Free things to do in London this week.
Mr. Men trail
It’s 55 years since the first Mr. Men book — Mr. Tickle — was published, and Battersea Power Station celebrates with a free interactive Mr. Men/Little Miss trail, weaving its way through the venue. Pick up a map from the Guest Services desks, and set off in search of characters from the children’s book series — collecting free downloadable ‘gifts’ as you go along.
Until 30 August.
Underground-inspired art
How has the London Underground network inspired artists and architects through the decades? London Blue Badge tour guide Louise Halfpenny is at Guildhall Library on Tuesday afternoon to give a free talk about exactly that, discussing how trains and stations have inspired graphic designers, painters and architects including Sir Henry Moore and Jock McFadyen (whose works are on display at Guildhall Art Gallery until September).
Tickets to attend in person have sold out but you can still sign up to watch online via livestream.
11 August.
Spotlight on Medieval London
The London Archives currently has a (free) Spotlight on Medieval London display showcasing items including two historic manuscripts and a 1402 receipt from Richard (Dick) Whittington. On Tuesday evening, learn more about the display with a short introduction from a member of the London Archives team, followed by a Q&A and a chance to explore it for yourself.
11 August.
Family Week at Summer by the River
Seasonal festival Summer by the River holds a Family Week this week, with free entertainment for all ages. Book ahead for Mini Folk on Tuesday with live music, craft activities and bubbles. Just turn up on Wednesday to play with an interactive water installation, or on Thursday to join the Tale Travellers in the whimsical Forest of Figments, and make your own story in an arts and craft workshop.
11-13 August.
Summer Scholars talks
The British Library’s Summer Scholars series of free talks brings together pairs of experts to discuss their current research in the Library’s Americas collections.
On Tuesday, Malinda Haslett discusses the rediscovery of Italian-born composer Gilda Ruta, whose music once filled Carnegie Hall before falling into obscurity. Researcher Luisa Karman, meanwhile, examines the imperial context of Afro-Indigenous Brazilian objects sent to the UK in the 1850s.
On Thursday, curator Alexander Lock reveals the history of Black Loyalists, enslaved people who escaped to join the British during the American Revolutionary War. Then, Richard Morel, also a curator, talks about postage stamps of the American Revolution, some of which were recently rediscovered in the archives.
11 and 13 August.
Whitechapel history
Get to know Whitechapel a little better in a free talk at Guildhall Library on Thursday lunchtime. Hear about the history of one of London’s earliest suburbs, based along the Roman Road linking Aldgate to Colchester, including how it got its modern name, how it’s been shaped by immigration and how it produced Big Ben and America’s Liberty Bell.
13 August.
Tracks on Tap
Swing by Southbank Centre’s Riverside Terrace on Thursday evening for Tracks on Tap: A Journey Through UK Music. The free outdoor gig is curated by south London-based organisation Tracks on Tap, which champions new musical talent from across the UK. Full line-up is still TBC at time of writing but we’re promised a look at the future of UK music.
13 August
Home for Everyone
Take the kids to the Horniman Museum on Thursday for drop-in session Home for Everyone, created in partnership with the Migration Museum. Though a crafting activity, learn about how the results of climate change are causing people to leave their homes in huge numbers, as well as how we can all care for our environment and our neighbours.
13 August.
Summer Sounds music festival
Get ready to rock out as the free Summer Sounds music festival returns to King’s Cross. Gigs take place every evening and throughout the weekends in Coal Drops Yard, kicking off with a surprise headliner on Thursday evening. Other musicians on the schedule include Americana-indie band Little Grandad, youth ensemble Tomorrow’s Warriors and jazz-pop duo Fonda.
There’s more than just music, too: look out for a moving 12ft performance wheel (23 August) and a dance-theatre show centred around a giant birdcage (16 August).
13-23 August.
Free outdoor film screenings
Three chances to catch a free al fresco film screening this week:
💚 Summer by the River screens a singalong version of Wicked at London Bridge City Pier on Tuesday evening, following the formative friendship between the green-skinned Elphaba and the popular Galinda long before they become the witches of Oz. Belt out the showstoppers in a scenic riverside.
⚡ Grease lightning takes over the Summer Screens setting in Canary Wharf, also on Tuesday evening, showing the 1950s-set musical about two very different high school students falling in love.
🐷 Head back to Canary Wharf on Saturday morning for a family screening of Babe, about a farm pig with big dreams.
Free gig
Five-piece rock/electro/jungle band newbuild perform a free gig at the Shacklewell Arms, with support from Dog Saints. If your ears are hungry for a double serving of alt rock this Friday night, here’s where to get it.
14 August.
Waterways clean up
Help polish up the Limehouse Cut Canal at a free waterways clean up event hosted by Poplar Union on Saturday. Hop on a paddle board or kayak (no experience necessary!) and get involved with removing rubbish from the waterway. All equipment is provided, but it might be wise to take a change of clothes along, in case you get a bit damp.
15 August.
Whitechapel art walking tour
A second mention for Whitechapel this week, this time as part of the Backyard Biennial: East programme of events. On Saturday, take a free walking tour around the area, beginning at Whitechapel Gallery, led by artist and local resident Kuda Mushangi. He opens your eyes to the ways in which art has been integrated and woven into the history and architecture of the East End, visiting sites including Brick Lane, Princelet Street and Arnold Circus.
15 August.
