News and Events

This month we look forward to some lesser known happenings that E2 has to offer in August. There is such a huge amount that goes on in this pocket of London, we’re looking to really celebrate the sheer range of activity that businesses and organisations put together to keep us challenged, intrigued and inspired. Remember – if you have anything coming up that you would like us to promote on your behalf – simply tag @LoveBthnlGreen on Twitter or Instagram (no vowels in Bthnl!) and use the #E2ToDo, & we’ll help get the word out. To August!

Thai Boxing Fighters Academy AGM – Garrett Centre 

Monday 6th August – 7pm-9pm

The Thai Boxing Fighters Academy isn’t nearly as mean as it sounds. The great work that founder Gohar Ghouse has delivered over the years in the borough has helped its beneficiaries with discipline and fitness, as well as supported many dealing with mental health issues back into work. Its impact is far reaching, and this AGM gives Gohar and his team the chance to reflect and look forward.  Join them to hear from special guest speakers, and to have a bite to eat too on them. RSVP to thaiboxingfightersacademy@yahoo.co.uk

Garret Centre, 117 Mansford Street, E2 6LX

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Sara Pascoe – Backyard Comedy Club 

Wednesday 8th August – 8pm-10pm

Sara Pascoe is becoming a staple of the panel show circuit, with regular slots on ‘Have I Got News For You’, ‘QI’ & ‘Frankie Boyle’s New World Order’. She brings a refreshing blend of matter of fact, deadpan realism to the table, and never seems to over-cook it, relying more on her capacity to connect with audiences in an understated way. Get over the intimate surroundings of the Backyard Comedy Club to see her re-work some material before heading out on tour.

231 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 0EL 

Opening Night of The Bethnal Green Tavern – Bethnal Green Road 

Wednesday 8th August – 5:30pm onwards

The ever-changing face of Bethnal Green Road gets another nip and tuck in the form of The Bethnal Green Tavern, which opens its doors for the first time in its new format on Wednesday 8th August. There will be music from Whiskey Symposium, as well as tasters of their food and drink menu. Come on down from 5:30pm and see what the latest pub offering on Bethnal Green Road has to say for itself…#BethnalGreenTav

456 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0EA

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‘The Green’ partnership meeting 

Tuesday 14th August – 6pm-7:30pm

It’s time to get together again for our partnership meeting, bringing together businesses, organisations and individuals who live in the Bethnal Green area to hear what they’ve got coming up, and offer them support to really promote themselves via our channels and activities. This month, we’ll be looking ahead to Social Saturday in October, when we’ll be shining a light on the excellent work of social enterprises across the area. Come and have your say!

Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, E2 6HG

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MAKEMORE Festival – Victoria Park 

Thursday 23rd – Monday 27th August

MAKEMORE is a new kind of festival – a festival for your hands. Come and spend the day having a go at all different kinds of making, under the expert guidance of some of the most exciting makers working today. You can discover what kind of maker you are through a series of quick hands on activities. Get inspired by the creative energy, some great live music and stand up comedy, plus the best in bars and streetfood.  Get your tickets now for this unique east end gathering.

Victoria Park, E3 5TB

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Summer Fun Day & Gym Launch – Pollard Square 

Monday 27th August – 11am-4pm

Join us for a day of family fun and the launch of the new outdoor gym. This is the launch of a new outdoor space for you to get fit and socialise at, with weekly classes every Monday 6-7pm & every Tuesday 1:30-2:30pm. For more information contact mileendpark@towerhamlets.gov.uk or 0207 365 5227

Pollard Square, E2 6LP

SummerOutdoorGym_PollardSq_A5

January seems to have lasted an eternity. 5 Monday’s in one month, with freezing weather to match. Long live February! To make sure you start the month off right, we’ve compiled a list of highlights as usual, picking the best bits Bethnal Green has to offer so you don’t have to!

