Hackney is ready to party this weekend. Pic: Courtesy of Flickr
Summer may be drawing to a close, but the weather forecast looks fine enough for walking – and there are multiple alternative walking tours taking place across EastLondonLines boroughs this week. If you fancy trying something at a faster pace, Hackney is set to rave, New York City style. Check out the best events near you in this week’s Pick of the Line.
Lewisham
River Peck with Tom Bolton
Saturday September 6, 11am start. Honor Oak Park, SE23 1DY
River walking expert and author of London's Lost Rivers: A Walker's Guide, leads a walk along the full length of the River Peck, from Honor Oak Park to the Thames at South Dock. The lost River Peck is Peckham's river, buried under south-east London. It sweeps from One Tree Hill across Peckham Rye and the industrial backlands to the Surrey Docks. This is a great way to see parts of London rarely visited by tourists and little known by residents. The walk is 5.5 miles long and will continue whatever the weather, so come prepared! Tickets £10 cash on the day. Email teabolton@hotmail.com to book.
Brockley Front Garden Sale
Saturday September 6 and Sunday September , Brockley, various addresses
A British take on the American 'yard sale' - over 100 households in Brockley will be out in their front gardens, flogging everything from bric a brac to luxury goods. Bring small change and pick up a bargain.
Tower Hamlets
Coney Island Party
Saturday September 6, 9pm- 2am. Bethnal Green Working Men's Club.
Inspired by New York City's beach resort, the retro club night returns to Bethnal Green with dancing, hot dogs, performances and fairground games including coconut shys and crazy golf. Music covers everything from 50s and 60s, soul, R&B and cheese, but if you're not in it to pull some shapes, comes for the hot dog eating contest. Dress code: Hawaiian shirts and Hula Skirt-style. Tickets are £6 advance or £5 on the door before 10pm/£8 after.
Walking tour of London Docks
Sunday September 7, 3pm - 4.45pm. Meet at Tower Hill tube station exit, Trinity Square, London EC3N 4DJ
Tour guide Colin del Strother offers a fascinating look at the history of London's docks and the area it was built on. Learn about how the eviction of 10,000 of the city's poorest people inspired social investigator Henry Mayhew and even Charles Dickens's novels. The walk finishes up in Wapping, by the first ever tunnel built under the Thames. Tickets £7 plus booking fee.
Hackney
East End Literary Salon
Saturday September 7. 574 Kingsland Road, Dalston, London, E8 4AP
The monthly East End Literary Salon presents a night of new theatrical writing from five emerging local playwrights, who promise to "get gobby". September's salon features works from James Paul Avery, George Brant, Ben Francis, Healah Riazi and Nicoletta Wylde. Directed by Milla Jackson. Cash donations are welcome.
Sunday September 7. Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London, E8 1EJ
A critically acclaimed Afrobeats musical - a world first and West End hit - inspired by the award-winning Nigerian artist D’Banj and his 2012 hit single “Oliver Twist". Tickets £10 - £36, half price for under 16s
Croydon
Rugby Munchkins
Starts Sunday September 7, Harris Academy Purley, Kendra Hall Road, Croydon, CR2 6DT.
It may sound crazy, but the people from Munchkin Sports have a plan to introduce 2-7 year olds to the game of rugby. Classes are split into groups: 2-3 year olds start at 9.30am for 45 minutes, 3-4 year olds from 10.40am for 45 minutes and 4-7 year olds play from 11.30am for an hour. Book in advance to try the first session free. For more information, email bookings@munchkinsportsltd.com
