Brick Lane Village Fete & Art Auction

Sun out, limbs out. It appears we are having a summer after all. As temperatures continue to soar (forgive me if I have jinxed us all…) it seems only apt that we get ourselves outside and embrace the al fresco lifestyle, and what better way than at a traditional English village fete. Only this is east London and so you can rest assured it won’t be too traditional.

Led by retired entrepreneur and club promoter, Chris McMuck, Brick Lane is hanging out the bunting for a weekend of art, music and performance in aid of charity. Raising awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and supporting Ability Bow Gym, the only gym in east London where all disabilities are catered for, McMuck has called on his friends in the industry to host two events: Brick Lane Village Fete and Art Auction.

On Thursday, 30 pieces of unique art from the edge of global counterculture, including donations from Vivienne Westwood, Gavin Turk and Jamie Reid, are held up for auction at Beach Blanket Babylon. There will also be a selection of contemporary street art from My Dog Sighs, AK 47, Andrew Weatherall and Benjamin Murphy.

On Sunday in the grounds of St Matthew’s Church in Bethnal Green, enjoy fresh food and drinks from local traders and businesses plus a packed programme of activities and entertainment including live acts and DJs. Sterling Roswell provides live music with his debut album while the Bossanova Brothers featuring Charlie Creed-Miles presents a brand new project. Entertaining the crowds: Lou Lou the cosmic hula hooper, hip hop dancers plus a children’s entertainer. And a canine fashion competition – which is surely a pull in itself? And forget stale butterfly-cakes, Lily Vanilli will be on hand with her award winning cakes plus traditional tastes from Portugal from A Portuguese Love Affair. Tickets will also be available for a raffle of prizes donated by artists and independent traders.

Brick Lane Art Auction takes place on Thursday 24 July at Beach Blanket Babylon from 6-10pm.

Brick Lane Village Fete takes place Sunday 27 July at St Matthew’s Church, Bethnal Green, E2 6DT from 12-7pm.

For more information on both events visit www.blvf.org