Little Miss Random Recommends – Jubilee Weekend Special

The ultra-long weekend is coming up! I’m really excited. The mood of the city just changes when everyone else is off work too.
I apologise for getting the Jubilee weekend events up later than usual. I had to get through some unexpected administration this week. I’ve included quite a few free events, so hopefully, there’ll be something for everyone.
If you missed out on Part 3 of The Accidental Guide To Enjoying Life While Unemployed, check it out here. Part 3 looks at low-cost ways of keeping fit in London, and features some great offers you may not be aware of. If you haven’t read Part 1 - The Essentials and Part 2 - Eating & Drinking, please do so as well. Thanks!
School Nights

1. Reacquaint yourself with film noir by catching the BFI’s restoration of Otto Preminger’s Laura this evening. New York detective Mark McPherson investigates the murder of young ad executive Laura Hunt and finds himself falling in love – or perhaps, merely becoming obsessed – with her. May 29th, Hackney Picturehouse, 6.30 pm, £10
2. This month’s Science Museum Lates explores the science behind music. There’ll be buskers and concerts in addition to lectures. You can even learn the dance moves of Thriller! The regular Silent Disco, Speed-Dating and the pub quiz will also feature. May 30th, Science Museum, 6.45 pm to 10.00 pm, free (payment required for some events)
3. Celebrate the return of summer with The Bedroom Bar’s Summer Party, the ultimate in credit crunch celebrations. A free party with free food, free music, free comedy and free drinks! The party features live music from Ex-Shakespeare Sister Katy Prado and her Mamboleros who will be focussing on tunes from the 40s, 50s and 60s. All you need to do is join the bar’s mailing list in person by visiting between now and May 30th. May 30th, Bedroom Bar, 6.00 pm till 12 mn, free
4. Check out the showcase of magic and illusion that is Oh! Oh! Oh! It’s Magic!. Line-up includes Chris Cox, John Archer, Piff the Magic Dragon, Otiz Cannelloni and Delores Deluxe. May 30th, The London Wonderground, 9.30 pm, £17.25
5. The Enlightenment Cafe, a Victorian world for aesthetes, geeks, bon-viveurs and inquiring minds, launches for four nights this week. Highlights include learning about the science of love, the art of gin distillation, and showing off your oratory skills in a speed debating tournament. Half-price tickets are available here. May 31st to Jun 3rd, Old Vic Tunnels, 7.00 pm, £16.55
6. If you’re in East London, BAFTA-winning comedian Lucy Porter performs at the Britannia’s new comedy night. Less than a tenner! Get in. May 31st, The Britannia, 8.30 pm, £9
7. Listen to Nobel prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman talk about his best-selling book Thinking, Fast and Slow. Daniel received the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002 for his work in psychology challenging the rational model of judgement and decision-making. Jun 1st, The Peacock Theatre, 1.00 pm, £10
8. Don’t miss out on the World Street Food Festival, featuring favourites such as Malaysian Food with the friendly Hari, Nam Charm (aka Banhmi11), Mussel Men and Tongue ‘n Cheek. Jun 1st to 5th, Southbank Centre Square, 12 noon to 9.00 pm (ex. Sun, 10.00 am to 9.00 pm), free entry

