Things to do today is sponsored by the Postal Museum.
What we’re reading
- Could a reduction in sexual health services increase the risk of STIs?
- New high-speed train's first journey from Bristol to London doesn't exactly go smoothly.
- Campaign against anti-Muslim hate crime launched across London transport network.
Things to do
LONDON BRIDGE LIVE: Passing through London Bridge today? Listen out for unannounced readings of extracts from Orwell's books performed by actors and the author's stepson Richard Blair. Check the #LBLiveStation hashtag for more details. London Bridge Station, free, just turn up, various times
LONDON PHOTO SHOW: Prepare to get a serious case of wanderlust as you browse images showcasing travel, culture, architecture and more from 30 people handy with a camera. The Strand Gallery, free, just turn up, 11am-6pm, until 23 October
MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS: Spend your evening slack-jawed at the sight of dizzying acrobatics, unicyclists, trapeze and highwire acts as part of this circus show. Eel Brook Common, various prices, Book ahead, 5pm and 8pm, until 29 October
PAINT & COCKTAILS: You don't need to be the next Picasso to join this spin painting class, where sploshing paint on any old way will do, which is just as well once the cocktails are flowing. Little Nan's Broadway Theatre Saloon, £10 (includes one canvas, one cocktail), book ahead, 3.30pm
Sponsor message
The Postal Museum has family fun Sorted!
Clerkenwell's Postal Museum is not just a treasure trove of postal history, it also has a first-class play area for the little ones. Sorted! is a dedicated space for children aged eight and under. Deliver mail around a model town, load up the van with fresh parcels, weigh and stamp the mail in a fun-sized post office, or slide down the chute in the soft-play sorting office.
Sorted! is packed with activities for toddlers as well as bigger kids. Our own little Londonist, aged not quite 2, was mesmerised by the magnetic wall shapes, challenged by the shape sorters, and wanted to keep her post office overalls. There's even a refreshment stall if all the action gets too much... for the parents.
Sessions last 45 minutes, on the hour between 10am and 4pm, 7 days a week. Book now for Half Term.
LIFE DRAWING AT HOME: Artist Bella Franks usually takes life-drawing to people's homes but this time around she's setting up her models in the twentieth century domestic settings at the Geffrye Museum. Drinks and music create a relaxed drawing environment and art materials are included. Geffrye Museum, £16.88-£22.10, book ahead, 6.30pm-9.30pm
MINDFUL PUB CRAWL: Going sober for October or just want a night out without the next day headache? Join the mindful drinkers Club Soda and Morning Gloryville on this pub crawl sampling some of the finest low alcohol/no alcohol options in London. Strongroom Bar, £5 (first drink free), book ahead, 6.30pm-10pm
REFUGEE CRISIS: Find out what it's like for the journalists covering Europe's refugee crisis in this talk about how the media can be better equipped to look after the mental health of its frontline reporters. The Frontline Club, £12, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
ART FRAMING: A frame can make or break a painting, learn how to make the right design choices so your frames look after your paintings as well as looking good. Leading the workshop is Matt Jones, who has worked with some big shot names in the art world including Lee McQueen, so your art is in safe hands. Sarabande, free, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
MUSIC SESSIONS: While it feels like live music venues are closing down left, right and centre, there are still places to catch an up and coming band in an intimate setting. Tonight you can hear Birmingham-based indie group Superfood. House of Vans, free, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
Good cause of the day: Dine at a Streetsmart restaurant
Giving to charity doesn't have to be a laborious process, in fact, it can be as easy as dining out at your favourite restaurant. At participating eateries, a voluntary £1 is added to the diner's bill, which then goes to StreetSmart who pass it on to charities helping the homeless. So next time you're planning to eat out, find out if your local is involved here first.