Tower Hamlets Labour Party Winter Jumble Sale -3rd February – St Margaret’s House

Whether you enjoy politics or not, everyone loves a bargain and that’s exactly what you can expect to find at the Labour Party Winter Jumble Sale. With a range of gadgets, toys, books and kitchenware all on sale at rock bottom prices, pop down to St Margaret’s House for some austerity essentials. You can also donate items that are cluttering up your life – drop them off at 11am on the day. 

Entrance is 50p for Labour members, £1, for others

12pm – 4pm, St. Margaret’s House 21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PL

Super Bowl Party – 4th February – The Star of Bethnal Green

Touchdown at The Star for the screening of the 52nd Super Bowl. With special Super Bowl themed food, special drinks promotion and pre-game entertainment; there will be nowhere better to watch the game and soak up the atmosphere. All tickets come with a free beer and a bag of popcorn to kick things off. What better way to check out the banging refurbishment at one of Bethnal Green’s smoothest venues?

£5 ticket – complimentary beer and popcorn

£17 ticket – complimentary beer and super bowl platter (Smoked BBQ Rib Chunks, Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings, Deep Fried Pickles and a Homemade Potato Salad)

10pm – 3am, The Star of Bethnal Green 359 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6LG

New Acts of the Year 2018 Comedy Selection – 6th February – Rich Mix

Comedy nights can often be extremely expensive, especially in and around East London. However Rich Mix are showcasing new, exciting young comedians battling it out to be chosen in the heats for their New Acts of the Year series, where 12 will eventually feature in the showcase final. With free entry, go have a laugh on the cheap!

18+, 7.30pm Rich Mix

35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA

and from the team at Oxford House….

“The Green” – 20th February – Oxford House  –  Tuesday 20th Febraury

“The Green”, our monthly meeting, will meet once again at 6pm, Oxford House, on Tuesday 20th February, to discuss ourlatest business support news as well as taking a look at the issues that are affecting residents in the area. 

This month, our guest speaker is Michael Smythe, project lead at Phytology and the Bethnal Green Nature Reserve. Michael explores mental and physical well being in our increasingly cramped urban environments. We’re looking forward to hearing how access to nature and complex ecosystems is really important for this.

To get involved in the meeting and to add an agenda point you feel needs addressing please email: bethnal.green@oxfordhouse.org.uk

The strength of these meetings is in the guestlist, so please do share this opportunity far and wide; businesses, residents, organisations  –  all welcome.

Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Compiled by Thufayel Ahmed

Photo is from Museum of London and shows an evicted matchbox maker, circa 1910, in Bethnal Green.

Funded by Tower Hamlets Council

Supporting our High Streets and Town Centres

The year has flown by, but to make sure you get off the best start in 2018 we have put together a few activities happening in Bethnal Green that you simply cannot miss.

Coming or going –3rd -31st January – Oxford House Gallery
Whilst Brexit has already happened, there was a key demographic that were not allowed to vote within Brexit, even though it affects them the most. There are over 3 million EU citizens residing in the UK, yet they were not allowed to vote in the referendum despite working and paying their taxes. This project by Stephen Bell and Jon Chater aims to give these EU citizens a voice. Alongside photographs of the citizens in their workplace, there will also be text from a short interview conducted with them, to find out how Brexit has affected them on an emotional level. This exhibition is incredibly interesting as it shares real life stories and shows what Brexit means, and how it has directly affected people beyond the contest in Westminster. The private view will take part on the 5th of January with beers and wine also available.

Private View: 5th January – 6-9pm
Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Money Smart Kids’ workshop -13th January – V&A Museum of Childhood
The holidays are always rough on the wallet; however this workshop at the V&A Museum of Childhood can help you recover from this money stress. Led by professors from London School of Economics, financial teachers from MyBnk and others, this is an invaluable workshop on how kids learn about money, the challenges that arise and how we can aid their learning from an early age. This interactive workshop promises to be fun as well as incredibly useful for children as well as adults.

