLASS: Let your kids do the cooking for a change at this vegetarian cookery class led by chef Nena Foster. Fifty Seven, East Dulwich, free, just turn up, 10am-noon

THE PEOPLE'S FOREST: Wonder what goes on in Epping Forest? See sculptures and photos exploring the history, politics, and people of London’s ancient woodland. William Morris Gallery, free, just turn up, until 20 May

CREATURE CREATIONS: Mum won't let you get a snake? Make your very own paper pets inspired by the Grant's collection at this drop in workshop, better still invent a whole new animal and add it to the collection. Grant Museum of Zoology, free, just turn up, 1.30pm-4.30pm

CHINESE NEW YEAR FOR KIDS: Woolwich Library will be anything but quiet as it celebrates the Year of the Dog with music, storytelling, dragon dancing, learning Mandarin classes and lantern making. Woolwich library, free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm

TEMPLE OF SALSA: This relaxed regular salsa class led by salsa dancer Jorge Andre is a great way for couples to hang out, get fit or just loosen up those hips. Jorge also runs same sex salsa classes for LGBTQ+ couples. Bar Salsa!, Temple, free, just turn up, 6pm-8pm

Sunday 4 March

#March4Women will end in a rally at Trafalgar Square hosted by the wonderful Sue Perkins and featuring music, entertainment, and speeches by gender equality campaigners Helen Pankhurst, Bianca Jagger and many more.

#MARCH4WOMEN: Bring your placards, your witty slogans and your pussy hats to this march for women's equality as we mark a century since some women got the vote. Central London, ending at Traflagar Square, free, just turn up, noon

Last Updated 23 February 2018