Orpheus at Battersea Arts Centre

See an innovative take on the Orpheus myth at Battersea Arts Centre, staged by award-winning company Little Bulb Theatre. The haunting tale has been transposed to 1930s Paris, where Orpehus and Eurydice play out their doomed love story to a Hot Club jazz soundtrack. Performances will be accompanied by live musical interludes and late night dancing on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are £10. 16 Apr-11 May

The Mayor of London’s Feast of St George in Trafalgar Square

In celebration of St George’s Day, the commemoration of England’s patron saint which takes place on 23 April, the Mayor of London is laying on traditional entertainment and cuisine in Trafalgar Square. Given St George’s Day’s 13th century origins as a day of feasting, the main attraction of this fun family event will be food: you can enjoy delicious free tastings, purchase a variety of treats to nibble in the banqueting area and watch live cookery demonstrations. There will also be a packed programme of entertainment provided by top London performers. 20 Apr

2013 Virgin London Marathon

Catch the incredible atmosphere of the Virgin London Marathon this Sunday, when more than 30,000 people will be running 26.2 miles through London. Participants, many of whom are raising money for their favourite charity, will race from Greenwich Park to Buckingham Palace, taking in sights such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf along the way. Spectators watch at all points of the route and can enjoy the colourful costumes of many runners as well as the bonhomie among the crowd. 21 Apr

Pick Me Up: Graphic Arts Festival at Somerset House

Returning for a fourth year, the Pick Me Up festival brings the best of the graphic arts to the Embankment Galleries of Somerset House. Not only can you see – and purchase – a diverse mix of works by top artists, but there are also lots of events and workshops to entertain and inspire. This weekend it’s Children’s Choice Weekend, wherein kids can model Shaun the Sheep with Aardman animators, attend a Gruffalo illustration workshop with Axel Scheffler and much more. Tickets start at £8. 18-28 Apr

Floriculture – Flowers, Love and Money at the Garden Museum

Head to one of London’s best small museums for this fascinating exhibition on the art of floristry. Exploring the inspiration of cut flowers to painters and their symbolism in many aspects of life, it stretches from the origins of the Covent Garden flower market to the present day. Admission is £7.50 for adults. Until Apr 28

For one of the most high-profile and stylish events in the world, London Fashion Week is remarkably accessible. If you can’t blag your way in as a fashion professional, journalist or Anna Wintour’s long-lost relative, you can still get a taste of the glamour that infects the city twice a year. London will be full of fashionable opportunities around 15 to 19 February, when the Autumn and Winter 2013 collections from British designers will be on show.

The closest you can get to the action is London Fashion Weekend, which uses the same catwalk at Somerset House for its runway shows, moving in a few days after Fashion Week has packed up. Inside the marquee in the central courtyard, shows will explore upcoming trends and individual designers. You can also browse the maze of mini showrooms, filled with cut-price designer clothing from classic British labels like Pringle of Scotland and Twenty8Twelve.

You can also emulate the jet-set lifestyle of the fashion elite by visiting foreign embassies dotted around the capital, who will promote their country’s emerging designers in the International Fashion Showcase exhibition. More than 110 designers are involved, representing countries as varied as Argentina, Jamaica, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Nigeria and Vietnam. Follow them on a stylish treasure hunt around the capital with this official map - collecting six stamps on the ‘passport’ enters you into a prize draw to win shopping vouchers or tickets to next season’s Fashion Weekend.

There are also plenty of unofficial events worth visiting – the first ever British Plus Size Fashion Weekend has caused a media stir and will celebrate bodies of size 16 and above, and the designers who are inspired by them. It should offer some refreshing and challenging perspectives, not to mention realistically-sized models. Other alternative events include frock-swapping and upcycling lessons at Forest Hill Fashion Week, while retro cocktail bar Bourne & Hollingsworth is hosting Fashion Retrospective, a vintage fashion show at the Bloomsbury Ballroom which plans to reveal the influence the old has on the new.