Admission: Free, children 8+, 11.00-12.00pm
Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9PA

The Green Meeting – 16th January – Oxford House
The Green will meet again in January to discuss the regeneration programme within Bethnal Green and engage residents in discussions about how Bethnal Green can be improved. During the meeting, some of the exciting plans for 2018 will also be shared. Oxford House is keen to support businesses and residents in the area and the best way to do that is by joining the discussion.

To bring any discussion points to the table this month, please email: bethnal.green@oxfordhouse.org.uk
Admission: Free
Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Burns Night – 26th January – Oval Space
On Friday the 26th Oval Space will indulge in everything Scottish in honour of Robert Burns – the legendary Scottish poet. The in-house Scottish chef has come up with an amazing 3 course authentic Scottish menu (with vegetarian alternatives). Alongside the menu there will be a whiskey dram as well as whiskey cocktails. Whether you are a fan of poetry, culinary cuisine or even whiskey this promises to be a great way to spend the last Friday of January. As well as the food there will also be entertainment provided on the night courtesy of Ceilidh Tree.

Tickets: £55 (include a starter, main, dessert, whiskey dram and a welcome cocktail.)
29-32 The Oval, London E2 9DT

By Thufayel Ahmed

“The Green” will meet on the 19th December for a Christmas special. At this meeting, we’ll reflect on the partnerships that are developing for the benefit of the area, as well as looking ahead to 2018 and the support that Oxford House will provide to Bethnal Green businesses and residents. The more the merrier, so please do come and join us for a minced pie and some festive refreshment.

We’re delighted to say we’ll be joined by guest speaker Gary Haines, archivist at V&A Museum of Childhood and author of the photographic celebration of the area, “Bethnal Green”. Gary was unable to join us in November, so we’re glad he can come and help us see out 2017 this month at Oxford House.

Next Tuesday’s agenda;

– Welcome
– Gary Haines > Guest Speaker
– A word on market surveys
– A word on bike rack developments
– A word on Christmas decorations with Make Good, from Marie Gerring
– Oxford House promotion plan for local businesses Q1 2018
– Time to socialise and enjoy some festive refreshment

To bring any discussion points to the table this month, please email: bethnal.green@oxfordhouse.org.uk

19th December – 6pm – Oxford House
Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Funded by Tower Hamlets Council
Supporting our High Streets and Town Centres

Christmas is rapidly approaching, and as last-minute shopping begins it can often feel like there is no time to relax and have fun amongst all the busy times during the festive period. When there is spare time, it can be hard to find fun new activities to do with all the family members, friends and colleagues that you catch up with over this period. However, we have found a few amazing activities that will help you do exactly that.

Pyrography – 6th December – St Margaret’s House
Want to write with fire? In a completely safe and legal way, well now you can. St Margaret’s house is holding a workshop where people can make wooden Christmas garlands. Pyrography is the craft of burning leather or wood to create a permanent burn mark –usually in the shape of a pattern you would like. The workshop will use the best specialised irons as well as a range of hot branding tips that will allow for experimentation. Furthermore, you are also given the chance to practice on wood offcuts first before branding a wooden board.

Tickets: £45, 6.30pm-9.30pm
21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PL

Eavesdropping – 8th December – Oxford House
The second evening of Eavesdropping will get under way at Oxford House on the 8th of December. The evening will feature performances from Mira Benjamin (violin) and Alba Cabral (voice/percussion). Come and witness an incredibly intimate performance by two extremely talented musicians. Set in the beautiful, secret chapel it is simply unmissable.

Tickets: £10
Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Anti-Christmas Fayre – 10th December – Bethnal Green Men’s Working Club
The Anti-Christmas Fayre is exactly as you would expect an Anti-Christmas Fayre to be. With items ranging from curses, spells, witchy clothing to protective amulets and bones. This is everything you could want if you have been on the naughty list. As well as all of this there will also be a fully licensed bar. However with arts, posters, prints as well as vinyls there is something for everyone – even the sincerest of Christmas lovers.

