Top image: Still, ‘The Thing’ 1982. © Universal Pictures

We bring you our guide to living well in the world’s capitals, from exhibitions to cinema, food, drink, fashion, music and beyond. Just call it culture and take it, it’s yours.

LONDON, FRIDAY 4th DECEMBER – SUNDAY 6th DECEMBER 2015

“I dunno what the hell’s in there, but it’s weird and pissed off”
It’s the first weekend of December, so let’s kick off the festive season with a heavy dose of gore.

John Carpenter’s 1982 blood-splattered cult classic The Thing introduces us to a set of scientists in the Antarctic, who discover a shape-shifting alien has infiltrated their camp, assuming the forms of those it kills. Led by Kurt Russell’s character R.J. MacReady (so 80s) they swiftly set out to destroy it before it destroys them.

Back down on Earth, this weekend The Thing is being screened at London’s only planetarium, so victims viewers will be able to lie back, look up, and see an ugly-headed alien leaping straight towards them. After the screening, an astronomer will give a short talk exploring the (lack of, probably) science behind the film.

The Thing is being screened at Royal Observatory, Greenwich on December 4th

Light it up
If you’ve ever noticed a fluorescent light radiating from the general Walthamstow area it’s probably down to neon connoisseurs God’s Own Junkyard.

You may recognise founder Chris Bracey’s work from the big screen, having worked on commissions for Neil Jordan’s 1986 film Mona Lisa, Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, four Batman films and many other features.

Sadly Chris passed away last year, but his family still continue the business. Lights of Soho is currently holding an exhibition bringing together some of the family’s most illuminating work to mark one year since Chris’ death. It’s going to be bright, bold and brilliant.

God’s Own Junkyard – My Generation will run at Lights of Soho from 26 November-31 January.

Tate gets SHUTDOWN
On the walls of Tate Britain hang artwork featuring prestigious subjects such as Royalty and the landed gentry. Well this weekend, thanks to Late at the Tate, they will be joined by the likes of Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, D Double E and Stormzy.

In his series Legends of the Scene artist Reuben Dangoor reimagines Grime pioneers as historical icons. From Skepta in trademark all white on a noble steed, union jack under his arm, to Stormzy in his own country manor and Wiley as a motorbike knight of the realm.

This weekend’s Late at the Tate focuses on ‘celebrity’, from historic aristocracy to today’s YouTube stars. Other installations at the event will include a display of rare and exclusive trainers and trainer art from Crep Protect and large scale GIF projections of reworked Tate Collection artworks from Brooklyn based multimedia artist Rafia Santana.

Late at Tate Britain: Celebrity takes place on Friday 4th December at Tate Britain

Peaches Christ Superstar
One of music’s true provocateurs, Peaches never fails to surprise. From her landmark The Teaches Of Peaches (2000) to this year’s Rub, the Canadian born artist continues to throw down the gauntlet with her punchy brand of romping titillation.

It’s been a while since Peaches has performed in London, but this weekend marks a long-awaited return and she’s setting phasers to thrill. With a back catalogue containing hits such as ‘Lovertits’, ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Fuck The Pain Away’ (classics.) this is bound to be a night you’ll never forget. Think of the weirdest, wildest dream you’ve ever had, now multiple it by 100…and you’re still not there.

Peaches plays at Electric Ballroom, Camden on Sunday 6th December

Can you dig it?
The 70s were a great decade, right? The Rolling Stones went all dark and spiritual, the floppy disk was invented, Nixon got caught out for the corrupt criminal he was, and menus across the UK consisted of Chicken Kiev’s, prawn cocktails and cauliflower cheese steak.

It’s the latter point that new bar and restaurant Coin Laundry latches onto. Embracing 70s food in all it’s glory, the owners of Coin Laundry offer up some bitchin’ grub, from kievs to rabbit balti pie and homemade chips with sachets of seasoning (remember Salt ‘n’ Shakes?). Wash it all down with a pornstar martini and feel like an extra in Boogie Nights.

Catch you on the flipside, we’re off to cement HERO at the top of the high scores on the pinball machine.

Coin Laundry, 70 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QP opens on Friday 4th December