Thanks to fluctuating Covid-19 rules, it can be tricky deciding whether to book tickets for IRL events right now – but there are still plenty of ways to be inspired and entertained from the comfort of your own home. This Thursday, authors Emma Dabiri (Don’t Touch My Hair) and Ayesha Harruna Attah (The Hundred Wells of Salaga) will be taking part in a virtual discussion about the relationship between writing and Black history, as part of Black: The Literary Salon – an event series celebrating Black writing (24 Sept, 7pm; from £6).

In need of a good laugh? Thursday also sees the online-only return of Bloody Funny, the annual comedy fundraiser for menstrual equality charity Bloody Good Period. Hosted by Jen Brister, the event will feature stand-up routines from of the UK’s best and brightest comedians, including Jayde Adams, Suzi Ruffell and Athena Kugblenu (24 Sept, 8pm; £10). And if you’re after some fire in your belly, Labour MP Jess Phillips will be sharing her experiences of speaking truth to power and exploring how we can all make a difference in a livestreamed conversation next week (2 Oct, 6.30pm; from £10). We’ll see you on Zoom…