Midday- 6pm
Tickets: £3 on door, Bethnal Green Men’s Working Club, 42-44 Pollard Row, London, E2 6NB

Xma(e)s Carols Concert – 11th December – Rich Mix
Join Giovannardi Eleonora, her band and special guests for a charity night of Christmas Carols. The proceeds from this night will go to Cittadinanza Onlus, which is an Italian charity supporting a day-care centre in Vellore, and offering rehabilitation and assistance to young children with neurological disorders. This promises to be an amazing night filled with emotion and is a great way to not only get into the Christmas spirit but also to give to charity.

Tickets: £20, 7pm
35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA

The Green Meeting – 19th December – 6pm – Oxford House
“The Green” will meet on the 19th December for a Christmas special. At this meeting, we’ll reflect on the partnerships that are developing for the benefit of the area, as well as looking ahead to 2018 and the support that Oxford House will provide to Bethnal Green businesses and residents. The more the merrier, so please do come and join us for a minced pie and some festive refreshment.

We’re delighted to say we’ll be joined by guest speaker Gary Haines, archivist at V&A Museum of Childhood and author of the photographic celebration of the area, “Bethnal Green”. Gary was unable to join us in November, so we’re glad he can come and help us see out 2017 this month at Oxford House.

To bring any discussion points to the table this month, please email: bethnal.green@oxfordhouse.org.uk
Admission: Free
Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

By Thufayel Ahmed

During this workshp, ESOL students will be sharing their unique talents and practising their English with the wider community.

Get the opportunity to try out some amazing experiences in activities such as:

Massaging // Guitar Playing // Hair Styling // Makeup // Henna // Sewing // Nail Art // Language Exchange // Mini Facials

Please contact ‘elatt’ for further information:

– 0800 0420 184
– www.elatt.org.uk
– hello@elatt.org.uk

Thursday 7th December, 10am – 12pm
SimpleGifts, 117 Mansford St, Basement Suite, London E1 6LX

The V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green has a series of special events  throughout the festive season:

The Christmas Designer Market on Sunday 26 November with some of London’s  most exciting established and emerging independent designers and makers.
Free, Drop In

Christmas Colour, Listen and Rest on Thursday 7 December where you can enjoy live music from harpist, Ruby Aspinall, and musician, MG Boulter whilst embellishing drawings by artist Amy Brown.
£10 per person, Concessions £8

Ensemble Perpetuo, Childhood Revisited on Wednesday 20 December will take you on a journey through the museum whilst performing a repertoire of works from Janáček and Mozart to Debussy.
£12 per person, Concessions £10
Early Bird Offer: Book before 4 December £10, Concessions £8.

If you also want our support promoting your business or organisation in Bethnal Green, email us: bethnal.green@oxfordhouse.org.uk

Funded by Tower Hamlets Council
Supporting our High Streets and Town Centres

The Winter Market is bringing some festive joy to St Margaret’s House with our range of stalls including vintage clothing, hand-made jewellery, christmas cards, bathroom products, candles and much more.

Happening in our hall on December 9th from 11AM-4PM, the market is also supporting the charity WISH, with the £2 entry fee going towards this national, user-led charity that works with women with mental health needs in prisons, hospitals and the community.

Paying your entry fee is not the only way to donate to this great cause either. If you want to donate more, just choose your amount and follow the ‘Text Giving’ information here: Text ‘MRKT17 + amoun’t to 70070 (e.g. MRKT17 £3, MRKT17 £10 etc)

It’s also a Winter Market with a difference as all our sellers have an ethical approach to their craft. The products are also affordable, with a large amount being priced between £5-£10.

As well as all our amazing stalls, we’ve got some brilliant classes happening that day. At The Create Place, there will be a Herbal Blessings Clinic run by Rabiah Mali from 10AM-12:30PM. Join Rabiah to learn how to make your own medicinal herbal balm and tea blend, which makes a perfect gift for your loved ones – or a pamper present for yourself! Book on to the class here.

