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It was good to see Sadiq Khan getting behind London’s nightlife and establishing the sector’s first ever special taskforce last week.

The nighttime has become the engine that drives so much of Hackney Wick’s hospitality-led ecosystem in recent years, that this is a significant move for everyone around here, regardless of whether you work or play around here at night.

The assembled group of industry experts includes strong local representation, with Colour Factory owner and CIG vice-chair Nathanael Williams and Pxssy Palace promoter Nadine Noor among their number.

The taskforce will spend six months assessing the unprecedented challenges - but also the potential opportunities - facing the capital’s after dark economy right now.

Nightlife has always been where our biggest cultural movements and born, but strict regulations, resident tensions, spiraling costs and digital distractions are all threatening the vibrancy of these nascent scenes.

The taskforce is a recognition of a ‘code red’ moment for London’s nightlife, but perhaps also a vital turning point.

The CIG meets again this Friday morning. Everyone is welcome.

🛝 After many months of closure for renovations, the Park’s towering beacon - the ArcelorMittal Orbit - reopens this Fri 14th Feb, with new owners Zip World London taking over the Helix slide and promising exciting descents and panoramic views from the top.

🥽 Another local 360 degree view is the 3D immersive art experience from Nigerian artist Kingsley Obasi x digital practitioner Zeb Fry for Bouyancy Of The Spirit, at Smeed Rd’s Not For Sale Gallery. The free private view is Wed 26th Feb.

🌐 Swedish animator Petter Schölander takes us to his imaginary utopia in Samoota: In the Shadow of Three Suns, an audio-visual experience at Indra Gallery on Sat 15th Feb. The work is inspired by his Sámi heritage, science, as well as his need to understand the world, and the event will also see three DJs from Stockholm play at the afterparty.

🤯 There’s the chance to explore your creativity at a ‘gym for the mind’ when BRAIN2PIA lands at The Loop on Sat 22nd Feb. You can paint, draw, print your own t-shirt, make music, or a sculpture, and it’s all free. More info next week…

💘 There’s a Valentine’s night UKG special at All My Friends this Fri 14th Feb as DJ Ell Murphy and friends play a romantic, sizzling mix of high energy vocal Garage, tough Jungle and more.

🏳️‍🌈 There’s a massive line-up of comedy, spoken word, soulful pop and grimy hip hop promised at the monthly local queer talent showcase Queer Edge Live, back at Nico’s Cocktail Bar at Hackney Bridge on Thurs 20th Feb.

🍔 The Lord Napier Star and their kitchen residents Red Dog BBQ are marking this Valentines night with an epic night of food and live music up in their Blue Bar this Fri 14th Feb. Expect juicy burgers, smoky ribs and local vocalists to set the mood.

🎧 Iconic DJ collective Girls of the Internet are throwing a surprise all-dayer at Colour Factory this Sat 15th Feb, launching their new label House of the Internet with a brace of special guests on the decks, too. Best of all? It’s a ‘pay what you feel’ ticket policy, so everyone is welcome to dance no matter how perilous your finances.

🎶 If you’re aged 18-35, of black heritage and interested in producing big events, then the return of the Festival & Carnival Lab 2025 is for you. A weekly series of free training sessions based in the Olympic Park, you’ll learn from the biggest names in the business, from the likes of Notting Hill Carnival to Glastonbury, Download and Wilderness festivals. Only 10 places, so appy before 6th March.

👘 Local circular economy innovators Fibrelab are running a Textile Recycling Consultations and workshop on Fri 21st Feb aimed at fashion students, independent designers and community members. It will provide interactive hands-on experience of the textile recycling processes and guidance on improving your own practices

📈 The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a bespoke 10-week programme plus grants of up to £20k designed to help early-stage start-ups developing innovative, more sustainable consumer products. It is run in partnership with EIT Climate-KIC, Europe's leading climate innovation hub. Applications by 7th March.

💘 Cone8 Ceramics are offering a 20% discount on all their classes for bookings of two this Valentines week. Prospective students should just email them on [email protected] for the discount code to use when booking, and you’ll both join a thriving local ceramic community, too.

🕺🏻 Studio Wayne McGregor is looking for an archivist to manage and oversee their collection of over 30 years of materials and support the company’s first major exhibition to be held at Somerset House. Closing date 26th Feb.

👩🏻‍🎓 If your organisation is looking for part-time staff, casual team members or volunteers, all 5 universities at Here East are collaborating for the first time on a student jobs fair, being held on Mon 24th Feb at Plexal. It’s free for employers to join and includes lunch - register your interest here.

🚢 Anyone who’d like to put on a cultural event to celebrate the Windrush Generation should contact Hackney Council, who have small grants of up to £2k now available to help make it a reality. Your event will need to be delivered in June 2025 and can also be part of a bigger project. Deadline for applications is 17th March.

🌊 Hackney Council is also working with the Environment Agency to develop resources aimed at helping residents and businesses in Hackney Wick better prepare for potential flooding. They are currently seeking feedback from residents and businesses through a consultation process via the link.

💹 The Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs has just opened for 2025, offering up to £20k and a mentorship programme to enable talented entrepreneurs to make positive social impact through their creative ventures.

📈 If you live in Tower Hamlets and have a business idea, but don't know where to start, the Council and Allia Impact are offering support through structured training and a grant of £2500 to start a new venture. You need to be a first-time entrepreneur and full time resident. Open until end of March 2025.

💍 If you are set on becoming one of the next generation of creative designers and makers, the Rabih Hage Bursary includes £5k of financial support, brainstorming workshops and networking meetings, plus marketing and promotion of your work. Apply by 28th Feb.

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