What we're reading:
- New footage shows 'Butler's-eye view' behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace.
- Artists protest Design Museum after a private event for arms dealer.
- 20mph speed limit to be set on central London roads.
- TfL says that there won't be air-con on the Central Line until 2030.
- Over a third of London boroughs sign up to cut-price renewable energy scheme.
Things to do:
KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA ART WEEKEND: Celebrate the cultural legacy of one of London's fanciest boroughs. The artsy antics will last all weekend, but today's highlights include gallery lates, a tour of the Goldfinger Factory, and a talk on Japanese art. Multiple venues across the borough, book ahead, 27-29 July
ADOPT A PLANT: Get your hands on one of the stars of the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show without paying a penny. All you have to do to take part in this plant recycling scheme is to pick out the pot of your choice, fill in a Wayward Plant adoption form to prove that you're able to care for the little guy, and then bring your new bit of greenery home. Morden Hall Park, free, just turn up, 11am-4pm
EXTREME LOOPING BIKES: Adrenaline junkies, this one's for you. Take an extreme looping bike for a full 360 degree spin and challenge your neighbour to see who can do the most loops in a minute. The Lawn, Merchant Square (Paddington Basin), free, book ahead, 11am-5pm
SOANE MUSEUM CURATOR TOUR: Architectural postmodernism's principle protagonists are put under the microscope in Sir John Soane's Museum's exhibition The Return of the Past. Discover it today on a tour with Senior Curator Owen Hopkins. Sir John Soane's Museum, £12.50, book ahead, 12pm-12.45pm
NORDIC WALKING: From Hygge to herring, if the Scandinavians are doing it, we want in. Now, you can discover the benefits of Nordic walking in the glorious surrounds of Beckenham Place Park with accredited instructor Sonya Brennan. Meet behind Beckenham Place Mansion, free, book ahead, 2.30pm-4pm
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NATURAL LIPSTICK MAKING: Every make-up fiend knows the struggle that goes into sourcing that perfect shade of lipstick. And even when you find it, there's the risk of it drying out your smackers due to one of the unpronounceable ingredients listed on the back. Thanks our media partner, Funzing, you can kiss goodbye to such woes. They're inviting you to head down to Token Studio to make your very own 100% natural lipstick in a range of colours and textures, with the help of a professional designer. Token Studio (Fulham), £36, book ahead, 3pm-4.30pm
CHORUS WEEKEND: Southbank Centre is celebrating the spirit of communal singing with a whole weekend of events dedicated to the human voice. Tonight's highlights include folk singing from The Norfolk Broads and a performance from London International Choir. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 5pm-10pm
WORD ON THE WATER: Soak up some riverside jazz and spoken word at the The London Bookbarge — the capital's floating palace of stories. Granary Square (King's Cross), free but donations welcome, just turn up, 6pm-10pm
RICH MIX TAKEOVER: A festival inspired by east London launches tonight at Rich Mix with live music, artists' panel talks and networking opportunities. Groove along to everything from neo-soul to trap, hear stories collected from Tower Hamlets, and meet TAKEOVER's poet in residence, Rachel Cleverly. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, book ahead, 6.30pm
JAZZ VERSE JUKEBOX: Spoken word meets jazz improvisation at Hoxton's Jazz Verse Jukebox. You're even invited to take to the stage yourself, accompanied by a live band. Hoxton Hall, £9, book ahead, 7.30pm
Good cause of the day
Make a splash in London's Docklands while raising funds and awareness for those affected by motor neurone disease (MND). Join hundreds of people in swimming a 500m lap in Royal Victoria Dock in aid of the MND Association and Stephen Hawking Foundation. London City Swim takes place on 21 September, leaving you plenty of time to perfect your breaststroke.