And away from the runways, there is the nightlife, much of which you can buy a ticket for. London radio station Capital FM is holding a Fashion Week closing party with design collective London Ethnic at Village Underground in Shoreditch. It’s in aid of the Help a Capital Child charity and some models represented Team GB at the London Olympics. The May Fair is the official London Fashion Week hotel, and has created a range of decadent cocktails inspired by shoes to celebrate. Even if you don’t make a party, a trip to one of central London’s bars could well reward you with a celeb sighting.

Here are the dates for your diary:

• London Fashion Weekend: 21-24 February at Somerset House
• International Showcase Exhibition: 1-28 February at embassies around London
• British Plus Size Fashion Weekend: 15-16 Februrary at Shoreditch Town Hall
• Forest Hill Fashion Week: 15-19 February around Forest Hill
• Fashion Retrospective: 16 February at Bloomsbury Ballroom
• Help a Capital Child Party: 19 February at Village Underground in Shoreditch

Rob Eagle’s video highlights some of the brilliant free things to do in London, from the British Museum to the Hunterian Museum.

The film won the Raindance Film Festival award in UCL’s London for Free competition.

Valentino: Master of Couture, Somerset House

Fans of Valentino’s exquisite dresses will be in seventh heaven, as this new exhibition displays more than 130 of his stunning pieces. Not only will visitors walk along a specially designed catwalk to view gowns worn by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly, but they will also learn more about the Italian designer and the painstaking process involved in creating one of his masterpieces. Tickets are £12. 29 Nov-3 Mar

Roman Festival of Light Celebrations, Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre

Head to the Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre for a free family fun day in celebration of Saturnalia, the ancient Roman festival which honoured the god Saturn. Visitors will make their own Roman-style hats, lanterns and mosaics before handling a selection of real artefacts which evoke the carnival spirit of this ancient winter festival. 12pm-4pm, 2 Dec

Great Christmas Pudding Race, Covent Garden

For the 32nd year teams will compete in this frenetic charity race around Covent Garden, in which participants must safely carry Christmas Puddings over a tricky but entertaining obstacle course. As well as enjoying the spectacle, onlookers can watch live entertainment and special guest appearances, or browse the area’s unique shops. 11am, 1 Dec

Jason Mraz at The O2

American pop/folk singer Jason Mraz brings his world tour to London for just one night, treating audiences to renditions of hits such as “I’m Yours” as well as tracks from his new album “Love is a Four Letter Word”. Mraz will be supported by the multi-talented English musician Gregory Page. Tickets are £37.25. 1 Dec

The Courtaulds at Christmas, Eltham Palace

Inject a bit of 1930s glamour into your Christmas at Eltham Palace, where you can experience the thrill of setting up a grand house for the festive season. Costumed characters will be roaming the building, and you can also get involved by singing carols and learning about period Christmas decorations. Tickets are £9.60, which includes entry to the house and grounds. 11am-4pm, 2 Dec

The Southbank Centre Christmas Market

This popular German-style Christmas market returns to the Southbank for a fifth year. Between the London Eye and Waterloo Bridge you’ll find more than 60 traditional wooden chalets, selling everything from unusual Christmas gifts to warming Glühwein. Fairground rides, festive lights and seasonal music complete the magical atmosphere. 16 Nov-24 Dec

UK Chilli Stand Off 2012, Hackney

Fire up your tastebuds at this spicy festival, which sees eight top chefs competing to be crowned chilli champion. Participants include Gizzi Erskine, Tim Anderson and Tom Parker-Bowles, with Masterchef’s John Torode in the enviable position of judge. Visitors will be able to sample all eight chillis, alongside a range of drinks and even chocolate chilli ice cream. Tickets are £40, visit the event’s website to secure a place at one of two tasting sessions. 17 Nov

Light from the Middle East: New Photography, at the Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum presents a rare opportunity to view the best of contemporary Middle Eastern photography at this new exhibition. Thirty artists are represented, and their photographs not only highlight fascinating variations in technique and perspective, but also provide a timely insight into recent events. Entry is free. 13 Nov-7 Apr 

