Spring is just around the corner, and pricy holiday ideas are on everyone’s minds. What better way to have a good time and celebrate the last week of winter, than to enjoy and explore somewhere closer to home. These are some of the best events to be enjoyed these following seven days: from comedy nights to live music and exhibitions, everyone will find something to match their tastes.
Birds of a feather at Jigsaw. Pic: Chloe Owens
Wednesday
Take a trip to Spitalfields and you will have the chance to admire a pop-up exhibition created by Chloe Owens, who has been invited to decorate Jigsaw with vintage fabrics, floral prints and cotton butterflies. Alongside the exhibition, entitled ‘All Sewn Up’, there will be a chance to buy Owen’s canvasses, cushions and greeting cards. The exhibition is free, so make some time in today’s schedule and visit Spitalfields.
10:30 – 7pm Mon-Fri; 10am-7pm Sat; 10.30-6pm Sun
Jigsaw, 11 Lamb St, E1 6EA
Thursday
Explore east London’s ‘alternative’ side with the ‘Alternative London Tour’. Prepare to be introduced to the eclectic east, by exploring the culture and history of the Brick Lane and Shoreditch areas, using the best means of transport when it comes to visiting: walking. Bring your friends, your family, and any avid explorer and get ready to discover some of London’s secrets.
Tue-Thur 7pm, Tue & Sat 12pm
Book your place: www.alternativeldn.co.uk
Old Spitalfields Market, Brushfield St, London E1 6DT
Hark Pic: Jeff Metal courtesy of JaguarShoes Collective
Friday
Step into a three dimensional world of symmetry, repetition and distortion just outside Old Shoreditch Station with the Hark exhibition. The event marks set designer Andrew Macgregor and graphic designer Audrey Roger’s first collaboration. From brightly coloured totem poles to shamanic stalactites, the visitors will get the chance to enjoy all the unusual installations, but also shop in the stores nearby.
Wed-Friday: 8am to 11pm
Old Shoreditch Station – 1 Kingsland Road, London E2 8 AA
Saturday
Enjoy a Saturday afternoon filled with live performances from young artists at the Discover Young Hackney closing party, including a variety of genres: anything from rap to folk. Fashion, theatre, dance and art are among other exciting events that will delight the public. Best thing about it? It’s free. So bring friends and celebrate.
Sat 3-9pm
Arcola Tent – www.discoveryounghackney.com
2 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL
Sunday
Three legends of Jazz, Kenny Ball, Chris Barber and Acker Bilk and their bands come together for one night in Croydon at Fairfield Halls.Their three bands totally dominated the scene and charts back in the traditional jazz boom days. But now at last you can see Kenny, Chris and Acker performing together in this very special concert.
7pm
Fairfield Halls – http://www.fairfield.co.uk/
Park Lane, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1DG
The Bleeding Knees Club. Pic: blikeng via Twitter
Monday
Listen to a live concert from lo-fi, garage- punk band Bleeding Knees Club at Rough Trade East in Brick Lane. Promoting their album ‘Nothing to do’, the Australian duo was named band of the day by The Guardian in March 2011. So if you have a passion for music, or just love the sound of bands like the White Stripes or the Black Keys, be sure to come and check it out.
7pm
Rough Trade East – www.roughtrade.com
Dray Walk, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
Tuesday
Prepare to laugh out loud with The Rhythm Factory Comedy Bin in Whitechapel. The night will be hosted by Gwilum Argos and it will include comedy newcomers and established acts like Ian Wild, Liz Richardson and Chris Gau. All you need is to bring the laughs, the jokes come free.
8pm
Rhythm Factory
16-18 Whitechapel Rd, E1 1EW
