Welcome listeners to Things to do in London with Oly Bennet, your wingman on the wackiest rides through the city—and today is Sunday, October 19, 2025. The Big Smoke feels extra vibrant this morning. Skies are cool and crisp, there’s an autumn snap in the air, and London’s bustling with a freshness that can only mean one thing: the city’s got epic energy on tap for everyone.

If you’re up for literary legends, the Black British Book Festival is lighting up the Barbican Centre. According to Eventbrite, it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community, running from noon with stories, workshops, and a headline event that’s bound to inspire any book lover. Literary high-fives all ‘round!

Not far away in Westminster, the Battle of Ideas Festival is challenging the brain cells with real-deal debates where the audience isn’t just clapping—they’re part of the action. The Academy of Ideas is serving up spirited chats on everything from politics to pop culture, so if you’ve ever argued with your telly, now’s your chance to do it in person.

For art buffs, the Parallax Art Fair at Chelsea Town Hall is the jackpot. Europe’s biggest indie art bonanza is back, with a whirl of cheeky creativity, live music, and over 10,000 artistic delights for sale—all with free entry. According to Parallax, it’ll keep your wallet happy and your eyeballs even happier!

Culture vultures, don’t miss the twelfth edition of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House, or the final day of London Design Festival events at the V&A, where sizzling installations and hands-on creativity wrap up tonight.

And for all the runners and royal fans, the Hampton Court Palace 10K is off and racing this morning, blending sweat, history, and maybe a cheeky selfie with a Henry VIII impersonator at the finish line, as reported by RunThrough.

On the family front, London is an absolute playground today. Tripadvisor suggests let the kids run wild with prehistoric giants at the Natural History Museum, wave to bookish beasts at Wimbledon BookFest, or take on wild science shows at the London Transport Museum. Half-term is firing up, so whether it’s spooky tales at the Tower of London or dino-spotting around South Kensington, there’s no shortage of adventures for your mini-globetrotters.

In entertainment, the legendary Candlelight Club’s Halloween Ball transforms an historic mansion with 1920s jazz, cocktails, and roaring twenties ghosts. For those with a youthful audience, James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids at the Museum of Comedy brings stand-up laughs perfect for ages six and up, and for the nocturnal crowd, Resistance Comedy at Enfield’s Dugdale Arts Centre promises sharp, fearless standup to cap off your Sunday.

As for local intel, get this: new restaurant Jang at the Royal Exchange rolls out a Sri Lankan-Korean supper club tonight only—and if you’re a foodie, it’s your golden ticket. Tube-wise, the city is buzzing but running smoothly this morning, with only minor planned works on a couple of lines—so hop on and set your sights high. Meanwhile, public transport is extra family-friendly for half-term.

Must-do London classics? The London Eye’s skyline spins, Piccadilly Circus glows after dusk, and Big Ben’s bongs are your perfect soundtrack for an autumn stroll. But here’s today’s local tip—if you want to dodge the crowds, check out the monthly open day at the quirky Sewing Machine Museum in Tooting. Curious machines and curious folks guaranteed.

A wild London fun fact to impress your mates: the Thames is home to over 100 species of fish—meaning you’re sharing your sunset stroll with more fins than you’ll see at a Chelsea art fair!

Don’t forget, tomorrow brings new half-term action with interactive events at the National Maritime Museum and creative workshops at the National Gallery. More spooky surprises and wild city stories await—so tune in for the next adventure.

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