Things To Do Today In London: Wednesday 23 January 2019

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Things To Do Today In London: Wednesday 23 January 2019
Clubbing with a difference at a silent disco party

Things to do

CHINESE FILMS: To mark Chinese New Year, Chinese Visual Festival screens a series of Chinese films at BFI — including Turtle Rock, a black and white documentary about the seven families living in a small Chinese mountain village, and the UK premiere of A Way Out, a documentary following three Chinese teenagers from varying social backgrounds. BFI Southbank, £9, book ahead, 23-31 January. Find other Chinese New Year events in London.

VAULT FESTIVAL: There's one heck of a party going on in the tunnels underneath Waterloo station. Vault Festival is back for its seventh year, with all manner of drama, comedy and cabaret performances and immersive experiences. Opening day highlight include comedy Fool Britannia and theatre show Katie & Pip. Waterloo Vaults, various prices and dates, book ahead, 23 January-17 March

BEHIND THE SCENES: We've behind the scenes at Fulham Palace and now it's your turn. Head to the museum to see and handle objects from the palace's collection, including paintings, engravings, and archaeological items, many of which aren't usually on display. Fulham Palace, free, just turn up, 11am-12pm

LUNCHTIME LECTURE: In the 1980s, a boutique and studio called The House of Beauty & Culture was located on Dalston's Kingsland Road, selling accessories, jewellery, furniture, fashion and photography, and considered the height of hip fashion. Today's V&A lunchtime lecture looks at how it pre-empted key traits that are still in fashion today. V&A Museum (South Kensington), free, just turn up, 1pm-1.45pm

SUPPER CLUB: Have dinner at a zero-waste vegan supper club, put together by sustainable plant-based chef Sophie Gordon. As Veganuary comes to an end, the event wants to encourage people to continue with a plant-based diet for the rest of the year. Second Home (Spitalfields), £45, book ahead, 6.30pm-10.30pm

MIGRANT WORKERS: Migrant workers are the theme of tonight's Dash Cafe, a regular event which uses various art forms to challenge the way we see the world. Poet Hannah Lowe explores the legacy of the Windrush Generation, and artist, director and composer Bülent Kullukçu pays tribute to the cultural contribution made by the first wave of migrants to Germany. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £5, book ahead, 7pm

Hear about the relationship between humans and cats

CATS: Philosopher John Grau talks about the relationship between humans and cats at the British Library, coinciding with the current Cats On The Page exhibition. Hear about the benefits that cats bring us, and what they can teach us about how to live our lives. British Library, £15/£10, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

SILENT DISCO: If you enjoy dancing, but the madness of regular clubbing isn't for you, try this silent disco party. Ticket numbers are limited so that the dance floor doesn't get too busy, meaning plenty of room to bust a move. Plus, nobody's drunk, and there's a choice of two music channels so you can dance to the beat of your choosing. Trapeze (Shoreditch), £10-£13.95, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

WINE TASTING: Taste five wines from around the world, each made from 'forgotten' or lesser-known grape varieties. Served with a  selection of cheeses, olives, aubergine parmigiana and bruschetta to soak up some of the alcohol. Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle), £35, book ahead, 7pm-9pm

COLD WAR: Every month, Odyssey Film Club focuses on a different country, and today it's Poland's turn in the spotlight. Watch Paweł Pawlikowski’s 2018 black and white film, Cold War. Set against the backdrop of a post-war Europe, it tells the story of two lovers from very different worlds across decades and nations. Harris Academy South Norwood, £8.50/£7/£5, book ahead, 7.45pm-10pm

BATTLE OF THE BANDS: Like to be in the know about new music? Tonight six finalist groups go head to head in a Battle of the Bands style competition, with one crowned the winner at the end. The finalists are Joe Bates, Scordatura Collective, Reylon, 4|12 Collective, James Hurst, Rita Says and The Jerico Orchestra. The Victoria (Dalston), £10/£8/£5, book ahead, 8pm-11.30pm

Good cause of the day

A new photography exhibition opens at Rich Mix in Shoreditch today, showcasing the dignity and resilience of people in West Africa who are affected by the water crisis. 1 in 9 people around the world still don’t have clean water close to home, and 1 in 3 have no toilet The exhibition is in collaboration with WaterAid, and although entry is free, donations are much appreciated.

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Last Updated 22 January 2019