Things to do today is sponsored by the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
What we're reading:
- Could a proposed property development undermine the historical significance of Kew Gardens?
- German man creates map of London's 'S-Bahn' network.
- How London's Southhall became 'Little Punjab'.
- Is London's murder rate really worse than New York's?
- Skepta to judge Londoners' custom designed Nikes.
- London City Airport plays Brian Eno's album Music For Airports on loop.
Things to do:
FAISAL HUSSAIN: In Suspect Objects Suspect Subjects Brum-based artist Faisal Hussain explores the victimisation of Muslim communities in the UK and abroad. Playing on the navigation of our reality and memory, this exhibition uses advertising, installation and moving images to immerse the viewer and echo the persistence of Islamophobic attacks. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, 8.30am-11pm, until 29 April
BARGE IN: Easter weekend may have been a bit of a washout but luckily Angel's floating market is here to offer alfresco fun 'til Sunday. Fatten up your vinyl collection at The Record Deck, buoy your spirits with vintage jewellery, or hop aboard The Village Butty for live music, homemade ginger beer, and hedgerow cocktails. Regents Canal, City Road Lock (Angel), free to explore, just turn up, 12pm, until 8 April
FUTURE TECH NOW: Immerse yourself in the latest VR technology at the Future Tech Now & Virtual Reality Show. Find out how VR is saving lives in the healthcare industry, be one of the first to try the hi-tech bodysuit revolutionising gaming, and even sample a virtual reality cocktail at the world's first 'vocktail bar'. Business Design Centre (Islington), from £14.21, book ahead, 10am-6pm, until 7 April
EGYPTIAN ADVENTURE: Sir John Soane's Museum is hosting an immersive storytelling performance for the whole family in celebration of their Eygpt Uncovered exhibition. Follow Italian strongman-turned-Egyptologist The Great Belzoni on a special tour of the museum's secrets. Sir John Soane's Museum (Lincoln's Inn Fields), from £6.50, book ahead, 2pm, until 15 April
FILM BITES: Enjoy a cinematic classic while chowing down on a dish inspired by the film. This month, movie-and-meal matchmakers Film Bites are pairing Wes Anderson's indie classic The Grand Budapest Hotel with a Porkolt & Mendl's inspired dessert and a veggie-friendly Hungarian Paprikash. Vestry House Museum (Walthamstow), from £16.76, book ahead, 6.30pm-10pm
Sponsor message
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is an adrenaline-pumped day out this Easter
Where in London can you hurtle down the world's longest tunnel slide one minute, and be relaxing in 560 acres of delightful parkland the next? Only at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park of course, and it's located less than 10 minutes from zone 1...
From stunning viewing gallery vistas to the exhilarating 178m tunnel slide back to earth, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the ideal place to start your adventure. Buckle up and take on 12 twists, loops and curves as you whizz around the structure at speeds of up to 15mph, before exploring the park below — perfect for bringing your heart rate back down again!
There's lots going on this Easter, with activities for all the family to enjoy (not just the adrenaline junkies!). Why not kick back on a boat tour of the area's waterways, or take a walk past some of the stunning Olympic venues? The kids will love exploring the water fountains and adventure playgrounds too — and the park's dining options complement the shops at neighbouring Westfield Stratford City just nicely.
Special extended opening hours operate at the ArcelorMittal Orbit this Easter, with the attraction open 10am-7pm from Easter Monday 1 April to Sunday 15 April.
STRICTLY BANGERS: Salon Wine Store has invited Mattia Bianci to play host for an evening of top tunes and luscious libations. The Berber & Q chef will choose the night's wine selection and take over the decks with a selection of his favourite vinyl. Salon Wine Store (Brixton), free entry, just turn up, 6pm-11pm
POETRY READINGS: The first ever European Poetry Festival opens by the River Thames with readings from almost a dozen world-renowned poets hailing from Venice, Amsterdam, Paris and Dublin. The Rose Theatre (Kingston), free, just turn up, 7pm
HISTORY SHOWOFF: A cast of archaeologists, historians, museum folk and comedians try to makes sense of the olden days in a comedy cabaret that brings London's weird and wonderful past to life. History has never been so hilarious. Southwark Cathedral, £6, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
GALLERY OPENING: Following the success of their launch in Tehran, CAMA Gallery are bringing the modern and contemporary Iranian art scene to London. Their inaugural exhibition Sensation showcases the work of 19 contemporary luminaries from Iran, ranging from hyperrealist paintings to calligraphy. CAMA Gallery (Westminster), free, just turn up, 7pm-10pm
CASUAL CONCERTOS: The Night Shift is taking it up a notch from their usual boozer-based classical concerts with a performance of Mozart's horn concertos at the fabulously art deco Conway Hall. This is not your usual stuffy classical concert, though — grab a pint, enjoy alt-folk support act Balladeste and Instagram to your heart's content. Conway Hall (Bloomsbury), from £5, book ahead, 7.30pm
Good cause of the day
James Earlby is running a five kilometres in each London borough, tackling one a day. It's in honour of his friend and basketball teammate Sam who suddenly passed away, and all the money goes towards supporting youth teams with means to play the game. You can sponsor James here, or even get in contact and join him on a run.
