What we're reading:
- Young girl fights to save Islington's iconic angel wings.
- The bells of St Paul's Cathedral have been taken down for the first time in 300 years.
- You can now predict London's next gentrification hotspot using social media.
- Lethal Bizzle 'rejected from London hotel because of his race'.
- From grassroots venues to rehearsal spaces: map charts all of London's music facilities.
Things to do:
SPLASH: Sarah Bahbah’s artistic cause is a righteous one — women finding freedom in self-love. Her depictions of female voices through film stills have amassed a cult-like following on Instagram and now — for the first time — earned her her very own international solo exhibition. Lawrence Alkin Gallery (New Compton Street), free, book ahead, 11am-6pm, until 21 June
THE GATE OF HEAVEN: Peek behind the doors of Gallery 46's 18th century terraced houses and discover such curiosities as a rococo compression chamber, an accumulation of art manifestos, and an oyster rocket sculpture. This is the first joint exhibition from Paul Renner and Paul Sakoilsky, exploring themes of transformation, corruption and conservation. Gallery 46 (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, until 7 July
MEDICINAL GARDEN: From lettuce leaves to opium, you'll discover centuries of plant-based remedies at the Royal College of Physicians' Poynter lecture. There's also plenty of refreshments and a medicinal garden tour that gives you the chance to explore one of London's most fascinating botanical gems. Royal College of Physicians (Regent's Park), £10, book ahead, 1.30pm-6pm
ALTERED STATES: Drawing inspiration from Ken Russell's 1980s sci-fi flick of the same name, Altered States is comprised of 16 moving works looking at change in a variety of contexts. Featured artists include Bryan Benge and Sandra Crisp. St John's Crypt (Waterloo), free, just turn up, 6pm-9pm
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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:
WAXAHATCHEE: One of alternative music's most honest and beguiling solo artists graces the stage at Oval Space. She's touring her fourth album, Out in the Storm, an incredibly raw album that digs into the breakdown of a noxious relationship. Oval Space, £15.95, 7pm-10pm
RAINTOWN & JESSICA LYNN: Country music's Raintown and Jessica Lynn bring the sounds of the States and of Scotland to central London. Two acts; two different brands of the genre. 100 Club, £24.20, 7.30pm
THE FULHAM PALACE HOSPITAL: In the last year of the first world war, Fulham Palace was transformed into a hospital for convalescent soldiers of all ranks. Find out what the lives of patients and nurses were like with an illustrated talk from palace curator Miranda Poliakoff. Fulham Palace, £5.50, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm
STUART MITCHELL: BBC Radio regular and Fringe favourite Stuart Mitchell, who counts Will Ferrell as a fan, previews his new 2018 Edinburgh Show at Angel Comedy Club. The Bill Murray (Islington), £2, book ahead, 6.45pm-7.45pm
PSYCHED OUT: Find out what psychedelic drugs might teach us about the mind and human consciousness at a totally trippy talk that looks at the controversial use of LSD and psilocybin as a therapeutic tool. The Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
LONDON CRAFT CLUB: Become a pompom-making pro with a little help from London Craft Club. You'll create your own cute toy bunny or panda bear using the snazzy little gadget known as the Pom Maker — and you get to take home both the kit and your creation in a complimentary cotton tote. Did we mention you also get a free drink?Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £49, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm
Good cause of the day
Take in London's sights under the cover of darkness while raising vital funds to support support people affected by breast and prostate cancer. Sign up today for the first ever Walk The Night challenge, which will see you walk a marathon or half marathon on the evening of 14 July in aid of Breast Cancer Care and Prostate Cancer UK.
