The capital’s best free events from Feb 17th-23rd
Dear {{ first name | Cheapskater }},
I’ve been out and about enjoying the city a lot this winter, whether checking out local repair events, frolicking through the British Museum’s free exhibitions or going on a wild £1 mini train ride at this cute Forest Gate pub, I have really appreciated London’s variety recently!
With International Women’s Day coming up in March, we’d love to know—have any women at events you've attended inspired you? This could be the subject (or muse) of an exhibition or show, a curator of an event or someone you’ve met at an event. For me, that person is the designer, Mary Quant, from her 2020 V&A exhibition. Mary challenged the rigidities and social barriers of her time and popularised the mini skirt.
For Georgia, it’s her incredible sister Nat, who’s launched the LA version of Cheapskate while juggling her full-time job and life far from friends and family. It’s no small feat and it’s brought them closer, which she absolutely loves.
Tell us about a woman who has inspired you
Hope it’s a delightful week for you!
Sophia & Georgia
P.S. Massive well done to Cara R for winning Nicola Slawson’s fabulous book Single and to Miko S for winning the table at the Bounce House tickets, as featured in last week’s newsletter. Scroll down to see what’s up for grabs in this week’s excellent competitions (yep, there’s more than one).
MONDAY
EXHIBIT 🖼️ Charing Cross, until Feb 23rd
Poignant portraits
This is the last week you can visit the National Portrait Gallery’s Silent Testimony by Belfast-born artist Colin Davidson. A powerful exhibition with paintings that reveal the personal stories of those affected by the Troubles.
MUSIC 🎶 Tottenham Ct Rd, from 7.30pm
Elewa-te your Monday
Up for a cheeky anti-Monday plan? The Lower Third is hosting a free gig with alluring New Jersey hip hop artist Eléwa. The night includes a hip hop cypher & an exclusive listening session. Grab a ticket & get there early.
TUESDAY
FUN 🐍 Hoxton, 10.30am-3.30pm
‘Lunar New Year Family Day’
Celebrate the year of the snake with a vibrant family day of fun at the Museum of the Home! Expect crafts, storytelling & play, where kids can make snakes, build dens & enjoy interactive storytelling by Tony Tang.
TALK 🗣️ Barbican, 6.30-8.45pm
Talk tech, sip drinks
Hit up We Need to Talk for lively discussions on topical themes facing people (especially women) in tech. All are welcome to join & learn something new, even if you're not in the tech-sphere. There’ll be free nibbles & drinks!
WEDNESDAY
CREATE 🍎 South Ken, until Fri
Food for thought
How does food shape us? That’s the topic being explored in the V&A’s family-friendly day of half term activities geared around food, culture & design. Express yourself, unwind & even try making a fruit preserve!
MUSIC 🎻 Brixton, 8.30pm
Celtic folk night
Hootananny Brixton is hosting a Celtic folk session with Jessie Jane Collins & her virtuosic group returning for a night of uplifting music. Get your free ticket.
Competition time 🎭
This week, win a pair of tickets to Opera at the Palace - a brilliant night of operatic splendour at the historic Fulham Palace!
Expect much-loved classic arias & contemporary masterpieces in an intimate & stunning setting, performed by talented musicians from the National Opera Studio.
To enter, simply refer a friend to Cheapskate using this link (it contains your personalised referral code): {{rp_refer_url}}. Once they sign up, you’ll be entered, & we’ll then pick the winners at random. Refer by Weds Feb 19th.
PS. Members of the Cheapskate Club get automatic entry into all of our weekly competitions.
THURSDAY
EXHIBIT 🖼️ Charing Cross, until April
Worth your salt
Somerset House’s Salt Cosmologies - an exhibition on the complex weave of histories & myths around Britain’s imperial salt monopoly in India - opens this Thurs. See immersive installations, a striking outdoor piece & more.
MUSIC 🎶 Waterloo, 6-6.45pm
Reed all about it
The Philharmonia Chamber Players put the warm tones of the clarinet centre stage in this enchanting early eve concert at the Southbank Centre. Spotlight on the Clarinet is great for all the family - book your ticket ahead.
Hey runners: Do you qualify for RunDot’s new research opportunity?
The RunDot Project is an annual research initiative. It helps runners reach their true performance potential through optimized run training.
