Obsessed About, the free exhibition in The Foundry Gallery, is only on from Thursday 26th November to Saturday 29th November, so you'd better get down there soon.

Dialogue from various sources has been cut up and recontextualised into 'music films' with modern electronic music, with video projections and an improvised dance performance on two of the three nights.

Musician Alex Taylor's blog says: It started from a desire to hear particular words and phrases, repeated until they created a texture like a fabric... You will experience soundscapes, music films, and word textures built from various audio sources and original compositions.

The installation is open is open 6pm-11pm, from Thursday - Saturday with a performance by Laura Brera on Thursday and Saturday at 9pm.

Find out more about the artist Giulia Bacci and The Foundry (Just keep on scrolling), or for more information call 07748 368 112 or email.

How to get there

The closest underground station is located at Old Street.

If travelling by bus the 21, 43, 55, 76, 141, 205, 214, 243, 271 and 394 all serve Old Street.

Enjoy some free Friday Evening Music in various rooms of the National Portrait Gallery, practically every Friday starting at 6.30pm.

Imagine being surrounded by art you probably can't afford to buy, but free to enjoy the sight of whilst listening to a musical performance.

Practically every Friday evening the National Portrait Gallery, open predominantly free to the public, offers an eclectic variety of music to the public for free. Booking is not necessary, if there's room to stand or sit then you can go in and enjoy it!

Every Thursday and Friday the gallery is open until 9pm, so take a look around while your there.

Programme, Friday Evening Music: 28 November '08 - 27 February '09 (Except 19 & 26 December & 2nd January)

Friday 28 November, 6:30pm
Bridget Beraha Trio: An imaginative vocal-led modern jazz ensemble that sidesteps obvious standards to tackle lyrical material: music by Brigitte Beraha, Ivo Neame and Joe Auckland from the new album, Flying Dreams.

Friday 5 December, 6.30pm
Juice Vocal Ensemble: Vibrant a cappella music drawing from world, jazz, folk and pop genres.

Friday 12 December, 6.30pm
Concordia Foundation - Musical Portraits: Concordia International Ensemble performs a musical tribute to Gallery sitters Adelina Patti, Jenny Lind, Charles Dickens, George Bernard Shaw, Gilbert & Sullivan, Edward Elgar and John Field.

Friday 9 January, 6.30pm
Horses Brawl & Philip Thorby: Music from the court of the Holy Roman Emperor - Maximilian I and new pieces based on traditional English and Bulgarian folk music. Supported by the Arts Council of England's Escalator Scheme.

Friday 16 January, 6.30pm
Cellorhythmics: The WCM Orchestra (Working Classical Music Orchestra): cutting edge musicians brought together by Cellorhythmics' founder members James Hesford and Alfia Nakipbekova, featuring a new composition based on found objects.

Friday 23 January, 6.30pm
Jonathan Bratoeff Trio: F-ire collective guitarist and composer Jonathan Bratoeff presents his new quartet featuring Mark Hanslip, Tom Mason and James Maddren, playing contemporary material influenced by the New York downtown scene, Jason Moran and groove music but firmly rooted in the jazz tradition.

Friday 30 January, 6.30pm
Trinity College of Music: Trinity student Stjepan Hauser plays music for unaccompanied cello by Bach, Britten and Dutilleux.

Friday 6 February, 6.30pm
Farmyard Animals Trio: One of the UK's most intrepid alternative world jazz groups. Brendan Kelly (sax & bass clarinet), Gideon Juckes (tuba) & Pete Flood (drums).

Friday 13 February, 6.30pm
Ailsa Hunter & Stephen Bettaney: French music for violin and piano by Debussy, Ravel and Messaien.

Friday 20 February, 6.30pm
Renzo Murrone Trio: Vocal-led modern jazz, latin standards and originals. Renzo Murrone (vocals), Alex Stanford (piano) and Viktor Obsust (bass).

Friday 27 February, 6.30pm
Keziah Thomas: Award-winning harpist Keziah Thomas introduces the harp and its repertoire with music from around the world by Bach, Piazzolla, Buhr and Ortiz.

How to get there

The closest tube and train station to Trafalgar Square is Charring Cross.

Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Embankment and Covent Garden underground tube stations are also within walking distance.

If on the bus the 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 87, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176 and the 453 all serve Trafalgar Square.

Join in the magnificent annual New Year's Day Parade from Westminster, through Trafalgar Square, to Green Park and be one among the crowd to welcome 2009 on Thursday January 1st.

