Looking for somewhere to watch the World Cup? Check out our full guide here.
What we're reading:
- The Royal Academy of Art rejected a Banksy before he put his name on it.
- Netflix to open London office.
- London rents fall for the first time since 2010.
- Residents versus the local economy: The battle of Oxford Street pedestrianisation.
Things to do:
GREENWICH BOOK FESTIVAL: How does a two-day celebration of literature at a World Heritage Site sound? Greenwich Book Festival returns to the magnificent Old Royal Naval College today, bringing author Q&As, creative workshops, and magical storytelling sessions. Old Royal Naval College, various prices, 15-16 June
SHAKE YOUR TIC TACS: Indulge your sweet tooth at Tic Tac's pop -up. You can choose from 10 flavours to create your own bespoke mix, suggest new combos to the team, and make your own GIF in the photo booth. There's also a chance to win tickets to Elrow festival. The White Space (Covent Garden), free, book ahead, 15-16 June
ELDERFLOWER EXTRAVANGANZA: If you prefer something stronger to ease you into the weekend, check out Maison St-Germain's immersive installation designed by Henry Holland. The French elderflower liqueur company is celebrating the fleeting elderflower harvest with a curated sensory experience featuring St Germain cocktails. 38 Grosvenor Square, free, book ahead, 15-16 June
ALDGATE SQUARE FESTIVAL: Go east for a three day festival in celebration of the newly opened Aldgate Square. Tonight's highlights include a kids' fashion show, band Seeds of Creation and ukulele group The Mansell Street Minstrels. Aldgate Square, free, just turn up, 4pm-9pm, 15-17 June
VEGAN VIBES: Devour cruelty-free cupcakes, plant-based steaks, and dozens of other vegan goodies at Greenwich Market. Vegan Vibes hosts 17 of London's best vegan street food vendors under one roof, including The Green Grill, Greedy Khao, and Ruby's Of London. Greenwich Market, free entry, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
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Sounds Like London: our picks today
June brings the Mayor of London's Sounds Like London campaign to the capital — a month-long celebration of both women in music and London's grassroots music scene. Here's our pick of today's Sounds Like London events:
CAMPFIRE CLUB: An all-female line-up — featuring Gwyneth Herbert and Noemie Ducimetiere — performs at Campfire Club, a series of carefully curated, unamplified concerts. Spitalfields City Farm, £9-£13, 7pm-11pm
WALK OF SHAME: Having partied her way around the world, made porn, and Tindered herself out, former hedonist Eleanor Conway is on the hunt for moderation and meaning. Join the award-nominated comedian for her Walk of Shame tonight. Roadtrip & The Workshop (Old Street), £15, book ahead, 7pm
A CONTROVERSIAL CAPTAIN: Why is 18th century British explorer James Cook such a divisive figure? (Hint: it's probably something to do with colonialist oppression.) Maori Studies Professor Anne Salmond, independent curator Ahilapalapa Rands, and Pasifika poet-scholar Selina Tusitala Marsh look at his social, cultural and environmental legacy in a British Library panel discussion. The British Library (King's Cross), £12, book ahead, 7.15pm-8.30pm
CHOREOGRAPHERS' PLATFORM: The victors of Ignition Dance Festival 2018 present their winning works tonight. Expect an eclectic mix of hip hop, ballet, flamenco and contemporary dance. Rose Theatre (Kingston), £12/£8, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
PHASE THREE: Join rebels battling for a coveted place in utopia while the world as we know it perishes. In this excursive experience you control the narrative — have you got what it takes to escape to paradise? Safehouse 1 (Peckham), from £8, book ahead, 8pm, until 16 June
THE CONCEPT: In the vein of rock operas and iconic concept albums, The Concept is an audio-visual explosion of story, song, music and animation. This piece of improv theatre does come with a disclaimer, though — you may never be quite the same again. The Nursery Theatre (Liverpool Street), £5, book ahead, 8pm-10pm
Good cause of the day
With Mexico's elections around the corner, you may have heard about the shocking number of political murders in recent months. Justice Mexico Now is raising funds to send international electoral observers to Mexico with a Mexican-themed comedy night. Frankie Boyle support act Tiernan Douieb hosts, and there are performances from Francesca Martinez, Jeremy Hardy, and Matt Abbott. Your ticket includes a taco dinner.