RunDot athletes improve running performance 3.2x more than non-users and see positive changes in 30% less training time.
Qualified participants will also receive 2 free months of run training.
Who qualifies?
Those who meet the following criteria:
Train with a device with GPS capabilities
Have not used RunDot or TriDot in the last 12 months
Not a professional runner
Enthusiastic and motivated to reach their running goals
Does this sound like you?
FRIDAY
TALK 🗣️ Virtual, 6.30-7.45pm
Perspectives on Russia's War
On the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, tune in to Russia's War in a Global Perspective, exploring its global consequences with BBC journalist Clive Myrie. In-person tickets are sold out but you can attend online.
FUN 🎹 Tottenham Ct Rd, Thu-Sat
Note-worthy nights
Can’t resist a catchy chorus? Check out The Room Where It Happens, a bar where the waiters break into song & everyone has a singalong around the piano at 9pm. It’s free entry to sing (but you can buy food or drink if you fancy).
WEEKEND
EXHIBIT🧦 Charing Cross, Sat 5.30-8pm
The Face mag, a culture shift
Remember The Face magazine, which shaped ‘80s and ‘90s pop culture & championed the likes of Kate Moss? The National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit dives into this iconic magazine offering pay-what-you-can on Sat afternoons.
LOCK-IN 🗝️ Angel, Sat 10am-4pm
The great (lock-in)doors
The Big Student Lock-In brings together uni students & big brands, for a day of culture & connection. If you love a freebie & discount code or are up for some live music & influencer meet-&-greets, this one’s for you!
WORKSHOP 🌊 Greenwich, until Sun
Make, map & make waves
Catch Out at Sea at the National Maritime Museum - heaps of family-friendly activities inspired by LGBTQ+ History Month. Join story time with a pirate drag queen, get map-making, or make waves with DIY junk instruments.
FILM 🍿 Holborn, Sat & Sun, 11am
A ‘Wicked’ watch
Can’t get enough of perfect Glinda & misunderstood Elphaba? This half term immerse yourself in the spectacular world of Oz at The Garden Cinema’s pay-what-you-can screening of Wicked. Note - tickets are selling fast!
And for dessert...
🧡 Want to show Cheapskate your support? Join the Cheapskate Club & become a member for just £50 (for a year). As a thank you, you’ll get automatic entry into all competitions - plus entry into regular supporter-only competitions). Not able to support us financially? Try clicking on our links (like this one!) which won’t cost you a thing.
🎉 We’re giving away a pair of tickets to Raw on Fri Feb 28th. Raw is an immersive event featuring a tasting menu of London’s culture: vibrant, eclectic & diverse, pairing uncensored true stories with music & art. To win simply give us some feedback on today’s edition (please mention Raw in your response) by Weds Feb 19th. Check out @whatdoesnot for more events like this.
😎 Jetting off somewhere sunny? Check out Meller sunglasses, which are both sustainable & cost-effective. We have our eye on these chic black frames. - Georgia
💌 Speaking of newsletters, if you’re looking to be in the know with all things AI or marketing, we’ve been enjoying Marketing Alec, featuring fresh tips & actionable insights every Weds.
🥗 Is your year off to a busy start? I’ve been feeling chaotic at times so I am eternally grateful for Gousto meal boxes. Choose your cooking frequency & portions, plus skip the hassle. Use my code for 65% off your first box! - Sophia
🍽 Here are some great deals to check out this half-term… Brewers Fayre are feeding families for £15 from Feb 17-28th, get two mains & two kids’ meals. Plus, two kids eat free at breakfast with a paying adult. Côte Brasserie are giving away a free kids’ meal over half term if you sign up to their newsletter. Yolk are hooking up parents with their caffeine fix. Say “HELPME” at any till & get a free coffee with any purchase.
🦫 Did you know Belvoir is pronounced Beaver? I’ve been hooked on their Honey, Lemon & Ginger Cordial - it’s a delightful winter warmer or a zesty, immunity-boosting cocktail mixer. Find it for £4 from Ocado!
🥡 Takeaway let you down? Gemma Collins has your back. If your weekend treat arrived cold, soggy, or just didn’t show up (we’ve all been there), Kitchen Joy is fixing it. They’ve teamed up with Gemma Collins to give away 5,000 FREE Thai fakeaways this February.
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