What we're reading:
- New art riot: London's creative breakouts.
- London is the second priciest city for buying avocados.
- See photographer Chris Dorley-Brown's singular vision of east London.
Things to do:
SENSE OF SELF: What happens to your sense of self when a frontal lobe brain injury transforms your personality? A new exhibition at King's College's Arts in Mind festival explores exactly that, with affected individuals having collaborated with two artists to communicate their experiences through the use of objects and images. Maudsley Hospital (Camberwell), free, just turn up, until 10 June
TAKING THE BISCUIT: Are you a custard cream fiend? Maybe digestives are more your jam? Find out what your biccie preferences say about you in an exploration of the nature of identity inside a former biscuit factory. Shortwave Cafe (Rotherhithe), free, just turn up, until 8 June
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL: Take a selfie with a colourful dragon boat and discover a Chinese tradition dating back millennia at London's largest Asian foodhall. Bang Bang Oriental is hosting a two week festival where you can learn all about the ancient water-sport of dragon boat racing. Bang Bang Oriental (Colindale), free entry, just turn up, until 19 June
FREE CRAZY GOLF: Swingers City celebrates its second birthday with free crazy golf and half-price champagne all day. Sign up in person at reception for daytime slots (12.30pm-6.30pm), or for evening slots (6.30pm onwards) from 6pm. Swingers City (Between St Mary Axe and Bury Street) from 12.30pm
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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:
WOMEN IN MUSIC: One of the main focuses of Sounds Like London, is to promote women within the industry. This panel talk with Rebecca Allen and Imelda May aims to do just that. National Portrait Gallery, free, book ahead, 1pm-3pm
HAUX: Dreamy electro floats through the air in Haux's music, and the intimate Omeara is the perfect place to see him live. Omeara, £12.10, book ahead, 7pm
GOSPELBEACH & THE HANGING STARS: A band that harken back to the glory days of 70s West Coast rock and roll. Music to transport you to sunny California, no matter what the British weather is doing. Bush Hall, £17.60, book ahead, 7.30pm
DIM SUM MASTERCLASS: Master the art of dumpling making over prosecco and a pot of jasmine tea with the help of Chinese Cricket Club's head chef. You'll learn how to make five varieties of dim sum before cleansing your palate with a refreshing cup of peppermint tea. Chinese Cricket Club Restaurant (Blackfriars), £35, book ahead, 6pm-8.30pm
MURDER, MAGIC AND URBAN MYTH: Those who scare easily will not fare well at Haunt London's bone-marrow curdling night of storytelling. Join author Cathi Unsworth as she retreads the forgotten past and lost pathways of London — expect murder, magic, and Lovecraftian synchronicity. Backyard Bar and Kitchen (Bethnal Green), £5, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm
OPERA DOUBLE BILL: Take in not one but two operas that boast a distinctive culinary flavour. The Long Christmas Dinner certainly lives up to its name, traversing 90 years in the life of a New England family, while comedy of manners A Dinner Engagement sees a burnt supper exacerbate the problems of an aristocratic couple on the brink of financial ruin. Silk Street Theatre (Barbican), £25, book ahead, 7pm, until 11 June
TEENAGE SELF-INVENTION: Teenagers, eh? What goes on inside their heads? Find out what actually happens inside the adolescent brain with the help of award-winning neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore. The Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
GIN AND CHEESE NIGHT: G&T? More like brie & T — actually. London Cocktail Club is offering all three components at this gin and cheese pairing. You'll savour both the classics you know and love, as well as more niche varieties like Keepr's Honey Gin and Marmite cheddar. London Cocktail Club (Oxford Circus), £10, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
GOING FOR GOLD: The stakes are high at this contemporary classical concert, where the winners of Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition section finals compete for the prestigious ROSL Gold Medal and £15,000 prize. Expect nail-biting performances on the violin, piano, saxophone, and bass baritone from some of the most talented young musicians in the Commonwealth. Southbank Centre, £10-£20, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
WORD OF MUFF: An all-female lineup of comedians attempts to redress the art form's gender imbalance with a night of improv, stand up, sketch, and character comedy. Attic Arts Club is remaining tight-lipped as to tonight's featured acts, but previous performers include Grainne Maguire and Bisha K. Ali. Upper Norwood Library Hub, Crystal Palace, £10, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Good cause of the day
Test your physical fitness and your ability to trust others on a totally unique charity run. The Royal Society for Blind Children is giving you and a friend the chance to make the future better for visually impaired kids while putting your teamwork skills under the microscope. Here's how it works: you'll each take turns following a 5k or 10k route while blindfolded, with your partner acting as your sighted guide.
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