Good morning London! If you're wondering what to do today, Thursday the 9th of October, and through the weekend, you've got some absolutely brilliant options across the city.

Starting with today, there are some fascinating cultural experiences happening right now. The British Museum has opened a stunning exhibition called Ancient India, giving visitors a chance to explore one of the world's most influential civilizations. If you're more into contemporary art, you can head to Lightroom where they've created an immersive dinosaur experience that's perfect for families.

For those interested in Black History Month, there are powerful exhibitions running throughout October. Kerry James Marshall has brought an exhibition highlighting overlooked stories to life through his artwork, and there's also a moving exhibition about London's role in the transatlantic slave trade that provides essential historical context.

Food lovers should know that Liu Xiaomian is celebrating autumn with a special two for one offer on their spicy noodles, while Bread Ahead has launched sourdough starter classes this September that are still running.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Saturday the 11th brings the Cocoa Runners Craft Chocolate Fair to Fidelio Cafe in Farringdon, where chocolate makers from across the UK will showcase their creations with tastings and talks running from the 11th through the 12th. The Choose SE Twenty Seven Comedy Festival also kicks off on Saturday at the South London Theatre, featuring Sean McLoughlin and continuing through the 18th with performers like Sooz Kempner and Elf Lyons.

Leighton House is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a museum with three new exhibitions launching Saturday, including Ghost Objects which summons Lord Leighton's lost collection, and contemporary art from the Middle East and North Africa. Over at Kew Gardens, two new exhibitions open on Saturday exploring the colonial history of botanical art, including Flora Indica which displays 52 rediscovered botanical illustrations by Indian artists from 1790 to 1850.

Sunday the 12th is packed with activity. The Royal Parks Half Marathon takes over central London with a new route finishing right outside the Royal Albert Hall at 9am, so expect road closures if you're traveling through the area. On Blackheath, there's a free Kite Day from noon to 3pm with performances by the Kent Kite Flyers accompanied by steel pan bands from local schools.

The official Diwali celebrations happen in Trafalgar Square on Sunday from 1pm to 7pm, even though Diwali itself falls on the 20th this year. You'll find live music, dancing, yoga, and South Asian street food at this free event.

For music fans, Hank Wangford and The Lost Cowboys perform at Putney's Half Moon at 1:30 pm, while Keats House in Hampstead hosts a free poetry reading at 2:15 pm celebrating 200 years of railways with train themed poems.

Throughout the week, London Cocktail Week continues through the 19th at venues across the city, and the BFI London Film Festival runs through the 20th with screenings at cinemas throughout London.

Whether you're into art, food, festivals, or just exploring the autumn colours in London's beautiful parks, this week has something special for everyone.

Thanks so much for tuning in, and make sure to subscribe so you never miss what's happening in London. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI