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Put your money away! Here are the week’s best free events
London Mela
Street theatre, music, dance and cookery workshops are all in store when London’s annual celebration of Asian culture returns this weekend. Get ready to experience sensory overload. Wembley Park. Wembley Park. Sat Sep 3.
The Great River Race
Did you find yourself watching the Olympic rowing, thinking: ‘This would be better with Vikings’? We’ve got a treat for you. Vessels from Norse longships to Chinese dragon boats and Hawaiian war canoes will take to the Thames for the Great River Race. Millwall Dock. Canary Wharf. Sat Sep 3.
'Floating Dreams' by Ik-Joong Kang
Fancy an illuminating experience? Head riverside to see Korean artist Ik-Joong Kang’s three-storey-high lantern, a memorial to the victims of the Korean War (1950-53). The installation features 500 drawings by people displaced by the conflict. It’s part of the annual Totally Thames festival, with more events across the city. Bankside Riverwalk. Southwark. Thu Sep 1-Sep 30.
Out Loud
The buskers of Covent Garden Piazza won’t stand a chance on Sunday, when the Royal Opera House takes over the public space. Both professional and amateur singers will be showing off their vocal prowess, and there will be workshops for (brave) audience members who want to take part in a special chorus on the day. Covent Garden Piazza. Covent Garden. Sun Sep 4.
Easy Easels
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Monet, but never have the money for art lessons, here’s your chance. The Royal Drawing school is holding free drawing classes on the first Thursday of each month. Expect to see a range of set-ups and tuition from practising artists at the school. Selfridges. Bond St. Thu Sep 1.
Out of the Ashes
It’s 350 years since the Great Fire of London. The blaze swept through the city on September 4 1666, burning much of the capital to the ground. St Paul’s Cathedral is marking the anniversary with two evenings of music from the period. It’s a chance to experience the landmark at its most majestic. St Paul's Cathedral. St Paul's. Fri Sep 2-Sat Sep 3.