A Bigger Splash: Painting After Performance, at the Tate Modern

Explore the relationship between painting and performance at this reverse-engineered exhibition at the Tate Modern. Featuring work by artists such as Jackson Pollock, David Hockney and Cindy Sherman, it contrasts painters who use theatrical techniques with those who use the human body itself as a canvas. Tickets are £10 for adults. 14 Nov-1 Apr

Skate at Somerset House Ice Rink

This seasonal ice rink, set against the exquisite backdrop of Somerset House, just keeps getting better and better. Not only can adults and children learn to skate in dedicated classes, but budding ice dancers can also show off their moves at late night sessions, accompanied by music from top DJs. Adding to the glamour is the new pop-up shopping arcade, which allows you to buy British artisan gifts for your loved ones after a spin on the ice. 16 Nov-6 Jan

The Bar of Aero

Enter The Bar of Aero, a pop-up world of chocolate, bubbly fun at the Dray Walk Gallery, Truman Brewery. The fun includes a peppermint-scented playground, orange and green bubble waterfall and a movement reactive Aero hot chocolate dispenser. Entrance is free with prizes and free chocolate up for grabs. 16-18 Nov, 12-7pm

More events in London

The Lord Mayor’s Show, City of London

Marvel at this spectacular procession, which has been held (almost) annually for nearly 800 years. The extensive parade, which consists of floats, marching bands, musicians and cars, sets off from Mansion House at 11am. You can also watch the return route between Aldwych and Bank from 1 to 2.30pm – don’t miss the new Lord Mayor of London in his magnificent gold coach. 10 Nov

Cartier Bresson: A Question of Colour, at Somerset House

This fascinating exhibition displays 10 photographs by French photojournalist Henri Cartier-Bresson that have never before been on view in the UK. These important works are exhibited alongside those of 15 international photographers, allowing visitors the chance to trace Cartier-Bresson’s significant influence on his field. This exhibition is the first from The Positive View Foundation, a charity which works with disadvantaged young people and which is supported by Prince William. 8 Nov-27 Jan

The London Jazz Festival, Various Venues

London’s largest pan-city music event kicks off in style this weekend, and as many of the events are free there’s plenty of opportunity to be spontaneous.  Throughout the festival there are more than 30 jazz events per night to choose from: check the event website for full programme details and prices. 9-18 Nov 

Egypt in England, Wellington Arch

From Cleopatra’s Needle to Highgate Cemetery, London’s long association with Egypt is highly visible. Head to this interesting exhibition to learn about England’s involvement with Egypt and how it came to influence the country’s buildings and interiors. After the exhibition, pop upstairs to the roof for unique views of Buckingham Palace and the surrounding landscape. 7 Nov-13 Jan 

Ansel Adams: Photography from the Mountains to the Sea, at the National Maritime Museum

This exhibition presents a rare chance to see works by legendary landscape photographer Ansel Adams in the UK. Although Adams is best known for his pictures of the American Midwest, this exhibition explores his other passion – water. More than 100 photographs are on display, covering everything from waterfalls to rivers and confirming his reputation as a truly exceptional photographer. 9 Nov-28 Apr

More London events

This weekend is a perfect example of the diversity of the capital’s event scene – whether you’re fashion-obsessed, love to bake, want to poke around top London buildings or just fancy reading a good art book, make room in your diary for something on this list.

Open House London

See London’s landmarks from the inside this weekend as Open House London grants access to buildings that are usually closed to the public. Nearly 800 buildings are taking part, such as The Granary Building, pictured above, and the Grade I-listed Italianate building which is home to the Foreign Office. At the other end of the design spectrum, visit the top of the elliptical glass tower at 30 St Mary Axe, which you probably know as the Gherkin. 22-23 Sep

London Fashion Weekend at Somerset House

If you can’t resist a designer label, London Fashion Weekend is a money saver, not to mention an indulgence. Cut-price fashion at up to 70% off is on show at Somerset House, days after the venue was open to fashion industry elite for London Fashion Week. If you opt for a ticket that includes catwalk shows, you can choose from those which focus on a single line like Issa London or ALICE by Temperley, or trend shows examining three key looks for the Autumn/Winter season: Sergeant Indigo, Lady Brocade and Kitchen Chic. 20 – 23 Sep

