Things to do
INDEPENDENCE DAY: It’s 4 July which means Americans are celebrating Independence Day. We’ve rounded up the best special menus, events and parties in London to celebrate Independence Day — take a look at our picks and get your best red, white and blue outfit ready.
THE OTHER ART FAIR: The newest incarnation of The Other Art Fair takes place in King's Cross for the first time, offering the public a chance to buy artworks directly from the artist. The programme also includes creative workshops, upcycling sessions and a special supper club. One of our picks is One Small Step, a showcase of astronaut helmets turned into artworks by 12 very different creatives. Canopy Market (King’s Cross), £11, book ahead, 4-7 July
WIMBLEDON: Wimbledon’s now in full swing. Make sure you’re up to date on all the thwacking and grunting from SW19 at one of these Wimbledon screenings around the capital. Many are free, with deckchairs and beanbags, plus food and drink available nearby. Until 14 July
DEFORESTATION: As part of London Climate Action Week, hear from experts about products you buy regularly which contribute to deforestation — and which brands have pledged to eliminate deforestation by 2020. Sustainable sourcing of soya, palm oil, paper and cattle are the main pledges that have been made, so find out what you can do as a consumer to support these changes. The Conduit (Mayfair), £4.90, book ahead, 9am-11am
VICTORIAN BUILDINGS: The Annual London Conservation Conference focuses on London’s Victorian buildings, including theatres, libraries, school and town halls. Take a closer look at what they’re made of, and the advances in transport and technology that made their creation possible, in a day of talks from architects, heritage experts and historians. Society of Antiquaries (Brulington House), £55, book ahead, 9.30am-5pm
LIVE MUSIC: Head to Merchant Square’s floating pocket park after work for an evening of free live music from south London singer-songwriter Sherika Sherard. Plenty of stalls and restaurants nearby are selling food and drink to tuck into as you listen. Merchant Square (Paddington), free, just turn up, 5.30pm-7.30pm
LGBT ARCHIVES: Bishopsgate Institute’s archives house a huge number of artefacts and records relating to LGBTQ history, including a set of wizard robes. Take an LGBTQ focused tour of the collection, learn about some of the individual items, and hear stories relating to London’s LGBT history. Bishopsgate Institute (Liverpool Street), £7/£5, book ahead, 6.30pm
SOUNDING OUT: The Irene Taylor Trust’s Sounding Out programme is aimed at ex-prisoner musicians, to provide them with a platform to get their music heard. Enjoy a performance by the latest band to go through the programme, Multiplay, who play original songs fusing rock, jazz and blues. Two other previous Sounding Out bands provide support. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm
PAINTING AND PROSECCO: Pop-Up Painting’s latest event focuses on Annie Dalton‘s Van Gogh-inspired Starry Night over New York. All materials and guidance are provided for you to create your own version of the painting over a glass of wine or two. Liverpool Street, £30.99, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm
TRANS VOICES CABARET: Celebrate the launch of Trans Voices Cabaret at an evening of networking and performances. Trans Voices Cabaret features a cast of all transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming performers, giving them a chance to perform in a friendly and welcoming environment. The Other Palace (Victoria), free, book ahead, 8.30pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
It pays to look up on the tube, as on the streets. Sudbury Town on the Piccadilly line is home to several unusual quirks, but my favourite is this working barometer on the wall of the concourse — an original feature. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
Support a group of primary school children who are selling their produce at Borough Market this lunchtime. Their fruit and veg was all grown in the grounds of their school, and the young marketeers' summer sale teaches them entrepreneurial skills, with money raised going to FareShare food poverty charity. Find out more.
What we're reading
- World's tallest shipping container building to be stacked in London.
- Meeting the people who queue for hours for Wimbledon tickets.
- A first look at the new James Bond film being shot in London.
- Camberwell pub becomes victim of Alt-Right conspiracy theory.
