In partnership with

This week we’ve partnered with Fish Island’s lovely Asian-influenced pottery workshop for the inside track on all they offer…

How would you best describe Trace Ceramics Studio to someone who's never been? The Studio is based in Hackney Wick, just by the canal, which gives the space a calm, welcoming atmosphere. The studio focuses on Asian ceramics, so the peaceful setting fits perfectly. We offer special courses that explore texture, form, and various techniques. It is great for complete beginners as well as people who want to develop their skills. The space feels both healing and lively, making it a nice spot for personal creative time, or fun group sessions with friends.

What differentiates Asian ceramics from other pottery traditions?

Asian ceramics have a rich history, and what really makes them special is the sensitivity to materials, forms, and details. Techniques like slab-throwing, carving, and applying special tools on the surfaces to bring out the character of the clay itself. That applies to my passion for texture, in that every piece can be distinctive. Even small variations in touch or movement create textures that make each work feel personal and one-of-a-kind. Each piece of work is subtle and thoughtful, showing how the potters work with a strong sense of focus and presence.

Tell us a bit about your personal journey to working in this field, including how you first came to Hackney Wick? 

I’ve been working with ceramics for about 10 years, exploring different methods and developing a strong interest in texture. My time learning traditional approaches in Jingdezhen, China, shaped the way I think about conceptual narratives and the time-honoured practices I now bring into the studio. I first came to the Wick after discovering a studio space in East London, and was immediately drawn to the artistic energy here and the strong sense of community. It’s great for our studio to grow in such a versatile and creative place.

What kind of classes and workshops do you offer for people of different abilities?

Our studio offers one-to-two hour taster class for newcomers. For those who are interested in delving into more, we have a range of classes, including wheel-throwing and hand building, from the level of beginner to advanced, exploring both basic techniques to more professional approaches. The system of our classes is well organised to make sure everyone can learn efficiently and effectively. We also have special workshops occasionally that are open to everyone.

What have been the best moments running the studio so far, and what do you hope for 2026? 

It’s great to see how craft lovers in the studio enjoy the making process and bring their passion for craft here every time, while making progress with growing their interest. It makes the studio a place of creativity. The more they learn, the more they enjoy working with clay, which is always pleasant. As a growing studio, I hope there will be more people joining the studio and starting their journey with ceramics, so that more people will get to know the beauty and essence of this discipline. Beyond our regular classes and workshops, over the year ahead I want to strengthen the sense of community at the studio. We plan to offer free monthly sessions for members, as well as more workshops with Asian specialties.

Discover more about Trace Ceramic Studio, book workshops and more

🎄The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Winter Adventure continues every night this week, with Swedish choir Norrsång performing outside the ABBA Arena on Fri 5th Dec, and a festive singalong with the in-house Frank Sinatra at Timber Lodge on Sun 7th Dec among this week’s highlights.

🎄Tree specialist Hackney Wickmas is open seven days a week at Hackney Bridge, offering only premium-graded Nordmann firs, handmade wreathes, lights, decorations (and free chocolates for everyone). This weekend, Sat 6th & Sun 7th Dec, local photographer Lens and She will be doing festive photo shoots in amongst the trees for families, friends and fluffy friends.

🎄A collective of residents who make everything from unique teas to locally forged jewellery open their collaborative Christmas outlet on Fish Island - The Fishmas Shop - with a special evening this Fri 5 Dec (mulled wine included). The shops sees a group of makers coming together to create a shared home for their work, offering the community a place to discover truly exclusive, locally-made gifts at The Trampery Fish Island Village (Studio 31), including unusual items and secret recipes you won’t find anywhere else.

🎄It’s the return of Barge East’s popular Wick Wonderland riverside market every pre-Xmas weekend in December starting this Sat 6th Dec with trees, treats, gifts, food, drink and loads more from sustainable local makers. Look out for the Victoria Park Singers special ‘carols by the canal’ performance on Wed 17th Dec, too.

🎄Also Sat Dec 6th is also the date for the one-off Mainyard Christmas Market, taking place at Number 90 Hideout, featuring yet more creativity and Christmassy craft from the local community across a variety of stalls, while over at Riverside East in the QEOP, The Big Christmas Market has another 30 local makers and designers, plus craft workshops, too.

🎄There’s a 3-course festive dinner with live music and bubbles and wine too at Hackney Wick Fest this Fri 5th Dec, as St Mary of Eton Church throws a fundraiser for their weekly community meals for older locals.