Cake and Bake Show at Earls Court

Talking of kitchen chic – this new show dedicated to cakes, bread, Mary Berry and all things baking is such a great idea we can’t imagine why someone didn’t come up with it sooner. Earls Court will be the delicious setting for The Cake and Bake Show’s classes and talks with baking luminaries, including Berry and her co-judge on the Great British Bake Off, Paul Hollywood. There are also hundreds of market stalls, a supplier zone where you can pick up the latest kitchen gadgets and a kids area to get little chefs baking. Online tickets are sold out but there will be some on the door on Saturday. 22 – 23 Sep

The London Art Book Fair at Whitechapel Gallery

Be it books, magazines or rare art publications, the London Art Book Fair will bring the best of international contemporary art publishing to the Whitechapel Gallery. Books range from individual artist’s work to gallery collections, and the free entry lets you attend the buzzing programme of events (the talks on commissioning contemporary art and the position of women in comic books look particularlyworthwhile).  As you browse, you could have your photograph taken by artist Sophie Loss to become part of her new artwork, On Reflection. 21-23 Sep

Do you know of an event that should be on our list? Comment below to let us know.

As the second half of the London 2012 Olympic Games kicks in, you’ve got one more week to take full advantage of the party atmosphere in the National Olympic Houses that have sprung up in London for the games.

Here’s a taster of what you’ll experience at some of the National Houses. Let us know if you’ve been to these or other NOC Houses in the comments below.

Imagine Denmark at St Katharine Docks

The Danish festival taking place at St Katharine Docks during the Games features Danish food, design, a mini replica of the Olympic park in Lego and the world’s tallest Lego windmill!
On Thursday evening, it seemed that all Danes in London had gathered at the site to watch the Danish Men’s Handball team play Serbia for a spot in the quarter finals. The atmosphere was great, the sun was out and plenty of Carlsberg beer and Danish hotdogs were being handed over the counter to an audience dressed mostly in red and white.
Many of the Danish athletes will be visiting the site after their games and there are lots of activities for the kids with both Lego exhibitions and a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale tent with face painting, movies etc.
This week, a real Viking ship is being sailed in from Denmark and there will also be performances from Danish dance groups. Maria, 29,  Danish

Casa Brazil at Somerset House

Casa Brazil is not only a must visit of anybody who claims to understand anything about Olympics, but a delightful experiences for the senses.
Somerset House provides an exquisite surrounding for a diverse, rich and vibrant exhibition that covers an eclectic mix of visual arts. From embroidery to feather seats, photography and patchwork to a room which alternates green and yellow scales, from a flying rug to falling chairs. The collection will keep you intrigued, surprised and entertained from start to finish. And at the end you have a choice, you can either watch a video about how Rio de Janeiro has already delivered infrastructure for the next Olympics or go to the central court of Somerset House and enjoy a well prepared caipiriha and stay around for some life music in the evening.
If the ambition of Casa Brazil was to entice our appetite for what Rio 2016 will be, they have certainly succeeded! Start practicing your samba steps. Carolina, Chilean

House of Switzerland at Glaziers Hall

Switzerland have set up an area to promote their hilly country, including an outdoor stage where you can catch the games (from a Swiss perspective) as well as catch a free gig from some interesting Swiss bands.
There is also a rock climbing wall, and a beer stall, and while I may not reccommend combining beer and rock climbing on the same visit, the Swiss beer did go down well with some Raclette from the same Rosticceria. I believe Raclette is Swiss for “plate of delicious melted cheese with some pickles” and it’s made for beer in the sunshine. Plus there’s plenty of delicious Swiss chocolate.
While it may be hard to believe, there are some people in London, like me, who aren’t wildly excited about the Olympics. Luckily, there are a number of fun (and often free) fringe events, like visiting the Swiss House, which do not require any interest in sports. This was the ideal Olympic activity for me. Bengt, 38, Swedish (Not Swiss!)

