Locals will no doubt already be aware of BADU, the youth sports, mentoring and community engagement phenomenon that continues to expand from it’s base (and own coffee shop) at Hackney Bridge.

We splashed their amazing story on the cover of the previous (winter 24/25) edition of The Wick, in fact.

And now that story is available online for the first time, so if you missed it, you can read all about their history, the work that goes on today and plans for the future.

Meanwhile, it also means you can also share this home-grown success with others in your network, who might not have been in the area to pick up a copy of the paper, but are interested in what’s going on around here.

Read BADU’s own Shannon Latouche tell the full story including her own BADU journey and the wider goals of the organisation in the cover feature, now online here.

The CIG meets again this Friday - everyone welcome

💃🏻 Fashion show Floored, this Sat 12th Apr at Indra Gallery, aims to be more than just a runway, but “a tribute to timeless creativity and a reminder that style has no age limit.” Expect powerful looks, beautiful stories, and a celebration of age inclusivity, personal style, and sustainable fashion, featuring intergenerational models and designs by older creatives, plus a short film documentary featuring the voices and philosophies of the people behind the garments.

🪮 Then delve into the world of hair back at Indra Gallery on Sun 13th Apr at The Hair Summit London, a jam-packed event full of tips, tricks, and trends for textured hair. Hairstylists and beauty enthusiasts can enjoy live demos, science-backed hair care, masterclasses, and networking, with exclusive shopping, giveaways, and prizes, too.

🛹 Skate culture collides spectacularly with dance as Danish choreographer Mette Ingvartsen explores the speed and energy of movement on wheels - a passion from her youth - as Skatepark glides into Sadler’s Wells East Thurs 10th - Sat 12th Apr.
➡️ Read our interview with one of the talented skateboarders from the cast in The Wick’s lead feature from last week.

🛋️ Hackney Wick’s lovely vintage Nordic furniture warehouse Ælfred is celebrating Milan Design Week here in London with a five-day event kicking off today, and running to Sun 13th Apr. You can expect stalls showcasing mid-century pieces and their take on Bar Basso serving complementary drinks and nibbles on Sat and Sun.

🖼️ Not for Sale Gallery hosts the exhibition: Nomadic Thoughts: Powerscape, a solo exhibition by Sasan Sahafi, with a PV on Sat 12th Apr. The exhibition delves into the notion of power in human society through three distinct perspectives, expressed in kinetic sculptures and runs to 25th May.

New on thisisthewick.com this week…

🤣 With top standup comedians and deals on food and drinks, HWK’s new comedy night Wicked Funnies is on Thurs 10th Apr (and every Thursday) and it’s also free to get in.

🍺 There’s a free day-into-night taproom and terrace takeover party at Crate Brewery this Sat 12th Apr as Groove & Blossom sees Frogwork x Club Moto bring the feel-good sunshine sounds, from Reggae to 90’s Hip Hop, courtesy of DJs Ellaweeez, Sacha Mario, Zen, Kanon, Penny, Chrs Apula and Corvair.

🎺 The celebrated Monday night jam at Color Factory becomes Orii Club on Fri 18th Apr as their improvised nu-jazz sounds fuse with more electronic, bass-driven beats with Larizzle, Tribal Brothers and Sexy Lady Massive on the stellar line-up.

🎤 Bring your energy, talent, music and an instrument or voice for the chance to hop on stage and join some of the most refined musicians in London as Mood Jam returns to new canalside bar LVLS on Thurs 17th Apr. It’s a safe space to experiment musically in front of a great, supportive audience.

📺 Head to the Lord Napier Star for their famous Peep Show Quiz Night on Thurs 10th Apr for the chance to ein a £50 bar tab and claim the title of El Dude.

🏊🏻‍♀️ The 2025 Aquatics GB Swimming Championships is a six-day, fully-integrated para-swimming and swimming programme of incredible action, following on from the success of the 2024 event, which saw sell-out crowds in the stands to watch world-class racing and a series of British and World records fall. Taking place at the QEOP’s iconic London Aquatics Centre from 15th - 20th Apr, there’s an allocation of complimentary tickets available for schools, not-for-profit community organisations and charities supporting children, young people and groups in London, so apply now.

⚽ The Baller League is the high-octane 6-a-side, influencer-led football tournament headlined by KSI with celebrity managers and coaches Gary Lineker, John Terry and Luis Figo, Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires. Former Premier League players, futsal players and celebrities face one another in 12 teams for short games with rule twists, light shows and more at The Copper Box Arena from now until June. Next match is Mon 14th Apr, tickets here.

🔮 Join a dynamic group of policymakers, innovators, industry leaders, and investors for an afternoon of discussion, debate, and knowledge-sharing at the SHIFT Innovation Forum on Tues 23d Apr at Plexal. The event will focus around how innovation can source local solutions to national challenges - with a special spotlight on the Future Industries Demonstrator (FID) and other programmes driving impact across London.

➰ Circular Economy hub The Loop plays host to three themed nights across visual arts, music, and fashion, courtesy of new organisation Creative Research Group. A blend of talks, drinks, pop-ups, and networking, the venue will also be open for upcycling and eco-conscious pop-ups throughout the days, running 22nd-24th Apr.

🍽️ There’s exciting opportunity to apply for the operation of the Cody Dock Cafe, part of the opening of Cody Dock’s new multi-function visitor centre, The Barn. It’s a purpose built cafe space complete with commercial kitchen plumbing and utilities, ready for fit-out, with an adjoining covered dining space and outdoor seating areas located within the riverside gardens. Apply by 25th May.