Things to do
BOOKSHOP BIRTHDAY: Kew Bookshop celebrates its 30th birthday by giving customers a chance to meet a range of famous authors over two days. Today, Travis Elborough, Melvyn Bragg and Konnie Huq drop by, with Gyles Brandreth among the names scheduled for Saturday. Kew Bookshop, free, just turn up, 11-12 October
BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL: A celebration of the culture and science of the area, Bloomsbury Festival begins today, with an array of events over the coming days, many of them free. Begin with a night time street party featuring a moonlit stage, Bollywood workshop and tango classes. Various locations and prices,11-20 October
HIDDEN LONDON: London Transport Museum's fantastic new exhibition, Hidden London, opens today. We've had a sneak preview and gave it a 5* review — the brilliant design and fascinating trivia combine to give an insight into the myriad different uses of abandoned tube tunnels and stations. London Transport Museum (Covent Garden), £18, book ahead, 11 October-January 2021
WAR POSTERS: 'Make do and mend' and 'Careless talk costs lives' are phrases familiar to most of us, thanks to their prominence on government posters during the second world war. Poster historian David Bownes gives a talk about the successful and less successful propaganda campaigns at the time, and how the government changed tack as a result of public opinion. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 11.30am
ENGINEERING LATE: The rather fancy home of the Institution of Civil Engineers keeps its doors open late for its autumn event. Hear about current and planned engineering projects in the capital at a series of talks, take part in practical activities and VR demos, and take a tour of the Grade-II listed building where it all happens. Institution of Civil Engineers (Westminster), free, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
COLOUR OF AN ELECTRON: Australian scientist Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and Welsh astrophysicist Geraint F Lewis present an evening looking at electrons and colour. Find out what colour an electron is, what electrons have to do with Pirates of the Caribbean... and what an electron actually is. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead,7pm-8.30pm
BEYOND THE NIGHT SKY: Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, chamber choir Londinium performs Beyond The Night Sky, an evening of music exploring the sun, moon and space. Hear the words of astronauts, and enjoy music by a variety of composers. St John's (Waterloo), £15, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm
STARRY NIGHT: Unleash your inner artist at this Pop-Up Painting session, which focuses on a London version of Van Gogh's Starry Night. Have a go at creating your own capital-centric version of the painting over a drink or two, with an expert artist on hand to provide guidance if needed. Davy's (Canary Wharf), £30.99, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
LATIN DANCE: Try your hand (or feet) at Latin dancing. These Friday night dance classes are aimed at everyone, including beginners, and there's no need to take a partner. Bachata and salsa dancing are both on the programme, and after the lessons, there's a social dancing session where you can meet new people and try out your moves. Clapham (address provided on booking), £15, book ahead, 7.30pm-11pm (sponsor)
WOOKIE: A founding father of UK garage, Wookie, is on the decks at Camden's Jazz Cafe tonight. Dance your way into the weekend to some heavy basslines. Jazz Cafe (Camden), £10, book ahead, 10.30pm-3am
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier is on holiday this week, in a place beyond the end of the Underground lines. He'll return next week, if he can find his way back.
Good cause of the day
Book ahead for this gala evening celebrating 60 years of Paintings In Hospitals, the charity which brightens up our wards through art donations and loans. The event consists of a welcome reception, three-course meal and art auction, and takes place on 25 November. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- Police kettle a giant pink octopus.
- This is why you don't mess with the deer in Richmond Park.
- Rat-infested pile of rubbish keeps growing in Mill Hill.
- Hundreds more police officers will be brought in to protect the Queen from Extinction Rebellion protests.