Kiwi House at Granary Square

I visited Kiwi House, based in The Granary at Kings Cross, with a work colleague. Despite not having a business element, it’s a welcoming place where you can relax in an informal setting and mingle with some friendly Kiwis whilst watching the Games. It essentially comprises the indoor section with a bar, serving various beverages and food, and an outside seating area. I also noticed a small stage in the corner wired up for live bands presumably every evening.
There is a £5 entrance fee and I would certainly recommend going. It’s also a good opportunity to see how the Kings Cross regeneration scheme is progressing. Dhaval, 39, British

Belgian House at Inner Temple

With great Belgian chips, beers and atmosphere, it’s no wonder Belgium House is packed every day.
Located in the historical Inner Temple, one of the four Inns of Court, it features a Cycling Paradise, where you can test your bike skills, the great hall which is always packed to the rafters with Belgians cheering on their compatriots on a big screen and a secluded garden where you can enjoy your beer in the sunshine.
There is even a traditional “frituur”, which is like an ice cream van, but selling Belgian fries, the ultimate Belgian experience. With daily visits of Belgian athletes and their medals, it’s a great way to experience the dynamism, passion and commitment of this European country. Koen Vandecaveye, 33, Belgian

French Olympic Village at Old Billingsgate

Once you’ve managed a little bit of queuing, the Club France is THE place to be to celebrate French  medallists! The French community and tourists gather here when there is good gold medal hopes and watch together, shiver for their best performers! Be thrilled by the action live on giant screens from two national broadcasters featuring former French Olympians who are approachable and happy to share the success of their peers.
Between the highlights and medal ceremonies, there’s lots to enjoy: bar, sponsor boutique, photo montage with the Olympic torch, sport animation for kids and grown ups. And when you need a break from the sport ,enjoy the sun on the lovely terrace overlooking the Thames. When dusk comes Billingsgate becomes a party house with live music to dance and celebrate the champions of the day.
Bleu – Blanc – rouge atmosphere for colourful and patriotic supporters (see first photo) Magalie, French

Czech House at Business Design Centre

Read about my visit to Czech House and see the photo gallery.

Nigeria House at Theatre Royal Stratford East

Nigeria House at the Theatre Royal Stratford East is very colourful in its setting with a Nigerian market stall at its entrance for a chance to haggle the best price, and an outside terrace for alfresco dining. Inside the atmosphere is very lively from the Caribbean food to the displays of Nigerian artists, paintings and artefacts representing each tribe.
Over the four weeks pre- and during the London 2012 Games, the New World Nigeria Sport and Cultural Exchange programme is being staged at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. Week 4 ( 6-12 August) sees a mixture of Films in the Auditorium such as Rattlesnake and Blood and Henna and you might even get lucky and catch a colourful Fashion Show of traditional dress.
Behind the scenes the Nigerian Olympic Committee have set up scholarships at some if London’s creative and design universities and they staged a three-day summit at the Dorchester Hotel focusing on Nigerian companies wanting to set up business in London. This was oversubscribed and was well received.
While there, I spoke to the President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee who was hoping for a gold from their basketball team!  Fiona, British

Africa Village in Hyde Park

We went to Africa Village in Hyde Park on Sunday morning approx. 11.30am. It’s a joint area for a number of African nations who have a mini pavilion each and then there is a stage and two large screens showing the Olympics coverage. After a bit of confusion trying to find it (we headed towards Kensington Palace as the description was Kensington Gardens but it’s next to the Albert Memorial in Hyde Park), we got in quickly as there was no queue and entry is free.
Each country has set up an area with information about the country with things to look at and do. There was a wide variety between the stalls, for example Morocco has a lot of things you could buy and someone doing skin painting/tattooing as well as some music and wood carving, and others just had a few leaflets on a table.
There was nothing happening on stage when we were there but it really livens up later in the day/evening, with concerts most afternoons. There was a nice bar with coffee and alcoholic drinks and some food was being prepared for lunch that smelled delicious.
We saw Morocco, Cameroon, Botswana, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Libya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Togo and others. I would recommend dropping in if you are in the area. Anna, 43, British

This weekend is the last before the Olympics begin – make sure you soak up all the culture London has to offer before the city goes sport mad.

