What we're reading
- Tate staff rage, as they're asked to contribute towards a boat for leaving director.
- London's Harry Potter exhibition is hiring muggles.
- Which parts of Greenwich does Tall Ships actually help?
- Illustrations of Spitalfields' birds.
Things to do
BANK'S INDEPENDENCE: A new display opens today marking the 20th anniversary of the Bank's independence to make decisions on interest rates. Bank of England Museum, free entry, just turn up, ongoing
CRAFT FILM FESTIVAL: The UK's first film festival dedicated to crafting and making begins today. Over 40 films of varying lengths will be screened over three days of Reel to Reel, covering topics as diverse as knitting and pottery, to painting lines on the streets. Picturehouse Central, various prices, book ahead, 2-4 May
100 DAYS OF TRUMP: The work of political cartoonists Peter Brookes of the Times and Matt (Matthew Pritchett) of the Telegraph goes on display today, covering topics such as Trump, Brexit and Boris. Chris Beetles Gallery (St James's), free entry, just turn up, until 20 May
LUNCH MARKET:Fancy something different for lunch? Spicy patties, empanadas, noodle salads, haggis toasties and zingy ceviche are just some of the foods on offer at this lunch market. Canary Wharf, free entry, just turn up, 11am-3pm
CHRISTIE'S LATES: Auction house Christie's stays open late for an evening inspired by the art and culture of Asia, with talks by experts, tea sampling, a crash course in Mandarin, and more. Christie's (South Kensington), free entry, book ahead, 6pm-8.30pm
MUSEUM BY CANDLELIGHT: Explore Sir John Soane's Museum after hours by candlelight. The house's collection includes antiquities and other curiosities, as well as paintings by the likes of Turner and Hogarth. Sir John Soane's Museum (Lincoln's Inn Fields), free, just turn up (worth getting there early to avoid disappointment), 6pm-9pm
JAPAN INSIGHT: Thinking of travelling to Japan? Travel company Intrepid holds a panel discussion with some experts in the region, including Kylie Clark of Japan House, and travel journalist Nicola Trup. Intrepid UK (Brixton), £10 (including glass of wine), book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm
EXPLORING THE EXTREMES: Spend an evening with a scientific adventurer and a mountaineering medic, who will be talking about their work on Earth's highest mountains and in the deepest oceans. Royal Institution, £14/£10/£7, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
FREE FILM: Today's offering from the Herne Hill Free Film Festival is Demain (Tomorrow), a documentary showcasing projects from around the globe which are making the world greener and more sustainable. Elmgreen School, free, just turn up (first come first served), 7pm (doors 6.30pm)
A.C. GRAYLING ON WAR: Philosopher A.C. Grayling is at Dulwich Books to talk about his new book War: An Enquiry. It covers the concept of war, and whether anything can be done to reduce the number and frequency of wars taking place in the future. Dulwich Books, £10-£25 (including a glass of wine), book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
Art review: a dancing polar bear
A polar bear appears to be dancing in the window, while one sits at a desk upstairs. The main gallery is taken up by bicycle wheels of spinning feathers. A whimsical, playful exhibition that'll make kids and adults beam. Paola Pivi: You don't have to believe me at Massimo de Carlo, 55 South Audley Street, W1K 2QH, until 27 May, free ★★★★☆ (Monday-Saturday) Tabish Khan
Theatre review: no place like home
In this powerful story by Benjamin Zephaniah, adapted by Lemn Sissay, A 14-year-old is forced to leave his home, and separated from his family, when war descends on his country. The young asylum seeker encounters British government officials, local gangs, and a well-meaning but overwhelmed foster family — as he forges a life for himself in a foreign land. The show kept a large teenage school group utterly spellbound on the night we visited. Refugee Boy, Chickenshed Theatre, Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE, £5-£15, 20 April- 13 May ★★★★☆ Alice Grahame
Good cause for the day
COLOURING THE STREETS: Back in 2014, Londonist teamed up with mural specialists Global Street Art asking Londoners to nominate their neighbourhood for a street art festival. Brockley won with 873 votes. Since then, the festival has livened up some underwhelming walls and unsightly shutters with incredible art including the iconic Bob Marley, endangered tigers, flying toast and even whole houses.
Now in their 3rd year, they want to do more than create their annual showcase of stunning murals, with plans afoot to host free guided street art tours, workshops, talks and live painting events. The whole thing is still run completely by volunteers, and relies on the generosity of local businesses and the community to make things happen. If you're not local and still want to get involved, you can donate to the cause and you'll be rewarded with anything from limited edition artist prints to beers from Brockley Brewery.
