Things To Do Today In London: Wednesday 17 July 2019

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Take part in a quiz on a boat

Things to do

CART MARKING: Every year, a fleet of vehicles parade around Guildhall Yard in a traditional ceremony of the Worshipful Company of Carmen — the second largest free event in the City, after the Lord Mayor's Show. Expect handcarts, horse-drawn and steam-powered vehicles, along with more modern modes of transport, culminating in the Lord Mayor branding each vehicle with a hot iron. Guildhall Yard, free, just turn up, 10.30am-12.30pm

LONDON EAR: Take a two-mile guided tour through the City of London — but instead of looking out for the sights, listen out instead. The London Ear is a sonic stroll, taking in the noises that we normally miss, and listening out to see how the City's soundscape is changing. St Botolph's Without Bishopsgate, £18/£15, book ahead, 5.30pm-7.45pm

Watch the cart marking ceremony at Guildhall. Image: Shutterstock

FREE TAI CHI: Pick up a few Tai Chi moves at this workshop led by experienced Tai Chi masters. It's used both as a martial art and a method of relaxation — and you're welcome to take part in the whole session, or just drop in for a few minutes. Newport Place (Chinatown), free (donations welcome), just turn up, 4pm-5pm

VINYL REVIVAL: Why is vinyl getting popular again? New documentary The Vinyl Revival talks to collectors, record store owners and musicians about why vinyl is making a comeback. Watch a screening of the documentary, followed by a Q&A with author Graham Jones, director Pip Piper and special guests. Hackney Picturehouse, £14.10, book ahead, 6.30pm

SCI-FI LITERATURE: If you love science fiction literature, you'll want to be at the Arthur C. Clarke Award Ceremony tonight. The annual award is one of the UK's top prizes for science fiction writing, and the ceremony brings together writers, publishers and fans for a celebration of the genre. Foyles Charing Cross Road, £13, book ahead, 6.30pm-9pm

Aaron Simmonds performs at Battersea Arts Centre

DISABLED COCONUT: Comedian Aaron Simmonds believes that his point of view on life — from a wheelchair — gives him a unique perspective which helps his material and performances. Hear him talk about how his first paid gig led to him performing on BBC Two, and what happens when you're trolled online for not being disabled enough. Battersea Arts Centre, £7/£5, book ahead, 7pm

WHISKY TASTING: Sample five drams of single malt whisky under the guidance of whisky expert James Shea. Hear about the history and distillation process of each drink as you go, and learn how factors such as geology and chemistry affect the flavour. Behind This Wall (Hackney), £35, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm

Take a London Ear guided walk

BOAT QUIZ: Bearded drag artist Mr Teds hosts an alternative comedy quiz, with standard questions, plus a life drawing round, a costume making round and a lip syncing round. It all takes place on a dry-docked boat, and there are prizes to be won. The Golden Hinde (Borough), £9.21, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm

COMEDY WINE TASTING: This wine tasting is a comedy panel show in which you may also learn something about your favourite vino. Comedians Sophie Duker, Jacob Hawley and Helen Bauer host a round each, demonstrating exactly how little they know about wine, while you quaff the stuff. Bottle Bar and Shop (Catford), £5-£30, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm

LIFE DRAWING LATE: Figuration hosts a life drawing art workshop, open to artists of all abilities. Guidance is available and all materials are provided for you to create your own interpretation of the human form. The Paxton Centre (Crystal Palace), £10, book ahead, 8.30pm-10.30pm

Tube ponderings with Barry Heck

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

If you've not yet discovered Jay Foreman's YouTube channel, where have you been? The multi-talented singer/comedian has a side-splitting back catalog of transport-themed whimsy. But my favourite has to be this exceptional ditty, which name checks every single tube station.

Follow Barry Heck on Twitter @HeckTube.

Good cause of the day

Learn how to cut down on food waste at Wise Up To Waste's free lunchtime event in Barnet. Watch live cookery demonstrations and taste dishes made from ingredients that would otherwise have gone to waste. Trained staff are also on hand to offer tips on wasting less, saving money, and recycling inedible food waste. Find out more here.

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