World drumming, Magic of Motown, Special Brew Jazz and Soul and much more: What to do in our areas this week!

With Covid restrictions out of the picture, we finally have the chance to get back out and live life to the fullest!

Now, we want to stay inside and wrap up warm against the tailend of winter, but we’re here in London where there is always so much to explore and experience.

Christmas may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun and bring excitement to your days.

We have put together some events and activities to go out and experience in our ELL boroughs to help you make it through until it’s finally summer again. Enjoy.

Drum circle. Pic: Eventbrite

Special Brew Jazz and Soul Set

Taking place this Sunday, Number 90 Bar is hosting an event for people who love jazz, soul and funk music. There will be a London DJ playing different types of music for you to groove and relax too. The bar will also be serving Sunday roasts, with vegetarian options available, along with a great selection of cocktails including Bloody Marys!  

When: Sunday, Feb 20, 12:00pm

Where: Number 90 Bar, 90 Wallis Rd, London E9 5LN

Cost: Free

Hackney International Urban Music Show

This Saturday at the Finch Café, a host of upcoming hip-hop artists will be performing.  With names including Professor Z from Lebanon and Jimmy B from Spain will be showcasing their talents of singing, rapping and poetry as they blend genres. This is a great chance to embrace the talent of new rising stars while sitting back and having a drink.

When: Saturday, Feb 19, 7:00pm

Where: Finch Café, 12 Sidworth St, London E8 3SD

Cost: £6

Hackney from on High: A Live Walkthrough Hipster Central

This Saturday in Bethnal Green, there is a live walk taking place so people will be able to explore this diverse and cultural borough. Hackney has for a long time been known as ‘hipster central’ but the borough also has an interesting multi-cultural history spanning back decades. This is a chance to be shown around some of the most historically rich sights in London, led by Lonely Planet author, Steve Fallon.

When: Saturday, Feb 19, 10:45-12:45

Where: Bethnal Green Tube Station, Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 0ET

Cost: £15

IBBY Children’s Literature Silent Book Exhibition

This is an opportunity for young people to come and see the Exhibition of the International Board on Books for Young People’s (IBBY) Honour list of Silent Books. There will be 79 books from 52 countries displayed, this will be a great opportunity to discover a diverse range of books from all over the world.

When: 18 Feb, 10:00pm – 26 Feb, 18:00pm

Where:  Goldsmiths, University of London, 8 Lewisham Way, London SE14 6NW

Cost: Free

Deptford Dub Club: Tessa (The Slits) Special

This Sunday, Deptford Dub Club will be presenting a mix of Reggae in Soundsystem style and live music. This will all be hosted by the musician Tessa, former member of the iconic punk band The Slits. The venue will be serving homemade pizzas and drinks while you listen and watch some amazing talents.

When: Sun, 20 Feb, 18:00pm – Mon, 21 Feb, 00:00pm

Where: Fox and Firkin, 316 Lewisham High St, London SE13 6JZ

Cost: £3

London Fashion Week

London Fashion week will be starting tomorrow, and throughout next week there will be catwalk shows, presentations and a designer showroom. There will be different events organised on different days, so if you’re into upcoming fashion and art, this may be worth a visit.

When: Fri, 18 Feb, 19:00pm – Tue, 22 Feb, 19:00pm

Where: The Store, 180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA

Cost: Request only

Bougie Drag Brunch

On Sunday afternoon, Bougie Drag Bunch, consisting of 15 drag queens will be performing an array of exciting entertainment throughout the day.  It’s their fifth birthday and they’re the longest-running award-winning drag queens in London. Come and celebrate and enjoy bottomless cocktails.

When: Sunday, 20 Feb, 11:00am- 3:00pm

Where: Boxpark Croydon, 99 George St, Croydon CR0 1LD

Cost: £49.95

Brits Week- DAMON ALBARN FOR WAR CHILD

Brits Week is finally back for another charity event. Celebrated musician, Damon Albarn, founder of two of the UK’s biggest acts, Gorillaz and Blur, will be performing solo. He will be showcasing his newest album as well as some classic tracks. All the proceeds will be donated to War Child, a charity whose aim is to protect and rehabilitate children from war-torn parts of the world.

When: Sunday, 20 Feb, 19:00pm–23:00pm

Where: Troxy, 490 Commercial Rd, London E1 0HX

Cost: £47

The Magic of Motown

The musical Magic of Motown, one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history, is back for its 13th year running. This Saturday, they will be returning to put on a show full of live music, dance routines and will be back to play the hits. It will definitely be a great way to spend the evening.

When: Sat, 19 Feb, 19:30pm–22:00pm

Where: Fairfield Halls, Park Ln, Croydon CR9 1DG

Cost: £26.25- £35.00

West London World Drumming Event

On Sunday, a unique music event will be taking place. If you’re looking to relax this weekend, the music duo, Ananda, will be performing a drumming/meditative experience to help you reduce stress and anxiety. Playing different world instruments, they hope to take you on a musical journey.

When: Sunday, 20 Feb, 18:00pm–20:00pm

Where: Ananda by Thames, 65-67 Amsterdam Rd, London, E14 3UU

Cost: £20-25

Drop in Taster Acting Class London (IN PERSON)

On Saturday, the Actors Door Studio are hosting an introductory in-person acting lesson for the community. As well as teaching you acting techniques, the session will also offer you the opportunity to improve your mental health and express your emotions through acting out various characters. This will be a good chance to try your hand at acting and possibly find a healthy relief.

When: Saturday, 19 Feb, 14:00pm–16:00pm

Where: Actors Door Studio, Unit 4, 91 Feather Mews, Fieldgate St, London E1 1DH

Cost: £19.99

Shipbuilding

Shipbuilding is a performance festival which will deal with issues such as racism, socio-political issues, and living through troubling times. Many different artists will be telling their stories through dance, song and will also be incorporating unique talents like sword swallowing into the show. No matter what you’re into, the show will have a little bit of everything for everybody.

When: Friday 18th– Sunday 27th Feb

Where:  Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA

Cost:  Free

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