🩰 The big Xmas show at Sadler’s Wells East opens tonight and runs to 4th Jan. Ebony Scrooge is a hip hop take on the Dickens’ classic, as formidable fashion empire boss Ebony, everyone’s nightmare boss, cancels Christmas for her landmark fashion show. Physical theatre and comedy make it perfect for a family outing.

🪿 Stratford East’s Xmas panto, Mama Goose, is picking up rave reviews for its festive season run already, with its own deliciously East London spin on the classic golden-egg fairytale. Runs until Jan 3rd.

🎾 The globe-trotting Ultimate Tennis Showdown lands at the Copper Box Arena from Fri 5th - 7th Dec with its fast-paced reinvented format of short and exciting games.

🖼️ Bow Arts’ renowned biennial showcase of moving image, digital, and performance art, is back, with Visions Programme 2 led by acclaimed moving image artist Onyeka Igwe, whose own work explores diasporic African life and colonial history. Runs to Sun Dec 21st. at the Nunnery Gallery.

🍽️ Join local artist the Humm Collective for their very first Supper Club in collaboration with The Printer’s Devil’s at the Not For Sale Gallery on Sat 13th Dec. Creating a bridge between art and food over 3-courses of homely South Indian dishes, it will also be a celebration of the current exhibition ‘Downfall of the Idols.’

💃🏻 It’s the last Queer Edge Late of the year this Fri 5th Dec and the venue has moved to Nico’s Bar at Hackney Bridge. Expect the welcoming party spirit to be as fierce and friendly as usual at this festive edition.

🎶 There’s a free festive Christmas party of highlife, Latin, deep house, rare groove and everything in between at Grow this Sat 6th Dec as CSGRV & Demacque take over for a solid 7-hour session.

🎧 Lofi deep house head Laurence Guy plays one of his driving sets all night long this Sat 6th Dec at Colour Factory.

🎤It’s The Lord Napier’s Big Christmas Party on Thurs 18th Dec featuring live music from the Johnny Cash tribute band, Cash, and a special festive menu alongside the usual gourmet hot dogs from Oh My Dog! in the kitchen.

🤣 Or head to sister boozer the Leyton Star tonight, Wed 3rd Dec, for the next Leyton Laughs Comedy Night, where up-and-coming stand-ups try out new material, all for just £5.

🥳 Slapfunk Records take over No90s Hideout and Lock venues this Sat 6th Dec with AZAAD B2B with PACH, plus Nathalie Seres and Samuel Deep until 5am.

🧢 Academy Breakin’ Convention are running a series of Open Days for aspiring students of hip hop dance and culture to come and find out more about their ground-breaking Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performance and Production Arts at their Sadler’s Wells East home. There will be free taster workshops, and the chance to discover first hand how you can become a part of the ABC 2026 cohort. Book your place now, as the first one is on Mon 8th Dec. 

🖥️ If you are a local business or a UCL academic, the Creative Experiences funding call is offering grants of up to £5k to support collaborations with Loughborough University London academics, run by their Centre for Research and Innovation in Creative Experiences (CRaIC). The funding is designed to help the partners work together on developing innovative approaches to creative experience and the use of AI in the Creative Experience Economy. Apply by 7th Jan.

👋🏻 The University of Staffordshire has launched a new fully-funded Microplacement Scheme, offering local organisations an opportunity to bring students onto their staff for 120-hours of funded activity across a wide range of potential projects - pretty much anything that supports them in building and applying their skills. Limited to 31 placements so apply now.

🪙 Peabody Community Foundation’s Kerslake Awards are offering grants of up to £2,000 to Tower Hamlets charities, community groups, and resident-led projects in areas where Peabody has homes and services. The will support community-led projects that bring people together, reduce isolation, and improve wellbeing. Apply by Fri 5th Dec.

👥 Connect, learn, and celebrate with Hackney Impact participants, partners, and community stakeholders at their Social Founders Forum (Winter Social) on Tues 9th Dec at Shoreditch Town Hall to find out about opportunities in 2026 on the theme of strengthening social impact.

Local resident, publican at the Lord Napier, infamous East London party and festival promoter and now a newly minted restaurateur, too, this week’s episode of the Loud & Unfiltered podcast is a highly entertaining deep dive into the career of Rob Star. Well worth an hour of your time.