The Story of London

'London is a city in which there has been a great ‘Eureka!’ moment around almost every corner.'  Boris Johnson

There are so many things going on in London that it is almost impossible to keep up with them all.  Some of the best are completely free.  The success of last year's Story of London festival has led Boris and his team to make this an annual event.  With over 100 events between this weekend and the 10th October, it is worth checking out their website and finding something that suits you.  Go to The Story of London Festival  website and download the Time Out guide.  The festival is a celebration of London 'as a city at the forefront of innovation and inspiration'.  There are dozens of workshops, walks, lectures and screenings.  

We especially love the 'London in a Box' idea - they are giving out over 4000 cardboard boxes from Council offices among other places, for people to fill with pictures, ideas, old bus tickets, photos etc of what London means to them.  Take a look at My London in a Box  for details of where to submit your masterpieces.

Pretty much every day until the 9th October, there are two free filmmaking workshops for 8-16 year-olds.  The first, at 10.30am, is about futuristic London; the second, at 2pm, focuses on the Londoner Charlie Chaplin.   It all takes place at the London Film Museum, County Hall, Belvedere Rd, SE1 7PB (020 7202 7040) near Waterloo tube.

Other favourites include a free talk on Florence Nightingale by Dr Rosemary Wall, with a walk and an exhibition, starting at the Maughan Library, King's College London, Chancery Lane tube, from 6 - 8pm on Thursday 7th October. email specialcollections@kcl.ac.uk to book.

Take the children to hear firefighters talking about the history of firefighting in London since the 1666 Great Fire at the London Fire Brigade Museum, 94 Southwark Bridge Road near Borough tube.  From 10 - 3 on Friday 8th October.

For the budding artist, head East to Walthamstow, home of the writer, socialist, designer, craftsman and conservationist William Morris unique multimedia show of contemporary artist and craftsfolk.  Saturday 10 - 3pm at the William Morris Gallery, E17.  Walthamstow Central tube/rail.

Discover what 'Tottenham Pudding' was to Londoners during the War and go to Stir it Up - A Recipe for Recylicng:  learn how to make do and mend as they did in the olden days, from rag rugs to pig swill and packed with family activities.  They are even going to bury a time capsule. Markfield Beam Engine and Museum, Markfield Rd, Markfield Park. Seven Sisters tube/rail.  Sunday October 10th. 11 - 4pm.  Free.