Things to do
ROY'S PEOPLE ART FAIR: Treat yourself to some new art and purchase it directly from the artist at the Roy's People Art Fair. It's a relaxed atmosphere, free of the stuffiness of art galleries, and features work by emerging and established artists. If you're inspired by the works you see, take part in live painting, creative workshops and interactive installations. Barge House (OXO Tower), free entry, book ahead, 4-7 April
LONDON HAT WEEK: A rather niche event, but a worthwhile one for people looking for something to adorn their heads. London Hat Week celebrates the capital's millinery heritage and industry with workshops, exhibitions and other events, all themed around the humble titfer. Various locations and prices, 4-10 April
MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY: Throughout his impressive career, music photographer Mark Allan has worked with the likes of David Bowie, Tina Turner and Britney Spears, capturing them mid-performance and in everyday life. See some of his most striking prints at this new exhibition. Barbican Library, free, just turn up, 4 April-29 June
COLD WAR REVEALED: New exhibition Britain's Cold War Revealed marks 70 years since the formation of NATO, and displays documents including a letter from Winston Churchill to the Queen, as well as spy confessions and political memos. Get an insight into just how complex government operations were at this time. A programme of events runs alongside the exhibition. National Archives (Kew), free, just turn up, 4 April-9 November
BATTLE TANK: For one day only, a Challenger 2 battle tank parks up outside the National Army Museum, to give people a closer look at the armoured vehicle. Climb aboard, chat to crew from the Royal Armoured Corps who work on it, and find out about the role it's played in the military over the last 20 years. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, just turn up, 8am-8pm
VEGAN NIGHTS: A night market aimed specifically at those on a plant-based diet, Vegan Nights brings 40 vegan food vendors together for one heck of a feast, while DJs provide the soundtrack. 93 Feet East (Brick Lane), from £10, book ahead, 5pm-10.30pm
BLACKFRIARS BRIDGE: The first Blackfriars Bridge opened in 1769, and not unlike its modern counterparts, it was the subject of some debate and controversy. Dr Perry Gauci, tutor in Modern History at Oxford University, highlights some of the stormy public debates that took place while it was being built, and shows how it united Londoners on completion. Benjamin Franklin House (Charing Cross), £6, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
ED BYRNE: Irish stand-up comedian Ed Byrne headlines an evening of comedy, joined by Harry Hill — who's trying out new material — along with Adam Hess, Lou Sanders and Sara Barron. Bush Hall (Shepherd's Bush), £21.45, book ahead, 8pm
SOUNDCLASH: Phonox continues its celebration of Brixton's sound system culture with a clash between Bristol dubstep/grime legend Kahn, and Leeds' most notorious crew Iration Steppas. Heavy vibrations to resonate throughout south London into the wee hours. Phonox (Brixton), £10-£15, book ahead, 9.30pm-2am
Good cause of the day
If you've got a couple of quid to spare, consider giving it to EAVE, who are taking on the Tube Challenge in aid of World Hearing Day, raising money for five hearing loss charities. The Tube Challenge involves visiting every London Underground station in the shortest time possible. Find out more and make a donation.
What we're reading
- Regulars at a threatened Soho pub stripped for a Calendar Girls-style naked calendar.
- London's lost River Fleet as it used to look.
- Firefighters rescued a fox cub stuck in the cavity wall of a London shop.
- Self-driving cars are now being tested in two areas of London.