BT River of Music
The BT River of Music is a huge weekend music festival is a one-off to welcome the world to the Olympic city. Six stages – each hosting music from a different continent – will be set up along the Thames at venues like the Tower of London and Battersea Park. Artists representing every Olympic and Paralmypic nation will perform, including the Scissor Sisters and Noisettes. Tickets are free but you’ve got to book them in advance: at the time of writing, there are still some left for Asia Stage at Battersea Park and Oceania Stage at Old Royal Naval College, and for Africa Stage at London Pleasure Gardens on Sunday only.
21-22 Jul

Blue Peter’s Big Olympic Tour
Catch Blue Peter presenters Helen and Barney this weekend on the kids TV show’s Big Olympic Tour. They’ve been following the Olympic torch on its journey around the UK for special live programmes and events, and will touch down in Central Park in East Ham this Saturday and Sunday. From 10am to 4pm, there’ll be free family activities like Olympic sports, learning about the history of the Games and having a go at being a sports commentator.
21-22 Jul

Shakespeare: Staging the World at The British Museum
The British Museum has teamed up with the Royal Shakespeare Company for this major Shakespeare exhibition which explores the playwright’s London through his plays. It gives a taste of what going to the theatre was like 400 years ago, and how it connected London with the rest of the world as international trade, colonisation and diplomacy increased. The exhibition includes performance and objects from paintings and rare manuscripts to everyday items like maps and coins, all piecing together the world of the famous dramatist and his characters.
Until 25 Nov

Floating Market on Regent’s Canal
From tomorrow, a magnificent floating market will moored in Mile End near the Olympic Park. A collection of narrowboats and barges will be selling everything from books and hats to vintage frocks and handicrafts. If strolling along the official Olympic walking route makes you peckish, you can sample various foodie delights on offer, including sausages from a barge called “Marilyn”, Slovakian delicacies from “Vareska” and a selection of candyfloss, popcorn and other fun-fair based treats from The Zebra Boat.
20 Jul-16 Aug

What will you be doing this weekend? Let us know by commenting below.

London’s famous double-decker buses are an ideal way to see the city if you’re on a budget. Buy a Travelcard for the day and take a self-guided city tour on London’s best bus routes. These five cover most of the major sights in the city. Their routes are described from west to east and the return journey passes the same sights in reverse.

Number 74
Starting in Putney, this route travels past London’s museums hub in South Kensington where the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum sit side by side. It then passes luxury department store Harrods and the boundary of one of London’s largest green spaces at Hyde Park Corner. You can catch a glimpse of The Dorchester hotel just after, followed by the famous haunt of public rhetoric – Speaker’s Corner at Marble Arch. The final stop is Baker Street, home to both the Madame Tussauds waxwork museum and the Sherlock Holmes Museum, at the site of the fictional detective’s residence.

Number 9
The number 9 is one of only two routes operating the old-style Routemaster buses on part of its route. Leaving from Hammersmith, it passes Kensington Palace (you’ll have to get off to see it) followed by the beautiful Royal Albert Hall and the monument to Queen Victoria’s husband which sits opposite it. Like the number 74, the 9 passes the museums in Kensington, Harrods and Hyde Park corner. It takes a different route afterwards to visit St James’s Palace, Trafalgar Square, The Savoy hotel and arts and cultural centre Somerset House.

Number RV1
The RV1 is a favourite route for us here at VL Towers! Despite being a single decker, it still passes through some of the best parts of London, giving you a great cultural tour of the city. Soak up some shops and street theatre at Covent Garden before taking the RV1. Hopping on it will take you to the South Bank where you’ll see the London Eye and Royal Festival Hall. The London Bridge stop is metres from the London Dungeon and City Hall is the next sight on the route, which crosses Tower Bridge to finish up at the Tower of London.

Number 24
The 24 sets off from Camden Town which offers alternative fashion and food. The bus then heads to the more mainstream Leicester Square in the centre, calling in at Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade. The political heart of London is next as the bus passes Parliament Square where you’ll find Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, as well as the nearby Westminster Abbey where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were married last year. The final site is the city’s policing headquarters at the iconic New Scotland Yard building.

Be aware that some bus routes might change during the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games – read our top tips for Olympic travel here