Things To Do This Weekend In London: 10-11 June 2017

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Things to do this weekend is sponsored by Alexandra Palace.

All weekend

Soho Food Feast

WINE WEEK: 125 of the capital's finest wine bars open their doors to serve flights of wine with delicious food pairings. A £10 wristband gains you access to discounts and deals across these venues. Various venues, £10, book ahead, 5-11 June

ROMAN REMAINS: Deep beneath the office buildings of Billingsgate lies a fascinating archeological site, featuring a Roman house and baths. This tour goes deep into the remains, offering a fascinating insight into ancient life in the city. Museum of London, £8, book ahead, 10.30am/midday, 10-11 June

FOOD FEAST: A school fete with a twist, this Soho Parish Primary School fundraiser gathers a fantastic line-up of restaurants, serving tasters of their menus for as little as £2. Live music, a raffle, live cooking demos and a cocktail bar also feature. St Anne's Gardens, £15, book ahead, midday-6pm, 10-11 June

Saturday 10 June

Watch the cycle pros at Rapha Nocturne

RAPHA NOCTURNE: Watch some of the country's top cycle pros compete alongside the best of the amateur scene in this one day festival of road racing in the heart of the City. The circuit has an F1 feel with hospitality and big screens — alongside live music, food stalls and exhibitions from leading bike brands. Paternoster Square (and other City of London locations), free, just turn up, 10.30am-11.30pm

HENRIETTA'S DREAM: Discover Henrietta Barnett's vision for a garden suburb for all classes. Tracing the early history and developments of the Hampstead Garden Suburb, prepare for this tour to amaze you with a wealth of green hedges and trees, as well as some stunning architectural details. Golders Green Station, £12/£9, book ahead, 11am-1.30pm

GUN SALUTE: It's the Duke of Edinburgh's birthday, and as is customary on such occasions, a gun salute by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery is taking place in Green Park. Free, just turn up, midday

FASHION FEAST: Seven Dials goes traffic-free as over 70 shops, bars and restaurants in the area come together for a day of experimental activities, offers and workshops in this free fashion and food festival. When you're done shopping, soak up the sun on the pop-up lawn around the dial, and kick back with a complimentary cocktail. Seven Dials, free, just turn up/book ahead for freebies, midday-5pm

FLOATING BAR: Paddington's brand new 8,000 sq ft floating pocket park hosts a pop-up bar in celebration of World Gin Day. Serving up signature cocktails and mocktails, the drinks all have a botanical look and feel, featuring handpicked herbs and essences. Merchant Square (Paddington Basin), free, just turn up, midday-9pm

FOLK FEST: Go folking wild at Barking Folk Festival, with Kate Rusby leading the celebrations. Once you've worn yourself out folk dancing, fill up on street food and try your hand at arts and crafts. Barking Abbey Ruins, free, book ahead, 3pm-9.30pm

NIGHT WALKS: Explore nocturnal London through Dickens's own eyes, with readings, insights and performances in this unique event by the Charles Dickens Museum. Tickets include free entry to the museum. Charles Dickens Museum, free, book ahead, 6pm-11pm

CANDLELIGHT CLUB: Don your best 1920s outfit for this clandestine speakeasy party, held in a secret London venue lit entirely by candles. Live bands, cabaret and DJs soundtrack the night as you sip vintage-style cocktails and devour the fine-dining set menu. Secret location, £25, book ahead, 7pm-12pm


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Towels at the ready — the giant waterslide is back

A giant waterslide is popping up at Alexandra Palace's Summer Festival on 22 July, and it’s not just for kids.

There’ll also be loads of street food traders, a great selection of craft beer, and three live music stages to keep the crowds entertained at this Summer of Love themed event. The festival is completely free, although some events and activities (such as the outdoor cinema) require a ticket. With immersive theatre, silent discos and even a family rave, this is one day out you don’t want to miss this summer.

Check out the line-up of events.


Sunday 11 June

Take part in a sketching workshop at the London Wetland Centre

DRAWING WORKSHOP: Against the beautiful backdrop of the London Wetland Centre, learn how to capture the beauty of wildfowl and wetland through sketch. Accessible to all, this workshop will cover basic sketching techniques, and even how to draw foliage, water and clouds. All equipment provided. London Wetland Centre, £40, book ahead, 10am-4pm

FARM SUNDAY: Spitalfields City Farm is one of hundreds of farms throwing open its gates to welcome the public, providing a fascinating insight into the world of farming. A range of activities are on offer, from a sheep meet & bleat, live sheep shearing and have-a-go wool crafts. Spitalfields City Farm, free, just turn up, 10am-4.30pm

MENDING DEMOCRACY: No matter what the outcome of the election, there is a lot that needs fixing when it comes to our outdated voting/parliamentary system. Darren Hughes of the Electoral Reform Society critically appraises Westminster as it is, and goes on to suggest alternatives that could better serve our democracy. Conway Hall, £3/£2, book ahead, 11am

CRAFT FESTIVAL: Over 30 independent traders selling their high quality wares pack in to the beautiful ballroom of Balham Bowls Club for a summer craft market. Now you'll have no excuse not to find something in time for Father's Day. A great line-up of live musicians soundtrack the event. Balham Bowls Club, free, just turn up, midday-5pm

CLIMATE CHANGE: It affects us all. Taking India as a case in point, researcher Jimmy O'Keefe looks at the links between climate, energy, food and water, and illustrates how small changes in climate can make a big difference to people on the ground. Conway Hall (Holborn), free, book ahead, 1pm-2pm

MYTHS RETOLD: This epic performance brings an inspiring tale from medieval Africa to life, in a collision of wild song and heroic story. Part of the Myths Retold series, presenting some of the greatest stories in the world. The British Museum, £8, book ahead, 2.30pm-5.15pm

BARN DANCE: Barn dancing is a great chance for a family get-together, or simply for budding dancers to take their first steps and spins. Designed to suit all ages and abilities, everyone is welcome. Cecil Sharp House, £5/£7, book ahead, 3pm-5pm

Good cause for the weekend

UK Solidarity Fund

RED CROSS: The British Red Cross launches a fundraising campaign urging people to come together for a Saturday night to raise money for the victims of the recent UK terror attacks. Working with organisations across the capital, the charity is calling on people to take a Ride for London, eat a Dish for London and say Cheers for London to help support victims of recent attacks and their families. Uber, Deliveroo, Eat, Greene King Pubs and others have all pledged their support.

The campaign is being backed by Borough Market, where the attack ended last weekend, and many of the restaurants and outlets in the area are supporting the fundraising.

  • To donate to the British Red Cross UK Solidarity Fund, click here or call 0300 023 0820
  • Text UNITY to 70607 to donate £10
  • The fund has raised over £400,000 in its first 48 hours
  • #NightForLondon