An evening with award-winning actor Henry Goodman, a model engineering exhibition and cooking with food critic Ilana Epstein are just some of the things featured in our top five this week.

1. Friday, Saturday and Sunday - Modelling

South England’s largest Model Engineering and Modelling Exhibition returns, this year hosted at Alexandra Palace. The exhibition, on until Sunday, is regarded as one of the leading model shows in the UK and attracts over 15,000 visitors annually. A family-friendly event, see the full spectrum of modelling from traditional model engineering, steam locomotives and traction engines through to the more modern gadgets including trucks, boats, aeroplanes, helicopters and robots. Visitors can travel between the show’s different zones, trying the activities and watching technical demonstrations. Over 50 clubs and societies will be present, displaying their members’ work and competing to win the prestigious Society Shield. In total nearly 1,500 models will be on display. Organisers expect to welcome the return of Robot Wars including Major Damage and Matilda along with the British Model Flying Association, the UK Tank Club and others. All of the leading suppliers will also be present showcasing new products where you will be able to purchase items for your next model or project. Tickets £9.50 (£3 for five to 14 year-olds). Visit alexandrapalace.com to book.

2. Sunday - Henry Goodman

Multi-award-winning actor Henry Goodman talks about his journey from a Whitechapel youth club to the world stage.

Mr Goodman, who has appeared in a number of big films, including Notting Hill (1999), Taking Woodstock (2009) and The Damned United (2009), will take the audience on a unique journey through the world of theatre, film, radio and musicals, stopping on the way for some personal highlights of memorable moments.

From portraying kind-hearted family men to upstart gangsters, from Jewish Shylock to Chicago mobster, from concierge to rabbi, the Jewish actor has had a varied career.

One of his most recent performances includes the role of Sir Humphrey Appleby in a stage version of the 1980s BBC satirical TV show Yes, Prime Minister.

He will be in conversation with actress and playwright Tracy-Ann Oberman, best known for her role as Chrissie Watts in BBC soap EastEnders.

She trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, in Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage.

The talk will be held at the JW3 centre in Finchley Road on Sunday. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £6 to £12.

Visit jw3.org.uk or call 020 7433 8988 to book.

3. Sunday - Cooking

Join pastry chef Ilana Epstein for this Family Food Academy to learn how to make sweet snacks including scones, Anzac biscuits, chocolate chip muffins and lemon poppy seed cookies. Ms Epstein is a former food writer who wrote for the Jerusalem Post for 10 years. She trained as a pastry chef at Ness Kitchens culinary academy in Jerusalem. Held at the London Jewish Cultural Centre in North End Road, Golders Green. For ages eight and up. Runs from 2pm to 4pm. Tickets £20 (adults), £15 (children), £40 (two adults and one child). Visit ljcc.org.uk or call 020 8457 5000 to book.

4. Monday - Jan Karski

An exhibition exploring the extraordinary story of Jan Karski, a Polish diplomat who served as a courier between the Polish Underground State in occupied Warsaw and the Polish government-in-exile in London during the Second World War.

Karski was the first person to give an eye-witness account of the Holocaust to the Western Allies in 1942, when he was selected by the Polish Underground State to make a secret journey to inform London of Nazi German atrocities in occupied Poland. Karski met with Jewish leaders and was twice smuggled into the Warsaw Ghetto as well as to a sorting point for Belec death camp. In the West, he met with Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden and US President Franklin D Roosevelt. The exhibition, called The World Knew: Jan Karski’s Mission for Humanity, is held at the London Jewish Cultural Centre in North End Road, Golders Green, until February 19. Visit ljcc.org.uk for more information.

5. Sunday - Concert

A concert presenting a group of original scores full of the “euphoria and lightheartedness of France’s Belle Epoque era” will be put on in Hampstead. This period is conventionally dated as starting with the end of the Franco-Prussian war in 1871 and lasting until the onset of the First World War.

Held at Burgh House in New End Square, the programme includes work from Hedwige Chrétien, Philippe Gaubert and Paul Taffanel.

The Trio Belle Epoque will be performed by Filippo Mazzoli on the flute, Marika Lombardi on the oboe and Nathalie Dang on the piano. Starts 6pm. Tickets £15 (£12 concs.), available on the door.