On the agenda: Triana Terry; Collette Dinnigan; International Dance Festival; The Land of Kings festival; Bompas & Parr

We're going in search of mermaids in east London before hitting the barre in Brum

Art

It's amazing how some jobs open doors... Triana Terry was doing just that (working the door, that is) at Soho club the Groucho when she befriended its members and convinced them to pose for portraits. The 24-year-old self-taught painter opens her debut exhibition, Soho Lights, on Monday at Mayfair art venue The Gallery in Cork Street, where poses from thespians such as Anna Friel, David Thewlis and Steven Berkoff will be on display at a celebrity-stacked showcase. Tomorrow to Saturday, galleryincorkstreet.com

Adam Jacques

Fashion

After the success of their 2002 collaboration, the Australian designer Collette Dinnigan and Marks & Spencer have teamed up once more for a floral and feminine lingerie capsule collection, launching at the end of April. From romantic and vintage-looking chemises to painterly meadow prints and luxurious lace sets, the range is a beautiful bit of affordable luxe to brighten up your underwear drawer for spring. From £6, nationwide

Harriet Walker

Dance

There is a lot to get excited about at this year's Birmingham-based International Dance Festival, from troupes of Shaolin monks to the Strictly Come Dancing pros, but the highlight has to be the the first UK tour from the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, which will include a medley of seven mini-performances from the company's most famous ballets. And as if that's not enough, there's also a guest appearance from the one and only Carlos Acosta. Monday to 15 May, idfb.co.uk

AJ

Music

Not content with being London's hippest postcode, this Friday Dalston will transform into The Land of Kings for a mini-arts festival. Spread across 15 venues, on the music front there will be DJ sets from stars such as The Horrors and Little Boots, and live performances from rising talents including psychedelic quartet Dignan Porch. The Arcola Theatre, meanwhile, will be staging an interactive water-themed soirée featuring mermaids. landofkings.co.uk

Hugh Montgomery

Food

Keeping up with the twists of the election campaign can be hungry work, so thank heaven for the Parliamentary Waffle House, the latest venture from our favourite food experimentalists Bompas & Parr. At this Soho pop-up, diners can vote with their mouths by choosing from three varieties of waffle, each related to one of the major parties, with orders feeding into a live swingometer. The venue will also host a series of politically themed films, debates and the Museum of Food v Politics, where exhibits include Tony Blair's face on a melted cheese sandwich. Thursday to 6 May, 65-67 Broadwick Street, London W1

HM

Book

Fans of Mog, and the beloved children's books written about her by the inimitable author-illustrator Judith Kerr, will surely join us in wishing Mog a happy 40th birthday for 29 April. Mog, Ms Kerr and their publisher, HarperCollins, will be celebrating at a low-key event in London with birthday cake and champagne. Those who remember reading Mog the Forgetful Cat the first time around can remind themselves of her adventures by reading a new anniversary mini-edition – possibly to their grandkids. harpercollins.co.uk

Katy Guest