Loooong Weekend

1. I’ll be volunteering at the 3rd annual London Swing Festival, a festival of dance workshops, parties and just plain ol’ socialising. Tickets for the workshops are almost sold out, but you can still get tickets for the social nights. I’d recommend The London Jitterbug Competition on Friday if you’re planning to watch and not dance. Jun 1st to 3rd, Bishopsgate Institute, 8.00 pm, £21.35 for a social night
2. Explore the Oddities of the Strand with renowned guide Peter Berthoud. Stroll along a former beach and discover, among other things, possibly the world’s first wine bar, the site of an elephant’s execution, and many more curiosities. Jun 2nd, 2.00 pm, £8 – £10 (depending on whether you’re interesting and/or nice)
3. Get into the Jubilee spirit proper with a free screening of The King’s Speech, courtesy of the roving Nomad Cinema. I really enjoyed the moving story of how the Queen’s father overcame his stammer to lead Britain. Even if you’re not a monarchist, you’ve got to appreciate just how good the acting in the film is. Jun 2nd, Queen’s Park, 9.30 pm (doors), free 
4. If you’re into electroswing, then the place for you this weekend has got to be White Mink: Black Cotton, “a zeitgeist-capturing speakeasy where the sounds and styles of the 1920s and 30s are turned on their head and smuggled into the 21st century.” Guest stars include three-piece band Sound Assembly, mash-up maestro Scott Cairo and Tallulah Goodtimes. Jun 2nd, Bedroom Bar, 8.00 pm (doors), £10 (adv) / £12 (door) 
5. Hop onboard the South London Soul Train and let DJ Mickey Smith take you on a Magical Mystery tour through all things funky. Jun 2nd, The CLF Art Cafe at the Bussey Building, 10.00 pm, free
6. Chill out and relax Goldie and Annie Nightingale take a look at the defining tunes that have made up the Queen’s Diamond Decades. Jun 2nd, Clore Ballroom, 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm, free
7. Cross your fingers the weather will hold out for a right royal knees-up on the Queen of Hoxton’s rooftop. Jubilee Jamboree features live coverage of the Jubilee concert and celebrations, a Patty & Bun rooftop burger pop-up, dress-up, rent-a-corgi, lawn croquet, royal rooftop polo match and more. Jun 3rd, Queen of Hoxton, 12 noon (doors), free
8. The Book Club, organisers of last year’s Royal Wedding Street Party and Bookstock take over Leonard Street once again with another of their infamous street parties. Entertainment will be provided by the Guilty Pleasures DJs, the Hackney Colliery Band, Underbling and Vow, Amp & Deck and Musical Bingo, while food and drink will be provided by the London Fields Brewery, burger-specialists Bukowski, cupcake designer Lily Vanilli and indie coffee shop Volcano Coffee. If you didn’t manage to get a priority wristband (they’re all ‘sold out’), then get there early (before 2.00 pm) to maximise your chances of getting in. Jun 3rd, The Book Club, 12 noon (doors), free entry
9. Slide On The Terrace with Dmitri From Paris. Infamous compilation of “A Night At The Playboy Mansion.” Casino Times to headline club room after dark. Brixton Clubhouse terrace, Jun 3rd, 2.00 pm, £13.50
10. Dubstep pioneer Benga performs his first ever live show in the UK, following the release of his first single, “I Will Never Change,” which Zane Lowe called “The Hottest Record In The World.” There will also be an old skool set from a very special guest DJ. Koko, Jun 3rd, 9.00 pm (doors), £14.35
11. The People’s DJ, Norman Jay MBE, brings us A Right Royal Carry On. He will be taking to the stage, complete with his legendary wheels of sound, the ‘Good Times Bus,’ to treat the crowd to one of his signature sets of infectious deep, diverse and unrestricted Good Times party tunes, and bring an exceptional night of revelry to the celebrating London masses over this prestigious weekend. Jun 3rd, Clapham Grand, 7.00 pm (doors), £10 (adv) / £15 (door)
12. Monday features another cracking street party in East London courtesy of the Water Poet. Check out the live music from the Royal Variety stage, jump on the Routemaster and browse through a mini vintage market or get your hair done by Candy Pout. Food vendors include Tubby Isaac’s jellied eels, Gelupo artisan ice-cream and the Popup Cafe cart. Items from the pub’s menu will also feature, including its renowned spit-roast pig, barbecued treats and pies. If you get there early, you’ll get a chance to pick up a limited edition crown. Prizes will go to the finest Pearlie Queens and Diamond Geezers. Jun 4th, Water Poet, free entry 
13. Festifeel, a one-day festival brought to us by breast cancer charity Coppafeel, features a grand line-up of artists, including Slow Club, Newton Faulker and Norman Jay MBE. It’s all for a good cause, so get a ticket and show your boobs some love. Jun 4th, Queen of Hoxton, 12 noon (doors), £22
14. 60 Years on The Throne presents a night of live music and DJ acts with a free party, featuring headliners Lois & The Love, a band which performs an eclectic blend of rock and roll. Support is provided by Stig of the Dump, Bebe Black, Venus in Furs, Persian Virgins, Tim Ross and  Takeover DJs. Jun 4th, The Lock Tavern, 8.00 pm (doors), free
15. After non-stop partying, where better to recover than by spending the day at The Old Queen’s Head? The pub will be screening the celebrations all-day long, and, once 7.00 pm rocks up, register for their infamous pub quiz, featuring rounds like dirty doodles, kazookeoke and face-painting. Reservations recommended. Jun 5th, The Old Queen’s Head, 12 noon (doors) / 7.00 pm (quiz), free entry