Things To Do This Weekend In London: 27-28 January 2018

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All weekend

Expect workshops and storytelling exploring India’s rich array of scientific ideas and technological innovations at the Illuminating India family weekender. © Earth Ball by Ksema Karna 1571

THE FRANCE SHOW: Fill your basket at the French market, fill your glass with wine, practice the language of love, play pétanque and generally pretend you're living it up on the Riviera at The France Show. Olympia London, £12, book ahead, 26-28 January

LONDON ROCK: Check out former NME photographer Alec Byrne's previously unseen images of the musicians who were at the forefront of London’s music evolution during the 60s and 70s, from Led Zeppelin to Mick Jagger. Proud Central, free, just turn up, until 28 January

DOWN UNDER BEER FESTIVAL: Beer guzzling Aussies wondering where to enjoy a few bevvies on Australia Day should make a beeline to new venue Lost Rivers for Australian and New Zealand brews, BBQ food and Kiwi and Aussie rock tunes, a combined celebration of both Australia Day and Waitangi Day. Lost Rivers Leake Street, £5-£10, book ahead, 26 January-4 February

ILLUMINATING INDIA: Find your inner zen at a yoga and meditation class, settle in for a storytelling session with Sita Thomas or join creative workshops in constellation-mapping, Rangoli geometry and more at this family-friendly weekend coinciding with the Illuminating India exhibition. Science Museum (South Kensington), free, just turn up, 11am-5pm, 27-28 January

Saturday 27 January

Significant Seams bring their love of sewing to Family Day at the William Morris Gallery.

ENFIELD LITERARY FESTIVAL: Pick up creative writing advice from a book surgery, attend talks with authors and a talk on the impact of digital media on local journalism at Enfield Literary Festival today. Edmonton Green Library, various prices, book ahead, 10am-5pm

HONEST ROOTS VEGAN BRUNCH: The Goodness Guru, Isa Robinson, offers alternative tips for a healthy lifestyle, followed by a brief meditation session before a menu of chickpea fritters, smashed avocado and pomegranate seeds is served up, which will have you feeling so smug from that health high you'll forget all about that craving for a fry-up. The Bluebird (Chelsea), £35, book ahead, 11am

BIGGEST UK RECORD FAIR: Vinyl collectors prepare for some serious crate digging as the UK's biggest record fair gets underway. Serious music heads can nab a £10 ticket for 10am entry, which gives you an extra two hours to snap up that rare LP. Lindley Hall, £5 (or £10 for early entry), book ahead, noon-5pm

BRICK BREWERY OPEN DAY: The first 50 eager beavers through this new Brewery's doors will get a free half pint. During the open day celebrations, there will also be tasting sessions and a chance to make friends with the Brick team. Unit 13-14 Deptford Trading Estate, free, just turn up, noon-6pm

EDIBLE SEED SWAP: Got grand plans to grow your own this year? Start at this seed swap and pick up tips on how to store your seeds from a local 'seed saver'. The Garden Museum (Lambeth), free, just turn up, 1pm-3pm

FAMILY DAY: This afternoon of fun sewing activities for the whole family is themed around May Morris's talent for embroidery. Nimble fingers at the ready! William Morris Gallery, free, just turn up, 1pm-4pm

BODY AS ARCHIVE: Three contemporary artists discuss how the body influences their work, from politically charged performance projects to using costume and characterisation. Whitechapel Gallery, £9.50/£7.50, book ahead, 3pm

PIZZA PARTY: January just got infinitely more exciting thanks to Pizza Union, which is inviting you lot to its new branch in Dalston for a massive pizza party.  The first 100 guests through the door get free pizza. We'd advise arriving well before 6pm to avoid missing out. Pizza Union Dalston, free, just turn up, from 6pm

SEX APPEAL SEVEN: See a tonne of top notch comics come together for the annual Sex Appeal charity event, raising vital funds for Brook, a charity working with under 25s to promote their sexual health and wellbeing. Conway Hall (Holborn), £25, book ahead, 7.30pm-1am

FLEETWOOD BAC: This Fleetwood Mac tribute band is so good that it got the seal of approval from drummer Mick ‘Big Daddy’ Fleetwood. They have garnered fans from as far afield as the Cayman Islands and Monaco to St Tropez and Dubai, but you only need to go as far as Putney to be hypnotised by this landslide of Mac hits. The Half Moon (Putney), £14, book ahead, 8pm-11pm

Sunday 28 January

Boom like Basquiat at this Paint Jam event, a quirky night out in a pop-up art studio.

KINGSTON YOGA AND VEGAN FEST: Are you craving a double cheeseburger or looking for motivation to continue veganuary? If the latter is true, head to Kingston for a day of yoga, meditation, cookery demos and vegan treats, that should carry you, zenned out, into February. Hollyfield School, Kington upon Thames, £5/£6, book ahead, 9.15am-4.30pm

THE BIG CRAFT SWISH: Craft is no longer the preserve of grandmas and ageing textile teachers. There's a new wave of crafters and you'll find them swapping unfinished/unused projects bought on a whim after watching too much Kirsty Allsopp at The Big Craft Swish. Cecil Sharp House (Camden), £4, book ahead, 10am-1pm

FURNITURE FLEA: Moved into some new digs you want to make your own? The Camden Vintage Furniture Flea is where you'll find a riot of kitchenalia, vintage textiles, pretty cocktail glasses, lampshades and more. Cecil Sharp House, £3 earlybird/£2, book ahead, 10.30am-11.30pm

EVERYONE A MAKER: Bring objects you have lying around at home you reckon could inspire a great story, which you'll put together during this family-friendly workshop, as part of National Storytelling Week. Rich Mix, free, book ahead, 11am-4pm

CARIBBEAN BRUNCH PARTY: Fill up on a two-course Caribbean meal, guzzle down rum punch during Bottomless Hour, enjoy a glass of prosecco on arrival and an after-brunch shot while listening to the best in soca, reggae and R&B. Hair of the dog and all that. Proud Cabaret (Camden), £35, book ahead, 11am-5pm

MINDFULNESS DAY: Attend workshops in mindfulness meditation, self compassion, aromatherapy and Iyengar yoga and feel the stress of January melt away. (Bring your own yoga mat.) Beckenham Place Park Mansion, Bromley, £5-£15, 11am-4pm

WINTER VINTAGE MARKET: Whether you've committed to buying second hand because of the environment, or you just enjoy unearthing a good gem, hit up this lovely indoor market. Just follow the smell of chocolate pancakes from the Well Bean Company. R.A.W. Lab, free, just turn up, noon-4pm

MUSEUM OF BRANDS: Discover the history behind the collection at the Museum of Brands, including the stories behind British brands Golden Shred and Birds Custard, as well as more contemporary names. Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising (Notting Hill), £9, book ahead, 12.30pm and 2pm

A PIECE OF CAKE: What's better than free comedy on a lazy Sunday afternoon? Free comedy served up with free homemade cake, of course. Keen bakers are welcome to bring their own cake to share. The Bill Murray (Angel), free (or pay £5 to reserve a seat), 3.30pm-5.30pm

BASQUIAT PAINT JAM: Leave your glad rags at home for this arty party, where you get a canvas or paper to doodle on while DJs spin tunes. There's a prosecco reception to jack up the creative juices. Secret location, £30-£35, book ahead, 4pm-7pm