Things To Do Today In London: Saturday 29 December 2018
Catch up on some of our 2018 highlights:
London Library discovers Bram Stoker's Dracula notes scribbled in margins of its books. Meet the people not leaving London. Crossrail's not alone — the Victoria line almost didn't open on time either. No need to go to Greenwich to see the Meridian Line. London is running out of burial space: what next? This slice of London outside the M25 is under threat. Things to doPARTY HATS: Museum of London hosts a family-friendly party hat workshop. Choose between an office clerk’s bowler, an aristocratic top hat or the Queen’s crown — and decorate it, then look out for similar hats in the museum's galleries. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 29-31 December
STEAM UP: One of London's more niche museums welcomes the new year with a steam festival. All of the steam engines will be in operation, run by volunteers, and there's a chance to ride the Waterworks Railway and see a Victorian steam fire engine in action. London Museum of Water & Steam (Brentford), £11.25/£4.95, book ahead, 29 December-1 January
MUSIC OF BOND: The London Concert Orchestra plays a concert of music from James Bond films, including Skyfall, Live And Let Die and Casino Royale. Barbican. £16.50-£42.40, book ahead, 2.30pm
WINTER'S A DRAG: London's drag kings and queens lead a free day of activities including songs, stories, dance workshops and performances. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 12pm
BIG GAME 11: For the past 10 years Premiership Rugby team Harlequins takes one of its regular Premiership matches from its 14,500 seater stadium The Stoop over the road to Twickenham Stadium for the biggest rugby festive fixture. This year they play the Wasps. As well as the match, expect family fun including live music and fairground rides in the fan village before the match. Twickenham, £25-£61, book ahead, from 1pm (match begins 4pm)
MURDER MYSTERY: There's been a murder at the Library, and it's up to you to solve this most heinous of crimes in this murder mystery evening. An inspector is on hand to introduce the suspects, explain the case, and throw in some clues and red herrings. After that it's over to you. Library (Covent Garden), £15-£65, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
ARETHA'S ANTHEMS: Black Voices Quintet play tribute to the late, great Aretha Franklin, with this performance of her greatest hits from her 50 year career, spanning gospel, blues, jazz and soul. Jazz Cafe (Camden), £15-£20. book ahead, 7pm-11pm
PARADE CONCERTS: In preparation for the New Year's Day Parade, a series of warm-up concerts take place this week. Today, head to Cadogan Hall to experience music from a series of American high school bands flown in for the occasion (£10, book ahead, 7.30pm) or see the City of London Brass Band headline a concert at St John's Smith Square (£10, book ahead, also 7.30pm).
NILE RODGERS: Sadly not the man himself, but Florelie Escano and her band lead an evening celebrating the music of Nile Rodgers and Chic. Hideaway (Streatham), £15, book ahead, 9pm
Take a look at our guide to things to do in London between Christmas and New Year for other ways to keep busy this week.
Good cause of the dayThere are many good causes worthy of support, but one that comes to the fore at this time of year is homelessness. If you've got a bit of cash spare, why not donate to a homeless charity to help someone less fortunate. Options include sponsoring a room at Centrepoint, providing a hostel welcome package at St Mungo's, or paying for a meal or a bed at Hackney Winter Night Shelter — just a handful of the many worthy charities and causes out there.