There will be bands, marching, dancing, dress-up, music and general carnival type celebration, with grand stands and commentary, from all over the world calling in the New Year.

2009 is its 23rd year of existence and the successful parade has previously seen a marching elephant and a fire breathing dragon with visiting global participants from everywhere including Japan and America.

The parade starts at midday from Westminster, goes down Parliament Street, through Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, then down Piccadilly to end at Green Park at 2.45pm. See parade map.

There will be collections for various charities if you do happen to have some jangling in you pockets.

Find out more about the The New Year's Parade - London and have a wonder through their website, email or call 0208 566 8586.

How to get there - Green Park and Westminster

How to get to Westminster

The closest overground train station is Victoria. The closest tube stations are Westminster, St James's Park, then Pimlico and Victoria. If travelling by bus the 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88, 148, 159, 211, 453 with 24 hour service on the 12, 24. 53, 88, 148, 453 and Night buses: N2, N3, N11, N44, N52, N87, N136, N155, N159, N381 all serve the Westminster area.

How to get to Green Park

The nearest tube station is at Green Park and Hyde Park Corner. The nearest rail link is at Victoria (also tube station). If on the bus the 2, 8, 9, 10, 14, 16, 19, 22, 36, 38, 52, 73, 74, 82, 137, 148, 414 and the 436 all serve Hyde Park Corner and Green Park.

You are invited to a selection of free events during Scene Norway week in Kings Place from Friday 14th to Wednesday 19th November.

Every week is a themed week in Kings Place!

Scene Norway, a week of Norwegian cultural events, is officially from Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd of November and includes discussions, film, music and more. The varied programme includes both free and charged events and the free fun really begins on Friday 14th.

Find out more about Scene Norway week and free events in Kings Place.

How to get there:

The Tube - The nearest Underground station is King's Cross St Pancras, on the Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Piccadilly, Northern and Victoria lines.

Train - Kings Cross is the nearest overland station.

You are invited to the festive Charity Carol Concert at St Giles in The Fields on Wednesday December 10th followed by free mince pies and drinks.

Performing this year is the London College of Music Chamber Choir directed by the acclaimed Paul Ayres. Hear a selection of choral seasonal pieces and carols we love from the Holiday season.

Who Are IMC UK? When disaster strikes it is the vulnerable who suffer most - women and children. In the immediate aftermath of disaster IMC UK are there to provide emergency lifesaving healthcare - but this is just the start. Through training and rebuilding healthcare infrastructure IMC UK stay for the long term and ensure that the devastated communities we partner bring themselves back to self-reliance.

Find out more about The Concert or IMC UK by email, phone: 020 7553 4064 (ext 264) or their website.

The concert is from 6-8pm. Everyone's invited and no tickets are required so bring your family and friends!

How to get there

The nearest tube station is Tottenham Court Road.

If taking the bus, jump on 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 55, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139, 159, 176, 189, 390, 453 or the C2.

Sigur Ros will be signing away in the Rough Trade East store on Saturday 22nd November at 2pm.

Iceland is not in everyone's good books at the moment but one of their true treasures is surely Sigur Ros who 'rightly claim to bring you the beautiful landscape of their homeland with their music' (says their website).

Sigur Ros are jón þor (jónsi) birgisson (vocals, guitars), kjartan (kjarri) sveinsson (keyboards), orri páll dýrason (drums) and georg (goggi) holm (bass).

They are celebrating the release of the Deluxe Edition of 'Meo Suo Eyrum Vio Spilum Endalaust'.

Find out more about instore events at Rough Trade East, and click on the option.

How to get there

The nearest overland train station is Liverpool Street.

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

Come and enjoy a free lunchtime recital in the historic church of St Mary le Bow in the city of London on Thursday 27th of November 2008.

The programme will be about 50 minutes of uplifting chamber music for Violin and Viola duo, including works by Alessandro Rolla, Michael Haydn and Handel.

The musicans are Vaughan Jones on the Violin and Reiad Chibah on the Viola.

There is no charge for entry but audience members may make a donation to a voluntary collection if they wish.

To find out more call 020 7248 5139 or email.

The lunchtime concert is from about 1.10pm - 1.50pm.

How to get there

The closest overground train station is Cannon Street, then Moorgate, Blackfriars and City Thameslink Rail.

The closest underground tube stations are St Paul's, Bank, Mansion House, Cannon Street, Mansion House and Monument.

