Things To Do Today In London: Friday 19 January 2018

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The Lost Words exhibition presents a new series of poems and accompanying illustrations that conjure the beauty of nature, for visitors of all ages.

What we’re reading

  • Shigeru Ban to build "pagoda in the park" as his first UK building.
  • South Bank hotel to become luminous artwork for Lumiere London 2018.
  • London's January air quality 'best in 10 years'.
  • London 'put to shame' by New York fossil fuel divestment.
  • Traffic chaos in Elephant and Castle as black cab drivers stage demo against TfL and Uber.

Things to do

OPERA WEEKENDER: With a virtual reality experience from the Welsh Natural Opera, a performance disrupting the male gaze, a panel discussion about how the genre is adapting to the digital age and reduced entry to the exhibition Opera: Passion, Power & Politics, you'll be a fully committed opera convert by the end of the weekend. The V&A, £10, book ahead, 19-21 January

MODEL ENGINEERING EXHIBITION: Join 14,000 model tinkerers at Ally Pally for one of the UK's leading model shows. More than 50 clubs and societies will be showing off everything from steam locomotives to modern gadgets. Alexandra Palace, £12, book ahead, 19-21 January

ETHOMETRIC MUSEUM: Be transported into a parallel universe of cosmic tones and esoteric technology at this intriguing pop-up museum, filled with hand-crafted contraptions that create a mesmerising immersive soundscape. Ugly Duck (London Bridge), £12, book ahead, 19-21 January

THE LOST WORD: Back in 2002, a survey found that British schoolchildren were able to identify Pokémon far more accurately than common UK wildlife. This exhibition of animal illustrations and nature-inspired poetry hopes to rectify the results of that sad survey. Foundling Museum, £11/£8.25 conc, just turn up, 19 January-6 May

Planet Play is a magical world of sensory learning, wonder and exploration, for babies and toddlers aged 0-3 years. © Anne Marie Sanderson

PLANET PLAY: Bring fidgety babies and toddlers to this morning playgroup, where they are encouraged to explore the world around them through song, music, movement and lots of fun sensory stuff. Chickenshed Theatre (Southgate), £6, book ahead, 10am-10.45am, every Friday until 9 March

REMAKING HISTORY: Hear a panel discussion exploring the ways photography addresses issues around diversity and equality both behind and in front of the camera, chaired by Brett Rogers OBE, director of The Photographers' Gallery. Business Design Centre, various prices, book ahead, 4pm-5pm

DANGEROUS DATING: Unleash your inner lumberjack (with guidance from an instructor) at this social event for singletons, because nothing says romance like a spot of axe throwing. Sign up here for access to more unusual events. Whistlepunks (Vauxhall), £35, book ahead, 7.15pm-10pm

CANDLELIT BACH: Hear classics from Bach, Vivaldi and Pachelbel in a beautiful candlelit church setting. How's that for atmosphere? St Martin-in-the-Fields, £22, book ahead, 7.30pm

ELECTROGIRLS: Fed up with going to the club and it's a massive sausage fest? This night aims to bring balance and diversity to London's DJ scene. Check out the excellent DJ lineup here. Tipsy, free, just turn up, 9pm-3am

Good cause of the day: We Are family LGBTQ+ community centre fundraiser

Don your finest, sparkliest outfit and prepare to shake your thing to queer anthems all night long, courtesy of Superstore boss Dan Beaumont, who will be rocking the basement, while upstairs, Disco Spritz resident Chaka Khan't is joined by Michelle Manetti (Fèmmme Fraîche) and PATSY regular Jaye Ward. Money raised will go towards a much-needed LGBTQ+ Community Centre for London. Dalston Superstore, free before 10pm/£6 after, just turn up, 9pm-3am