News and Events

August is notorious for the realisation that summer has not quite lived up to expectation. Whether you are slowly getting bored of your school holidays or working full time and looking to fill your free time, there seems to be a lack of events in August. There gets to a point where you almost seem to have too much free time- and want things to do with your summer; something a lot cheaper than a holiday abroad or a ticket to Reading and Leeds. Luckily for all of you reading this, we have managed to pick out a few amazing events that will be happening right here in Bethnal Green.

Can we talk about it (Week 2) – 31st July / 4th August – Rich Mix

Can we talk about it is a programme ran by People’s Palace Project. Participants will spend a week learning new film and drama skills, these skills are then used to create short films that encourage young people to talk about serious issues within relationships. The programme aims to explore difficulties that young people may face in relationships and uses drama to start a dialogue. There are 8 places available on each week long course. It is only available to 15-18 year olds, but if you fall within this age range then it would be silly to miss this opportunity! The film your group makes will also be shown in a final event at Rich Mix.

Tickets: Free, but apply by emailing: renata.peppl@qmul.ac.uk
35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA

At the Edge of the world – 3rd of August – St Margaret’s House

St Margaret’s House will be holding an event between 6pm-8pm to celebrate the works of Canadian artist, shoemaker and musician Thomas J Rowe. The opening night is sure to be amazing, as Rowe’s artwork uses a range of colours to create feelings of euphoria. His latest body of work that will be exhibited – “At the edge of the world” initially arose when Rowe was creating cover art for his London based band (Mass Datura). Using old images from national geographic, Rowe was able to create new abstract pieces. Rowe’s work consists of experimenting with playful shapes and proportions to create eye-catching images. As abstract art gets more popular, there can be no reason to miss this, especially on a Thursday evening.

No bookings needed, drop in between 6pm-8pm
St. Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PL

Visions Festival – 5th August – Oval Space (amongst other venues)

Visions festival returns for its 5th year, and this year promises to be the best one yet. With many acts such as Liars, Sophie, Jenny Hval, Blanck Mass, Kero Kero Bonito and many more already announced, the festival promises to cater for everyone. However, the Visions festival does not just offer music. It is so much more than that. With fan favourites like screen print classes, Tattoo Flash day, and street food and craft beer market returning this will be THE festival of East London. In fact, the festival has so many components it has been split across 5 venues and 3 outdoor spaces within Bethnal Green/Hackney. Although it is only a one day festival, it is filled with enough to last a week. If you are interested, make sure you book your tickets quickly, as the early bird and first tier tickets have already sold out.

Tickets available here.
Oval Space, 29–32 The Oval, London – E2 9DT
(Other venues include: Sebright Arms, Space Studios, London Fields Brewhouse and more)

Outdoor Summer Games – 22nd / 31st August (Tue., Wed., Thur.) – V&A Museum of Childhood

The outdoor summer games will be within the museum and museum grounds, simply drop in and take part. Jump to the top of the leaderboard or hop and skip around the museum grounds with your family. The V&A museum of Childhood has been an integral part of Bethnal Green for centuries, bringing families and the community closer together and it will continue to do so with events like this. This is the perfect way to spend late afternoons in late August, not only will it bring back nostalgic memories of primary school but you can also make new memories with friends and family.

Free, Drop in: 14.00-16.00pm
Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA, United Kingdom

By Thufayel Ahmed

July, July, July, whether you are waiting for a holiday in the midst of August or whether you’re not going on holiday this year at all, we all need something to do to fill those boring days. Luckily for all of you, we have compiled a list of events that are happening in Bethnal Green this July, so you do not even have to worry about travel routes to get to these events let alone researching events that may be happening.

You’re a Quizzard Harry – 13th July – The Star of Bethnal Green

Now we know we listed a Harry Potter Quiz a couple of months back, but this quiz is different, it is the Gryffindor of all Harry Potter Quizzes. The Star have compiled a quiz which consists of tough knowledge, picture rounds, team challenges and even games rounds. In addition to this, there will be prizes and points given out for the best costume and best team name. The cup everyone will be fighting for is a secret – but it does include a £50 bar. The quiz starts around 7:30pm so make sure you get there by 7pm, as the staircases at the Star do move.

Tickets: £3pp advanced, £5pp full, 7.00pm, over 18’s only
Book tickets here.
359 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 6LG

Citadel Festival – 16th July – Victoria Park

Citadel may have launched in 2015 but it is already becoming one of London’s brightest festivals. Victoria Park – already a haven to all of us in Bethnal Green, especially when the temperature hits 20 degrees and above, becomes more than that, it becomes almost an idyllic utopian-like field, full of music from some of the biggest bands, laughs and drinks – everything you would want from a one day festival really. With bands such as Bombay Bicycle Club already having performed at Citadel, this year’s headliners are Foals who themselves are already a stadium selling out band.

Tickets available here.
Grove Rd, London E3 5TB

Medals and Poise, Energy and Praise – running until 23rd July – IMT gallery

Artist, LOTTE ROSE KJÆR SKAU presents her first solo exhibition in London since winning the Helle & Arent Jacobsen Artists award. She juxtaposes new digital paintings with a series of sculptural installations that present restrained gestures within erased or degrades virtual environments. Much of Lotte’s inspiration comes from music culture, technology and cybernetics and it is clear to see in the influences in the exhibition. This is certainly a very interesting concept and one of few exhibitions that explores physical and digital space together. Thus we highly recommend you check it out.

Admission: Free
A2, 210 Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9NQ

Summer Jamboree – 29th of July – St Margaret’s House

St Margaret’s House presents the ultimate family day. They have curated many wonderful activities that focus particularly on creativity and wellbeing. With activities such as kids yoga classes, magic shows, parent and child cooking classes. With more workshops still yet to be confirmed this promises to be an amazing event that children will majorly benefit from as well as enjoy. It will also give parents a perfect way to bond with their child at the start of summer.

Tickets: Free but make sure you book workshops on the website to guarantee a place for you and your child –From 10am.
St. Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PL
By Thufayel Ahmed