The Spring 2025 print edition of The Wick is now available all over the area, with Kwame Safo (pictured) in the Guest Editor’s seat.

He explains how his formative years growing up in the cultural melting pot of East London, becoming a DJ and other local experiences unknowingly prepared him for his current role at 90-year-old global institution The British Council.

Kwame’s trajectory closely follows the way East London itself has developed over recent years, and is a fascinating insight - you can read it here, and its is just one of the many features to enjoy if you grab a free copy of the paper this week, too.

We’re also marking the return of open door community meet-up Hackney Wick Town Hall, which is back after a break next Tuesday 25th March, at The Trampery Fish Island.

It’s an opportunity for everyone who lives, works or plays in the area to connect, discuss the issues that matter most to them, and enjoy a bite to eat together, too.

The regular event now has the involvement of Hackney Wick and Fish Island Community Development Trust, alongside Hackney Quest and Wick Award, who are keen to ensure the Town Hall is a platform for all local voices.

And speaking of new eras, the former canalside home of Cafe Mai at Schwartz Wharf has just reopened as the all new cocktail bar Little Locke.

“At the moment we are soft launching while we finish our renovations but very soon we will be finished and will be having our full launch night,” say owner, Jay.

“Our plan for the space is to be a chic cocktail bar that is accessible to the many people who travel to Hackney Wick for its nightlife, but is also a real hangout for locals as its community grows even bigger. We are underway in finding a roster of chefs who’ll be coming in as residencies, to rotate the menu with new and innovative cuisines and dishes throughout the year.”

The Kemist is a London-based fashion brand which has become a global sensation for style-conscious women seeking fashion that exudes bold aesthetics. Founded in 2017 by creative powerhouse, self-taught seamstress and passionate businesswoman, Sade Akinosho, The Kemist is hosting an exclusive sample sale at Fish Island’s Indra Gallery today until Fri 21st Mar. Sign up for early access 5pm-7.30pm today, where your £50 ticket is redeemable against any purchase, there’s no queuing, you get first access to exclusive pieces, welcome drinks and a gift bag.

🐉 Set in 18th century colonial Jamaica, Azuka Oforka’s searing yet witty new play, The Women of Llanrumney explores the experience of women during slavery – those who benefited from it, those who were brutalised by it and those who fought to destroy it. The work highlights Wales’s role in slavery, illuminating a hidden chapter of British history.  Opens tonight, runs to 12th Apr at Stratford East.

📦 Eighteen artists explore the emotional and psychological dimensions of accumulating Clutter, and investigate its impact on our lives and society at large in the latest exhibition at Hypha Gallery 1 Sugar House Island. Runs to 12th Apr.

🍽️ Meanwhile, Battlefield Bodies is a show addressing the theme of eating disorders. Through arworks and installations, it creatively explore the internal conflict to better understand its impact and effects at Hypha Gallery 2, on Sugar House Island, with a PV tomorrow and also running to 12th Apr.

👩🏻‍🎨 Art Space Art Fair London is a new globetrotting show that allows established and emerging talent to showcase their work. It includes mosaic artist David O'Brien unveiling his new Lewis Hamilton Ferrari-inspired F1 helmet, never-seen-before pieces and work by Michael Dargas, Nigel Cooke and Mr Brainwash, coming to East London at Dockside Vaults in St. Katharine Docks, Until 28th Mar. 

🪩 Beauty and the Beat a regular party put on by some friends who had '“been around the London and New York dance scenes for a long time and wanted somewhere they could dance all night to a wide range of music on an excellent analogue sound system such as you just cannot find in a London club.” So now they put on something akin to a house party at The Bath House which is back again this Sat 22nd Mar.

🎶 Monthly Sunday afternoon crate diggers and vinyl dealers gathering Wax on Tap Record Fair is back at Grow this Sun, 16th Mar with this month’s vendors including BMC Radio, I’ve Got it on Vinyl, Plays at 45RPM, Daniele Inn Rivolta and E2E8 Records.

📈 Register your interest in the Investec Beyond Business Programme to get start-up grant funding up to £24k, expert support and mentorship from the Bromley by Bow Centre and Investec. Whether you are starting out or expanding, this programme helps you make a lasting impact in East London as a social entrepreneur. Apply by 30 Mar.

🎥 The New Black Film Collective (TNBFC) host TNB XPO 2025, showcasing Black excellence and driving forward diversity in the UK and international screen industries with a three day programme of screenings, keynotes, panels, demos and a recruitment fair. It happens at Rich Mix Mon 24th - Fri 28th Mar.

Studio Wayne McGregor is looking for bright and energetic individuals to join their Studio Team based at Here East. If you enjoy customer service, have fantastic admin skills and are passionate about overseeing the day to day running of state-of-the-art studio facilities, apply by 31st Mar.

🥻 Hackney Wick & Fish Island Community Development Trust is looking for an individual or organisation to become their new circular fashion hub and young makers programme partner. You’ll get a rent-free, high quality studio space for one year, and be expected to deliver the workshops and mentoring for the third year of the Sustainable Young Makers Programme in 2025. Deadline 21st Mar.

🗣️ Deep Boroughs Network are offering a chance for charity leaders, startups, community activists, creative entrepreneurs and more to come and Pitch Your Value at the LightHouse & Gardens on Thurs 27th Mar at 1,30pm. You’ll get a chance to nail your pitch with hands-on skills training and a guest speaker. Email them to add your number to the WhatsApp group for one of the limited places.

⚖️ If you are an artist, writer, musician, actor, sculptor, web-designer or any other type of creative practitioner and have an issue relating to your work but can’t afford access to legal support, the Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre offers free advice on areas including intellectual property, trademark and copyright. Fill in the form and they’ll get back to you. Deadline Fri 21st Mar.