🌊 The summer has well and truly kicked off over at Here East, where the big screen has gone up on the waterfront and Wimbledon matches can currently be enjoyed al fresco in the sunshine (er, assuming it’s returning again soon🤞).

There’s also a family-friendly programme of free movie screenings coming later in the month (from Tuesday July 16th), ahead of all the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic action you can handle, bringing the spirit of the Games back to the area from 26th July.

There’s obviously plenty of dining and drinking options at hand from the line-up of restaurants and bars along the enviable canalside strip, and look out for live music on Thursday nights, coming soon, too.

Check out the full programme and make your summer social plans now with this handy schedule.

👂The Wick team were at the inaugural Creative Industries Property Summit over in King’s Cross last week, to hear a top selection of speakers from both the development and cultural sectors discussing innovative approaches to working together. Challenges, successes, failures and aspirations for a better future were all covered, and Hackney Wick and the Olympic Park frequently referenced. We particularly like the discussion of how emotional wellbeing is just as impacted by our experience of place as it is by bonds with friends and family. Read more of our thoughts on this over on our North London twin, the Camdenist newsletter.

The Yard Theatre’s summer season sees cult-favourite artists performing fresh new work in a stripped back, no frills production - for only £9 a pop. Things kick off in style this week, 4th-6th July as Temi Wilkey steps away from playing the "sassy best friend" in a white world, and fully into her Main Character Energy where it’s your privilege and pleasure to give her all the attention she deserves. Brace yourself for a high-octane blend of comedy, audience participation, and a touch of cabaret.

🖼️ There’s a private view of new show Uprising by women’s art collective NastyGallery this Friday night (5th) at Trowbridge Gardens, with some special performances to enjoy from 7pm.

🎒 It’s the 10th anniversary of Chobham Academy next week, and to celebrate they are inviting local businesses, residents, staff, students and parents to a free open-air concert and art exhibition at Ulysses Place on Wednesday 10th July, 5-7pm. 

🥻 Clothing brand Branche launch their SS24 collection tomorrow night (Thurs July 4th) at Indra Studios from 3pm-8pm. Check out some of their pieces here for a taster, too.

📱 UCL Marshgate's Institute of Making are holding The Festival of Stuff on Sat 6th July. It’s a large-scale, drop-in, totally free street festival about making and materials, promising to be filled to the brim with what they call ‘delectable making madness’. Explore the science of squishing, delve into the small but mighty world of super absorbent polymers, get intimate with your iPhone's insides, play on pottery wheels and meet the Mars Rover, no less.

🧠 Also at UCL East this week (the One Pool St campus) is the launch of Memory Work, a free exhibition exploring the themes of memory and showcasing the research of the Urban Lab Steering Committee. There’s a talk by the curators on the opening night this Friday 5th July, and a series of other special events through until 16th August. 

🥳 There’s no time to rest for the Queer Edge crew, who having only just graced the main stage at Pride in Trafalgar Square last weekend are now preparing for the mother of all first birthday parties this Friday, 5th July at Two More Years. As founder/party-starter EJ tells us “the line up is SICK (I'm proud of this one), with one of my favourites Michaelle Manetti, joining DJ Bekefi, Bryony Masters and Chester Hayes.” Expect an extra special vibe, pay-what-you-can tickets and famously inclusive crowd.

❓Starting tonight at Howling Hops, and running every Wednesday at 8pm, is the new Quiz Night. It’s only £2 entry with a £50 beer tab up for grabs and food from La Cumbia.

🎤 The Lord Napier Star is gearing up for a legendary free night of Pub Karaoke with Oz, the undisputed king of Karaoke enthusiasm (if not always perfect pitch) leading the charge this Sunday, July 7th from 7pm. Think hair-raising anthems, power ballads that demand dramatic belting, and enough disco to make your head spin. Hitting the right notes is just a suggestion, but commitment and pure, unadulterated passion are a must.

🍺 Beer, sunshine and tunes should all be present as Crate Brewery presents the third installment of Day Break, their day-into-night summer series set along the banks of the canal. The next party, on 6th July, sees Carl H, Pato and Remove Me take over the brand new, custom built Core sound system on the terrace from 12pm - 9pm.

💚 The crowdfunder for zero waste restaurant pioneer Silo’s exciting new fermentation factory at The Loop on Wallis Road has only 7 days left to run, and is only £500 short of hitting its target. It’s an all-or-nothing project, so you know what to do, and you’ll get anything from a koji starter pack to a private tour or dinner for two depending on how much you pledge.

🏃🏽‍♀️ Social running club Run Dusty have two things at the core of their mission: getting people mentally and physically fit via a weekly 5-8km group run, and then supporting a different local brewery each month with a well earned pint (or two) straight after. For July, their home is Queen’s Yard’s Howling Hops, where you can just rock up any Thursday at 7pm to join in, there’s a bag drop - and your first pint is free! Plus there’s a special Dusty Rat Race on Sat 13th too. All the info is here.

🧘🏽 Eastwick + Sweetwater fitness newcomer The Body People are hosting their first showcase day at their brand new gym this Saturday, 6th July. With tasters for newbies, performances and and after party to finish. They’ve also just invested in new Aerial Hoops facilities, with classes every Wednesday.

🧑🏾‍🎨 Creative workspace provider Arbeit have launched application for their ReRooted Residency at Trowbridge Gardens, focused on community engagement and sustainability. All London creatives, either individuals and collectives, working in ecology, sustainability and/or nature, are invited to propose work that will be made and installed in the new north garden space. Submit your eco-friendly ideas for the garden, and they will cover all artists' workspace, fees, and production costs. It will run Aug-Nov '24 at Trowbridge Gardens. Apply by July 21st. 

🤯 Innovation incubator SHiFT are running an afternoon of dynamic conversations and networking at Loughborough University London, on July 11th titled Scaling Innovation, to address the complex urban challenges of our time. You’ll join business leaders, SMEs, academic experts, community innovators and public sector representatives to collaboratively explore how we can propel early-stage innovations to new heights in London and beyond.