5 Things To Do In London This Weekend #1

Regent Street All American Block Party

Buses and taxis are being replaced with all singing all dancing American style celebrations in Regent Street this Saturday. In celebration of the American Football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers taking place at Wembley on the 29th.

With the players themselves making an appearance, as well as an army of cheerleaders, the excitement of NFL will be felt in London. The party atmosphere will kick off at 12pm and will last until 6pm. With live music and DJ’s to entertain, as well as American inspired foods to keep the crowds satisfied.

The day will be a great chance to simply revel in the all American atmosphere the sport is famous for, or for those inquisitive types, a great opportunity to learn how to get involved in the action.

What: Regent Street All American Block Party
When: 28th September 2013
Where: Regent Street, London, W1
More info: www.regentstreetonline.com

Shine Walk

The annual night marathon organised by Cancer Research UK returns for another year, encouraging as many people as possible to become a shining star for other people.

£9 million has been raised so far, as thousands of everyday people don bright neon clothes and glow sticks as they pass by London’s iconic landmarks, themselves becoming a moving, lit up landmark for hope.

Those taking part have the opportunity to make sure their money is spent on the type of research they feel is most important to their own personal cause. You can choose between twelve different cancers that you want to beat: brain tumours, leukaemia, breast, ovarian, lung, skin, pancreatic, cervical, prostate, testicular, bowel, and children’s cancer.

It costs £35 to register, and anyone can do it, with the marathon walkers setting off from Battersea Power Station at 8.15pm, and for those who want to be involved but are somewhat overwhelmed by the scale, the half marathon walkers set off at 9.45pm.

What: Shine Walk
When: Saturday 28th September 2013
Where: Set off from Battersea Power Station
More info: www.shine.cancerresearchuk.org

Soho Literary Festival

Books come to life in Central London this Weekend as Oldie Magazine present a fantastic festival celebrating all things literary.

Saturday 28th September sees some interesting talks by high profile people. Catch Ruby Wax discussing her new book, Sane New World, which explores the topic of mental health, something deeply personal to her own life.

Sunday 29th September Dan Snow presents a highly topical talk on the history of Syria, essential for anyone who remains overwhelmed with the seemingly endless contributing factors that lie behind the stories we are now seeing on the news. For something more creative head for the talk by Quentin Blake who will be discussing the uses of illustration. This is a must for anyone whose childhood was dominated by the fantastical Roald Dahl stories.

Everything costs £9 and the more popular talks have already sold out, so if something sparks your interest, move fast!

What: Soho Literary Festival
When: Now until Sunday 29th September 2013
Where: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, Soho
More info: www.soholitfest.com

Brixton Craft Fair and Creative Workshops

This pop up market gives you the opportunity to browse goods from over 25 young designers who will be selling their homemade wares. The work on offer ranges from prints, home furnishing, jewellery, and flowers. Perfect for a bit of early Christmas shopping.

The pop up will also feature some of the best young Brixton artists including Lucy Loves, Will Clark and South London Print.

Take part in one of the workshops, which will take place on the hour between 1pm and 5pm. Learn how to upcycle jewellery, a must for anyone with a ton of old jewellery they no longer get excited by. Unleash your inner florist by learning how to make a beautiful bespoke vintage style flower bouquet with ‘Stella Rose Flowers. For £20 you get to keep it and make your vase look the most fabulous it ever has. Register for these online.

What: Brixton Craft Fair and Creative Workshops
When: Sunday 29th September 2013
Where: 89 Effra Road, London SW2 1D
More info: www.theturpentine.com

The London Tattoo Convention

Tattoo Dock hosts the 9th International London Tattoo Convention this Weekend.

Over 300 tattoo artists from around the world assemble to fulfil every inked desire.

There’s live music from Fun Lovin’ Criminals and other acts to provide a soundtrack to what could well resemble a grown up Disney film. And it’s not just for those wanting to get inked, there will be plenty of burlesque entertainment and other alternative performances. Get tickets on the day from £25.

What: The London Tattoo Convention
When: Now until Sunday 29th
Where: 50 Porters Walk, London, Greater London E1W 2SF
More info: www.thelondontattooconvention.com