Pick of the Line: 15/9/11 – 18/9/11 Festival season is not over yet!

This week’s Pick Of The Line is a bit of a festival special because, in addition to the Sound Tracks festival that you can read about here, there are plenty of other festivals taking place! Whether you’re into film, music, dance or architecture, there’s something for everyone happening this weekend – so there’s no excuse not to make the most of the last days of summer. Who said festival season was over?

Thursday 15-Sunday 18: Hackney Film Festival

If the words “film festival” bring to mind images of Cannes, think again – the second annual Hackney Film Festival returns today until Sunday to celebrate the culture and diversity of filmmakers and audio visual artists from the borough without a red carpet in sight. With a mix of live performances, shorts and feature films, the not-for-profit festival aims to keep prices down to make it accessible to everyone, with venues including Rio Cinema on Kingsland Road. The fun kicks off tonight with an opening party at Platform Bar and Terrace, and finishes with a closing party on Sunday at Dalston Roof Park.

For more information click here.

Saturday 17 & Sunday 18: Brick Lane Music Festival

One of London’s most vibrant streets is the place to party this weekend as venues join forces for a musical extravaganza. Café 1001, Rhythm Factory, Vibe Bar and The Big Chill Bar will host acts including The Monitors, Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer and Ray Keith plus many more reggae, dub, house acts. All Star Lanes is also hosting its Shake, Rattle and Bowl event at the Brick Lane venue.

Admission is free, but you must obtain wristbands in advance (available from participating venues, donation to the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund is optional).

See their Facebook page for more details.

Colourful dancers at the Hackney One carnival pic: pekha

Saturday 17 & Sunday 18: We Love Hackney Weekend

Hackney is one of London’s most culturally rich boroughs, and this weekend is your chance to experience the best it has to offer at the We Love Hackney Weekend. Featuring performances by the Hackney Colliery Band, tours of the Hackney Empire theatre and activities on Wilton Way including Come Dine With Us, a dog show and pop-up bookshop, there’s something for everyone. If that doesn’t take your fancy, there’ll also be food and drink stalls, children’s entertainment, makeovers, films and live music.

Carnival performers from across the borough will finally get the chance to show off their outfits as the Hackney One carnival returns on Sunday after it was cancelled during last month’s riots. Starting at Ridley Road at 12pm, it makes its way up the A10 to Stoke Newington Church Street. Also taking place is the Hackney Wick festival, a free community event organised by local residents of dance, theatre and music performances.

If you don’t already love Hackney, you will by the end of this weekend!

See the website for more information.

Saturday 17 & Sunday 18: Open House London Weekend

Architectural delights in all four EastLondonLines boroughs will be open to the public this weekend as part of the Open House London Weekend – all about revealing good design on your doorstep. This is your opportunity to see inside and gain an understanding of the buildings you walk past every day, from churches to lighthouses and much more. Over 700 buildings across London will be opening their doors to the public plus there’s neighbourhood walks, cycle tours, architects’ talks and debates taking place – all for free. You can order a guide online, download a pdf or even get a free iPhone app.

Residents may need to pre-book in order to access some buildings and tours. To find out more click here.

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