Things To Do Today In London: Thursday 25 July 2019

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Things to do

DUCKS AND DRAGONS: If you go down to Paddington today, expect to see some odd sights on the water as the annual charity rubber duck race and dragon boat race take place (not at the same time — imagine the carnage!). The rubber duck race is £3 to enter (12.30pm-1.30pm) and if your duck is victorious you could win Eurostar tickets (it's up against about 500 other plastic birds though). Later in the evening, return to the canal to watch teams go head to head in dragon boats (5pm-9pm).

AFTERNOON TEA: To mark the launch of a new exhibition, Rainham Hall hosts a one-day-only afternoon tea. The display is about Anthony Denney, a 1960s resident of the building. His love of food and fashion is portrayed in the afternoon tea, which includes a bow tie cookie. Rainham Hall, £25/£12, book ahead, 2pm-4pm

VINTAGE FAIR: Indulge in a spot of after-work retail therapy at the Pop-Up Vintage Fair, which has stalls selling clothes from the 1920s-1980s for men and women, along with homewares, jewellery and posters. There's also live music and a cocktail bar. Wilton's (Limehouse), £3, just turn up, 4.30pm-9.30pm

There's a rubber duck race in Paddington

ITALIAN CAMPAIGN: Niall Barr, Professor of Military History, talks about the struggles of the Italian Campaign — the British attempt to secure Italy — during the second world war. The campaign lasted two years, and was a bloody battle against a skilled enemy. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 6pm-8pm

ROOFTOP MUSIC: The City of London's newest roof garden hosts a free evening of music as part of Fantastic Feats festival. Expect to hear new classical and experimental music spread across the garden, including classical guitarist Sam Cave, and Japanese solo violinist Chihiro Ono. 120 Fenchurch Street, free, just turn up, 6pm-9pm

TAP TAKEOVER: Beer fans are in for a treat as Siren Craft Brewery takes over the taps at Tate Modern. Sample a special beer inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night, plus several other brews, as you meet the brewers and peruse the artworks. Tate Modern, £19.95/£22.95, book ahead, 6.30pm-11pm

ALL THE STATIONS: Londonist’s Geoff Marshall and Vicki Pipe talk about their latest adventure, All The Stations Ireland, in which they visited every railway station in Ireland. They’re just one act in tonight’s An Evening Of Unnecessary Detail. Other topics include rat addicts, and why the sky is blue. Bloomsbury Theatre, £15/£12, book ahead, 7.30pm

Comedy in the courtyard at Battersea Arts Centre

MICHAEL PALIN: Actor and travel writer Michael Palin talks about the final days of the USSR — he travelled through the Soviet Union in 1991 while filming Pole To Pole, and by the end of that year the Soviet Union had collapsed (probably a coincidence). National Archives (Kew), £20-£25, book ahead, 7.30pm-8.30pm

COURTYARD COMEDY: The final event in the Stand-Up Under The Stars series sees Phil Wang, Rosie Jones, Helen Bauer, Rob Auton and Garrett Millerick take to the stage for a comedy show. The locations is an open-air courtyard, as the sun sets. Battersea Arts Centre, £12-£15, book ahead,8pm

ROCKY HORROR: Watch 1975 musical comedy horror film The Rocky Horror Picture Show at a pop-up silent cinema in the grounds of Strawberry Hill House. Bring your own blanket or chair, and don your best fancy dress. Headphones are provided, and drinks and ice cream are available to buy — although you're welcome to bring your own picnic too. Strawberry Hill House (Twickenham), £16, book ahead, 8.45pm

Tube ponderings with Barry Heck

Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.

Continuing our tour of Leslie Green stations, have you ever noticed this sporty sign? It's built into the red-tiled facade of Leicester Square station, which once contained the premises of J Wisden, publisher of the famous cricketing almanack. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.

Good causes of the day

Amnesty International hosts a charity screening of Pride, a film inspired by the true story of solidarity between LGBTQ activists and striking miners in 1980s Wales. The screening is followed by a panel discussion, and a supper club is part of the event too. Money raised goes back into Amnesty's work, and for every ticket purchased, an asylum seeker can attend for free. Find out more and book tickets.

Get better acquainted with Syria's vibrant food culture, at a supper club in aid of those affected by the Syrian civil war. Tickets include a three-course dinner of specialities from the region, and an informal talk from guest speaker Theresa Thornhill about her experiences working with Syrian refugees in Greece. Brick House Bread (East Dulwich), £40, book ahead, 7.30pm.