The capital’s best free events from April 22nd-28th
Dear {{ first name | Cheapskater }},
In last week’s newsletter, we asked whether you’ve done anything unmissable in London recently - and we got a tonne of responses! Some of our favourites included:
”I went to Planet Wax in New Cross for their Back 2 Da Garage event - a showcase of garage and house DJs from London and beyond. The night was amazing and the entry was completely free!”
“We used our Tesco club card vouchers to buy tickets for St Paul’s Cathedral. Well worth a visit with guided tours and so much to see.”
“Went to see Sophie’s Suprise 29th at Underbelly Boulevard in Soho. Fantastic circus in a really intimate space!”
“I went to St James’ Park to see the tulips, as well as to to the Guildhall School of Music & Art to see an exhibition called Kaleidoscope, where I saw how woodblock prints are made.”
“I went to a silent disco at the Natural History Museum.”
Thanks to everyone who shared their responses - my London bucket list has definitely got a lot longer. We’re always keen to know about great London happenings (free and otherwise) so do get in touch with recs in the future!
Have a stunning week,
Kate x
PS. Congrats to our readers Isabel, Tess, Taneesha and Olivia, who each won a pair of tickets to Singalong Showdown at The Four Thieves pub (as promoted in our most recent newsletter!). Scroll down for another fab competition…
MONDAY
EXHIBIT 🖼️ Farringdon, until Weds
Unforgotten Lives
It’s the last week to check out Unforgotten Lives, an exhibit featuring stories of Londoners of African, Caribbean, Asian & Indigenous heritage who lived in the city from 1560-1860.
EXHIBIT 🎨 Charing Cross, until Feb
Northern Ireland art
Today’s the launch of Silent Testimony, a National Portrait Gallery show by Belfast-born artist Colin Davidson which reveals the stories & experiences of those impacted by the Troubles.
TUESDAY
LISTEN 👂 Notting Hill, from 7.30pm
The first ‘half sonnethon’
In what may be a world first, writer & podcaster Sebastian Michael is going to recite the first 77 of Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets by heart to a live audience, to raise money for Arts for Dementia.
MUSIC 🎶 Peckham, from 7.15pm
Inclusive orchestra
Peckham Chamber Orchestra, a not-for-profit, non-hierarchical, mixed ability community orchestra, is holding a spring concert at Copeland Park. Expect Beethoven & Kate Bush.
WEDNESDAY
EXHIBIT 🍍 Put Bridge, until 9 June
Annie Trevorah’s Ananas
Check out Ananas, a new exhibit featuring four hand-made totems (including an upside-down pineapple sculpture - an emblem of colonialism) in Fulham Palace’s historic walled garden.
Competition time! 🇪🇸
Win a pair of tickets to the sold out Spanish Fiesta at La Terraza by Iberica, Cabot Square, on May 9.
The Spanish Fiesta is being held as part of Estrella Galicia Gastronomy Month, the UK’s biggest annual Spanish food festival, which celebrates Spanish flavours and their pairing with Estrella Galicia beers!
Tickets include two Estrella Galicia beers, an opportunity to pour your own Estrella Galicia, a sharing board from the grill and live entertainment.
To enter the draw, simply refer a friend to Cheapskate by sending them this link (it contains your personalised referral code): {{rp_refer_url}}.
Once they’ve signed up, you’ll be entered & we’ll then pick the winner at random. Good luck! 🤞
THURSDAY
TALK 🎶 Old St/virtual, from 6pm
The flavour of music
What makes a piece of music challenging, bland, intriguing, beautiful or ugly? That’s the subject of this Gresham College lecture which will explore the concept of ‘musical flavour’.
LATE 🎨 Blackfriars, 6-10pm
Sonic art, after-hours
Explore the possibilities of sonic art at Tate Modern after-hours this Thursday. Expect a mix of art, music, workshops, talks & film, to coincide with the Preemptive Listening programme.
FRIDAY
CREATIVITY 🗣️ K Cross, 8.30-10am
Spicy morning meeting
Being open to trying new & bold tastes is a good habit for bringing daring & originality into our creative work. That’s why spicy’s the theme of this Creative Mornings talk at Samsung KX.
EXHIBIT 🖼️ Bethnal G, until 2 May
A ‘lost & primitive world’
Friday’s the launch of Lost Art of a Little Earthling, an introspective St Margaret’s House exhibit characterised by the terms: earthy, primordial, dark & strange. Find out more.
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WEEKEND
CAREER 👀 Shep Bush, Sat-Sun
Looking for a new job?
The London Job Show is returning to Westfield Shopping Centre this weekend - & it’s totally free. There’ll be 60+ employers (looking to fill roles at all levels), plus career workshops.
EXHIBIT 🖼️ Sloane Sq, Sat-Sun
Sustainable show
Find new sustainable products & brands at the Sustainable Discovery Show, an exciting event at the Chelsea Old Town Hall this weekend. There’ll also be panel talks & workshops.
And for dessert...
🧡 Help your colleagues, family & friends get the best out of London for free by referring them to Cheapskate using your unique code: {{rp_refer_url}}.
🥡 The Chinese ‘grab & go’ outlet Mama Li is opening at a second location (49 London Wall, Moorgate) this Wednesday - and is offering 50% off all food until Tuesday April 30th.
🛋️ This week, I’ve been lusting after British Design Shop’s gorgeous flat weave rugs (this one is my fave, but it’s sadly slighttttly out of budget). I’ve also been admiring their sofas, particularly this one in the sale.
🏅 If you ran the marathon yesterday, you can treat yourself to a free Argentinian Rib Eye Steak at Heliot Steak House or a free Claire Heliot Burger (with a brioche bun, fried egg & crispy bacon) at the Hippodrome Rooftop. Just show your medal to access the deal.
🥼 Looking for some lighter PJs for spring? There are some lovely ones here. I’ve also got my eyes on these warm-weather tees.
💌 If you’re like me and love newsletters, but get a bit overwhelmed by your busy inbox, you might want to try Meco. It’s a free app that’s specifically built for reading newsies (will that ever catch on?). Try it here (it’s free!).
🧠 We’ve been loving The 1 Minute Question newsletter - a free newsletter which provides quick & easy anti-stress “brain hacks” designed to help you eliminate your self doubt & anxiety.
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