4.5.6 London Marathon

Sun Apr 13. Starts in Greenwich Park, SE10 8XJ

This annual slog of a race starts from three different points in Greenwich Park but the biggest crowds of spectators gather at Tower Bridge, Embankment and at the emotional finish line on the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. This year, prepare for mass Mobots along the route as double Olympic champion Mo Farah makes his full marathon debut. If you're not taking part in the marathon this Sunday, be sure to show your support for those who are (come on, running 26.2 miles dressed as a chicken is hardly the simplest of tasks, is it?). Check out our race route to find the best spectating spots and track down nearby pubs and bars for when all that cheering and applauding leaves you gasping for refreshment.

Around 35,000 runners take part, nearly 80 per cent of whom are fundraising for charity (Marathon places are allocated by ballot; the ballot to run in 2014 is closed).

Discover where to watch the London Marathon this Sunday.

4.5.6 Deutsche Börse Photography Prize 2014

This celebrated annual photographic award exhibition is back with four new nominations who are all worthy of the £30,000 prize, but who will take home the coveted prize.

Richard Mosse's visually and politically charged depiction of a turbulent Congo shot using military surveillance film was certainly a stand out at the 2013 Venice Biennale. Spaniard Alberto García-Alix presents his stark black and white self-portraits that span Franco’s dictatorship in the ‘70s to the present day, reflecting upon personal experiences. While the scientific approach of the originally trained biologist, Jochen Lempert offers studies of humans and the natural world, the American multi-media artist Lorna Simpson jazzes up the selection with her performative explorations of gender, culture and histories.

Venue visit: www.thephotographersgallery.org.uk

4.5 Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day

Tuesday April 8th.

It may be a marketing ploy for Ben & Jerry’s new flavours  – although they’re never going to better Choc Chip Cookie Dough – but Free Scoop Day on Tuesday April 8 means summer is on its way, so we are absolutely onboard. Check the website to find the participating branch nearest you and scamper along for a cool treat. Individual scoop shops have different opening hours; early birds can get a free scoop from 3pm at Leicester Square cinemas. You may have to queue – but it’s worth it because, let’s face it, the only thing better than ice cream is free ice cream.  Go and enjoy!!

Children enjoying  free ice creams at London streets.

4.5 The Oxford v Cambridge Goat Race

In 2014 the Goat Race, now in its sixth year and fast becoming as popular as its Thames-based rival (at least around the Time Out office), will take place on Sunday April 6. The Goat Race sees two goats – one named ‘Oxford’, the other ‘Cambridge’ – take part in a dash around the farm. Since the alternative race precedes the real thing we think it would probably be a kindness to make sure the rowers don’t know the result before they take to the water (so as not to put them off their stroke). The gates open at noon with lots to enjoy on the farm, including bands, booze and other fun, goat-related nonsense. The race takes place at 4pm. There’s an official bookie and sweepstake if you or your nanny fancy a flutter.

4.5.6 London Coffee Festival

 

Returning for 2014, the London Coffee Festival is the UK’s largest coffee and artisan food event, a celebration of London's vibrant coffee culture featuring gourmet coffee, speciality tea, artisan food, demonstrations from world-class baristas, live music and a comprehensive ‘lab’ seminar programme that will educate even the keenest of coffee lovers. Visitors can learn about the various ways to make and brew coffee at home, taste signature drinks and explore the new Milk & Sugar area featuring fashion, design and food events.

A young woman in the London Coffee Festival

After two industry days on April 3 and 4, The London Coffee Festival kicks off its public events on Friday April 4 with an evening session (5-8pm) and the ‘Espresso Martini Launch Party’ (8-10pm), and continues on Saturday April 5 and Sunday April 6 when tickets are available for three-hour sessions: brunch (10am-1pm), lunch (1-4pm) and tea time (4-7pm).  

A demostration of two cups of coffee