One thing we hear regularly (and I bet you’ve had similar conversations, too) is that nobody really knows the best place to find out what’s on and where to go these days.

People say they long for the simplicity of a paid edition of Time Out (remember that?), where you could reliably know that all London’s events would be meticulously listed by type in its pages every week.

Unfortunately, the digital era not only destroyed the business model of paid listings guides, but replaced them with a fractured landscape of competing ticketing platforms, unreliable event aggregators and algorithmically-surfaced ad promotions.

No wonder people dream of a better solution.

With that in mind, we’ve been looking at how to improve your weekly edition of The Wick newsletter, providing easier ways for everyone to discover more of what’s going on around them, which in turn supports the local cultural ecosystem to thrive.

We’d love to hear from every kind of user - from the avid clubber or theatre buff, through to the venue owners and event promoters looking to get more bums on seats - so give us your feedback in the one-click poll below, (and feel free to leave a more detailed comments after voting, too). We’re all ears.

📯 If you are a local stakeholder or brand looking to demonstrate your commitment to local culture in the clearest possible way, you might consider becoming the headline sponsor of a new regular reviews section in The Wick, meaning we can pay aspiring young journalists to write about more plays, performances, gigs and experiences each week. Reach out to [email protected] for more details.

📊 Here’s the poll…

👩🏼‍🎨 Each year since 2021, locally-based Felstead Art has presented a select group of artists whose works define their observations and responses to the physical and social changes taking place in the area. Launching with a private view this Sat 30th Aug, Wicked Changes IV will showcase the work of 10 artists: Cian O’Neill, Danny Purtill, Dwayne Brown, Hervé Constant, Jeanette Barnes, Lydia Thornley, Matthew Payne, Nicola Hepworth, Susan Supercharged, and Willie Nash, as they explore the changing narratives in East London through their work. Runs to 30th Nov.

🎪 The inaugural edition of new community event the Fish Island Arts & Crafts Market takes place this Sat 30th Aug bringing the neighbourhood’s artists, makers, musicians and foodies out into the canal side Fish Island Village Square (the spot directly outside Lanterna restaurant, who are also one of the food partners to the event). The event will be a family-friendly celebration of local creativity featuring stalls, live acoustic music, food and drink and maybe even some open studios, too.

🎨 The latest artist in residence at Two More Years is British-born Irish artist Shannon Kennedy, who purposefully makes her art accessible and affordable, without compromising its emotional and spiritual depth. She works primarily with acrylic on canvas, blending hand-painted techniques with the visual language of 80s and 90s anime. Runs to 17th Sept.

🍹 It’s the final 100 free drinks on the roof party tonight from 6pm at The Lord Napier Star, so get yourself down there for the big sendoff in association with Camazotz, a small-batch Mexican rum hailing from the eastern highlands of Oaxaca. Take your pick of the freebies from a frozen pineapple daiquiri, Mexican baller or caipirinha, and when the 100 run out, they’re still only £5 a pop all night long.

😂 Wicked Funnies brings comedians Will Kiely, Arie David and Ramsay Smith to HWK for another night of top standup on Thurs 28th Aug.

🪶 The post-Carnival heat fires up again as SUZIO teams with one of Brazil's most vital queer collectives, Mamba Negra at Colour Factory this Fri 29th Aug inviting Cashu, Manuka Honey, DAZLBØY and more to bring the energy.

🎤 Hidden Literature returns with MY WORD on Tues Sep 2nd at Grow for an evening of poetry, spoken word, music and creativity by the canal, with open decks from 10.30pm and Ovyuki hosting proceedings, plus a food menu inspired by Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Modern British cuisine.

📢 We spread the word about what’s on and where to go locally to over 8k people every Wednesday lunchtime. Email us details of your event, business or offer to [email protected] for consideration. If you’d like a premium listing or full editorial feature, paid promos start at just £99 - more info & ratecard 😃

There’s a mindful hand-sewing workshop including afternoon tea at Mainyard Studios on Sat 13th Sept as Rachel Johnson teaches simple techniques to create your own reusable gift wrap beautiful reclaimed or vintage fabrics, perfect for thoughtful, waste-free gifting. It’s relaxing, beginner-friendly sewing, with the option to add embroidered or decorative touches, with discussion about the mindful benefits of sewing for all levels.

🍞 Head to Hearth for a one-day immersive workshop in baking with spelt, (pictured above) on Sun 21st Sept. One of the oldest cultivated grains and a brilliant alternative to industrial wheat, you’ll explore the versatility of this nutrient-rich grain while learning techniques that make it easier to handle, ferment, and bake with. Two places are available free to low income Hackney households too.

🎨 Barge East have added a final Summer Workshop date with artist and teacher Dan Whiteson to their popular series; Lee Krasner: Destroy | Create on Mon 23rd Sept. You’ll Krasner’s innovative use of collage, repurposing “failed” or old drawings into bold, dynamic new compositions, and create your own expressive works before tearing, cutting, and reassembling them into something entirely new.

💚 Have your say in proposals to green-up Prince Edward Road and give central Hackney Wick some much needed additional public green space. Consultation closes on 15th Sept.

🪛 The North London Repair Voucher Scheme offers residents of Hackney, Tower Hanmplet and other nearby local boroughs easy to download vouchers for up to £50 off the cost of repairing household electricals at participating high street businesses. The project aims to help residents cut costs, reduce tech waste, and support local repair businesses. So fix it, don’t ditch it, right up to 31st Dec.

🖼️ The V&A East Museum is looking for a floor manager to oversee the day-to-day front-of-house, commercial and security operations when their brand new facility opens at East Bank in early 2026. Apply by 21st Sept.

🍻 Hackney Wick-born Crate Brewery are spreading their wings and opening up a brand new brewery over in Canary Wharf this October, offering the same cold beers and hot pizzas as at the original. They are looking to fill positions including General Manager, Head Chef, plus Front of House Team including a leader.

🏢 Stour Trust is recruiting a freelance Engagement and Communications Lead to provide high quality, varied administrative support as part of their team. The contractor will have a passion for land justice, communications, project management and outreach. Apply by 30th Aug.

📤 UCL East is looking for a part time Community Engagement Officer to support the delivery of a major public art commission at the university’s new UCL Multi Lab facility, opening this Autumn, co-developing and delivering an inclusive engagement strategy that brings local voices into the heart of the project. Apply by 1st Sept.

Want to know why the No.90 Hideout is causing such a stir as one of the capital’s most exciting new nightlife venues? In this short video, co-founder Bruno takes us on a whirlwind tour of the Hideout, pointing out all the new features from gorgeous sound insulation to innovative lighting design, and that bass-heavy ‘better than orgasmic’ oak dancefloor…

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