There will also be a Botanical Illustrations workshop run by Joanne Roberts from 2PM-4PM. Take the chance to focus on natural plants that come alive in the winter in this calming workshop. Bookings can be made via email.

You can also pop down to Yoganest to take part in a Structure and Flow yoga class from 1PM-2PM. Get to know your body and how it works as you learn to let go and connect with your breath in this relaxing class. Or, if you want to get in the festive spirit, settle down in our Gallery Cafe with a mulled wine.

Find out more about the East London’s only ethical & fundraising community market

If you also want our support promoting your business or organisation in Bethnal Green, email us: bethnal.green@oxfordhouse.org.uk

Funded by Tower Hamlets Council
Supporting our High Streets and Town Centres

For its second screening, The Hamlets Pop-Up Cinema travels to Bangladesh and the award-winning film Oggatonama/The Unnamed (2016), written and directed by Tauquir Ahmed. Oggatonama was a hit at home and abroad, winning multiple awards and accolades.

The film was the Bangladeshi entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards. Some other awards the film won include: Best Director and Best Screenplay at Film Fest Kosovo 2016, Best Director at Washington DC South Asian Film Festival 2016, Best Narrative Feature Film at America’s Cutting Edge Film Festival 2016, and a Jury Special Mention at both Italy’s 2016 Religion Today Film Festival in Trento and the 2017 Dhaka International Film Festival.

The Hamlets is organising a free screening at the intimate Close-Up Cinema, which has a capacity of 40 people. The venue has a bar, so guests can turn up early or hang around after the screening for a drink and chat.

Language: Bengali with English subtitles
Date: Wednesday 8th November
Venue: Close-up Cinema, 97 Sclater Street, Shoreditch, London E1 6HR
Start Time: there will be an introduction at 7.45pm followed by the film screening at 8pm.
Tickets: Free, but places are limited. Register on Eventbrite to guarantee your place.

Do you want to find out more about the Apprenticeship Levy?
Do you need support in using the Levy to meet your business needs?

Come along to the launch of the Mayor’s Apprenticeship Programme to find out more about the Apprenticeship Levy and how it can support the growth of your company.

This is an exciting new programme that aims to create 1000 new apprenticeships for local residents over the next three years.

LBTH is committed to helping employers identify apprenticeship opportunities to meet business needs.

To book your place at this invite only launch please visit: https://map-launch.eventbrite.co.uk

& for further info, please email: workpath@towerhamlets.gov.uk

November is perhaps best known for Guy Fawkes Night, and rightly so, it is one of the most celebrated days in the calendar year. With gorgeous fireworks displays happening across the UK; and it happening so early in the month, November can feel slightly flat and dull afterwards. However we have a list of exciting events happening throughout the month to make you feel excited leading up and into the ever joyous Christmas time.

Fireworks Display – 5th November – Victoria Park
Although slightly cliché, no November to do list would be complete with a fireworks display. Luckily for all of us in Bethnal Green, one of the best fireworks displays in London happens right next door to us. With an atmospheric soundtrack, food and drinks stall complemented by a culmination of gorgeous fireworks displays, there is simply no better way to spend the 5th of November. With thousands attending every year to see the display, the park will be full and this year promises to be bigger and better than before.

Gates: open at 7.00pm
Admission: Free
Victoria Park, Grove Road, Bow, London E3 5TB

Oxford House Nexus – 10th November – Oxford House
Oxford House Nexus is a photographic exhibition and is true celebration of all the things Oxford House has achieved in its history and how it continues to help people in the community. Three photographers (Sarah-Jane Field, John Umney and Keith Greenough) each use different perspectives of Oxford House and the effect it has had on the community. It is sure to be a fantastic event with a varying range of photographs and views exhibited. With other historic buildings within Bethnal Green featured too, this is an exhibition that all residents from the East End of London can enjoy and relate to.

