To celebrate London’s fashion week, you needn’t be sitting front row. Grab your ping pong paddles and head to PING’s one-night-only party in Shoreditch or try the Fashion Disaster party at XOYO. Moreover, you can enjoy the independent offerings of local designers at Forest Hill Fashion Week – where they have more events on offer than you’ll even be able to manage. And for you fashionist-nos, there’s plenty to do – so go and get amongst it.
MVMNT Battle of the Bands
Friday, February 15, 6pm
Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH
Showcasing the best in local, raw musical talent. For the first time in 2013, Hoxton Hall brings to you: MVMNT Battle of the Bands. Upping the ante - acts are invited to push their music further to win the top prize of a full day in the recording studio.
Lupercalia - A Valentine's Day Party With Teeth
Friday, February 15, 8pm-4am
Platform Bar Terrace, 1-7 Westgate street, E8 3RL London
If you missed out on the actual day of Valentine - then here's your chance for another go-around. Even if you're not so romantically inclined, this event has enough bite to keep anyone amused. They will be hosting a Wolfish banquet, followed by live performances and music playing late into the night - all set in a dark and luscious environment.
Saturday, February 16, 7pm-4am
Village Underground, 54 Holywell Lane Shoreditch, London EC2A 3PQ
Ping pong fiesta to celebrate London's fashion week - accompanied by cocktails and Big Apple hot dogs. The people of PING are heading all the way over from their bar in Earls Court to bring you this event for one night only. Winners of the ping pong competition will receive £200 food and bar tab at their venue, as well as PING jackets.
Sunday, February 17, 9pm-1am
XOYO, 32-37 Cowper Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4AP
This will be a Fashion Week party like no other - with Brooke Candy, The Serious Thugs, and Larry Tee performing live (among others)...and you're going to burn right through those high-heeled shoes.
Oval Space Cinema Club presents 'Laurence Anyways'
Tuesday, February 19, 6pm
The Oval Space, 29-32 The Oval, London E2 9DT
“LAURENCE ANYWAYS” follows a Montreal couple through a decade-long rollercoaster ride of love, lust and fluid sexuality. So head over and munch on organic popcorn, guzzle a few hot bevvies at the bar, and just generally hang out for the evening.
Sunday, February 17, 6pm
Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA
Celebrate emerging film talent at this monthly gathering of cinephiles, filmmakers, and creative individuals. There will be a showcase of short films as well as Q&A sessions with the film directors. Then there's going to be live entertainment, a networking session, plus an after-party to round out the evening.
Monday, February 18, 7pm
Rough Trade East, Dray Walk, 91 Brick Ln, Old Truman Brewery, E1 6QL
No wristband needed - just head over for musical delights. The first 100 people through the door will get a free CD. "The exact midpoint between all-American melody-king Ben Folds and the pop smarts that made Justin Timberlake so credible back in the day." - NME. "Could be the next big thing."- The Guardian. Need we say more?
February 20-March 23, Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Saturday matinées at 2:00pm
Wilton's Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley (off Ensign St), London, E1 8JB
Following a sold-out production in 2012, The Great Gatsby production is back and just on the tail of the auditorium's repair. Wilton's says: "Expect late night foxtrots, moonshine in teapots, pearls and flappers, bootleggers and millionaires."
February 15-19, Various locations along Dartmouth Road, London, SE23 3XU
Forest Hill Fashion Week features a wealth of local design collections (hosted by their own fashion shops), Menswear/Womenswear/Kids Dress-up catwalk shows, frock-swapping, and workshops galore (try making your own A-line skirt or craft up a handbag). So head down for a healthy dose of sartorial fun - and check out the plethora of pop-up shops while you're there.
Friday, February 15, 7pm-11pm
Little Nan's Bar, 46 Deptford Broadway, SE8 4PH London
Little Nan is opening up her living room in Bunker Club to serve you a whole treat of delights. The bar will be running for the next six months - but tonight is the official launch. Drinks will be sold at "vintage prices" and some even served in delightful tea cups.
Saturday, February 16, from 7:30pm
30 Deptford Church Street, London, SE8 4RZ
The Big Red Pizzeria are launching their first-ever Comedy Night this weekend. Cruise over to the big red bus for a few giggles this weekend.
The Great Croydon Bake Off (Winter)
Saturday, February 16, 12pm-6pm
1 Matthews Yard, CR0 1FF Croydon
This is the first of a four-part event that will continue on throughout the year - each with a seasonal theme. Four amateur bakers will take part in a light-hearted competition to be crowned the best baker in Croydon. It will showcase live baking in Matthews Yard in Croydon and loosely follow the format of the TV show. It will consist of two challenge bakes - Savoury and Sweet. Attendees to the event will get to try the food cooked by the bakers as part of a celebration once the results are in (plus you'll get a few quick baking workshops).
Anton & Erin - Go To Hollywood
Wednesday, February 20, 7:30pm
Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1DG
The UK's favourite dancing duo, Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag, are back with a dazzling new show to salute the Golden Years of the MGM musicals. They'll give you a taste of Hollywood at its best with their sensational choreography, sassy tunes and sparkling costumes.