November 10th – 9.00am-10pm
Admission: Free
Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Zara McFarlane and Gabriel Royal – 15th November – Rich Mix
MOBO Award winner Zara McFarlane will be at Rich Mix, launching and performing songs from her third album. Zara is seen by many as one of the most talented Jazz musicians to come from the UK. With her previous album winning prestigious awards such as a MOBO, and a Jazz FM, her new album is highly anticipated and residents from Bethnal Green have an excellent chance to see her perform live. If that was not enough, then Gabriel Royal will also be performing. The musician is known for his unique way of singing over his own cello playing. With tickets only being £20, this is sure to be an absolutely brilliant evening for an incredibly low price.

November 15th: 7.30pm
Tickets here: £20 +booking fee
35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA

Sister-Brother -25th November – V&A Museum of Childhood
This exhibition consists of a set of portraits by Madeleine Waller who explores how our identities are affected by the relationships we have with our siblings. It is common, especially once you get older to spend more time with your siblings than with your parents, and thus they help shape fundamental parts of our lives. By using portraits, the exhibition is more personal and one that appeals to most families in Bethnal Green. It is also a great chance for young children to see how other people are shaped and influenced by their siblings.

25th November- 20th May
Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA, United Kingdom

By Thufayel Ahmed

October, that’s right it is October already. It seems 2017 has flown by; whilst we are no closer to hearing the end of ‘Brexit’ we are very much at the end of 2017. With Black History Month and Halloween both being celebrated in October, it is an extremely significant and fun month. We have put together a list of events happening here in Bethnal Green to make October even better.

Out-Spoken -3rd October – Rich Mix

Outspoken has grown from a small poetry night into the juggernaut it is today in just 5 years. With its own independent publishing house – Out-Spoken press and monthly workshops this has truly been a success. On the 3rd of October, Out-Spoken will be at Rich Mix for an eclectic night of spoken word poetry and live music challenging the establishment amongst many other things.

Suitable for ages 16+
Tickets: click here
35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA

Pop up Opera’s Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel -10th October – V&A Museum of Childhood

A children’s fairy-tale in a children’s museum, is there a more perfect combination? I highly doubt it. The classic fairy-tale is transformed into an opera that is engaging and magical. Hansel and Gretel is perhaps the most operatic fairy tale of them all as it explores themes such as magic, darkness but also innocence. This is one of the reasons Humperdinck’s music is able to create contrasting worlds within the story so easily. This is an in-genius idea and will make for a great family day out. Pop up opera are an innovative touring company who aim to broaden the appeal of opera and this show will certainly do that. The show is also a lot more affordable than normal opera tickets and will make for a great family day out.

Tuesday 10th October 7.30pm
To book tickets: click here
12.00 -14.00, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA, United Kingdom

Somali week festival – 20th October – Oxford House

The Somali week festival is sure to be a celebration of arts and all things Somali culture. With creatives in the field of music, poetry, film and photography attending the event, there is sure to be something everyone can enjoy. The Somali week festival always takes place in October as it is a correlative part of Black History Month, so not only will it be fun but it is also an extremely important event particularly in a multicultural town such as ours.

Friday October 20, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (daily repeats until 29th October)
Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Secretsundaze Halloween Party -28th October – Oval Space

No October list would be complete without a Halloween party on it. Luckily for all of you this does not fall on the actual day of Halloween so you are able to go to more than one Halloween party this year. Oval Space will be taken over by Secretsundaze, and the DJ duo have picked Club Kids to be the theme this year. For those who do not know Club Kids, they were a group of young New York City dance club personalities who were known for their flamboyant behaviour, their outrageous costumes and of course their partying. For anyone struggling with inspiration for costume ideas – simply aim for an air of fabulous. This is sure to be the biggest and most flamboyant Halloween party and you do not want to miss it.

Saturday 28th October 22:00-6.00, 18+ ID required
Tickets: here
29-32 The Oval, London E2 9DT

By Thufayel Ahmed
Oxford House volunteer Blogger