If travelling by bus the 4, 8, 11, 15, 17, 23, 25, 26, 32, 56, 76, 100, 172, 242, 388 and 521 all serve St Paul's.

GFest, or gayWise LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) Festival, is back for 2008 during 10-28 November, offering a variety of events from drama workshops, art exhibitions and discussions, and lots of them are free!

Find out more about GFest 2008, see the calender, download the 36 page technicolour programme brochure, email or call them on 020 8889 9555.

A round up of GFest free events in November 2008 (events are listed with their location):

Theatre, Creative writing, Musical and Dramatherapy workshops
Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Rd,(Off High Road - Tottenham), London N15 4RX See map
11, 12, 17 & 19 November.

Participation is free, but booking is required. To book your place in the following events, email or call 0208 8899555.

Tuesday 11 November - 7 to 9pm: Theatre workshop with Barcy Cogdale
Barcy Cogdale, Artistic Director of the award winning Lesbian Theatre Company, Ruby Tuesday Productions will be running a "one off" theatre workshop exploring "stories" of the individual. Open to everyone because everyone has a story to tell.

Wednesday 12 November 7 to 9pm: Creative Writing workshop with Claire Benjamin
Claire Benjamin takes you through a journey that focuses on using ideas from personal experience or creating fictional ideas to write. The participants will explore formatting a script, gathering and planning ideas, and 'try out' the drafts with group feedback. Claire Benjamin teaches script writing and drama in further and adult education. She has been a writer for The Pink Paper and written, performed and directed pieces of theatre. Participant requirement: Bring your own writing pads.

Monday 17 November, 7 to 9pm: Musical Theatre workshop with Simon Stephens
Simon Stephens, workshop leader and GFest 07 artist, will take the participants through musical theatre narratives as part of group interactive workshop. Simon, a trained actor, also teaches at the BRIT school of performing arts and has worked extensively in London & Edinburgh - performing & delivering drama workshops. Simon is also artistic director of theatre company Imaginary Forces.

Wednesday 19 November, 7 to 9pm: Dramatherapy workshop with Haydn Forde & Maurice Ord
Haydn Forde & Maurice Ord, workshop co-facilitators use exercises to prepare for the main body of the session - an improvised enactment of a fairy tale/myth and arrive to therapeutic experience for the participants. Both Haydn & Maurice hold masters from Central School of Speech and Drama and have extensively worked and collaborated in LGBT themes through drama.

Visual Arts Exhibition
McKenzie Pavilion Gallery Space, Finsbury Park, N4 2NQ See map
10-28 November, 12pm-6pm daily (10 November is the private view, invitation only)

Photographs, oil paintings and more including Central St Martins graduate Nigel Grimmer with Places I Call Home. The other artists are Christopher Lucas Furminger, Gena Ivanov, Joerg Brunsendorf, Robert Offord, Rob Crosse, Richard Brattan, Daniela Huhurez, Ann Foster, Matthew Stradling, Beldan Sezen, Helen Churchill, Alex Mirutziu, Robin Kiteley, David Shenton, Kerstin Honeit and Simon Phillips. Find out more about the art exhibited.

How to get there

The nearest overland train station is Finsbury Park.
Nearest tube stations are Finsbury Park and Manor House.
If travelling by bus the 4, 19, 29, 106, 153, 210, 236, 253, 254, 259, W3 and W7 all serve the area.

Informal discussions (performances and screenings are not free and are shown at other times)
Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Tower Hamlets, E1 6LA See Map
13 & 14 November, 6.30pm-7.30pm

13 Nov - Informal discussion with Topher Campbell: A noted programmer, director of films, television and theatre with an extensive experience of LGBT arts, Topher to lead the session. Just turn up, no booking required.

14 Nov - Informal discussion with Pratibha Parmar: award winning Filmmaker, Director, who runs a production company 'Kali Films' and a GFest selection panel member to lead the session. Just turn up, no booking required.

How to get there
The nearest overland train station is Liverpool Street.
Nearest tube stations are Liverpool Street and Old Street.
If travelling by bus, the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve Liverpool Street.

LGTB Arts Debate
University Of The Arts London, 3rd floor, 65 Davies Street, W1K 5DA See map
18 November, 6.30pm-9.30pm

Speakers from the Arts & Diversity field talk discuss: How effective the arts have been in raising sexual orientation issues & help tackle them through educating target audiences? Can arts education help to address the issues? You can have your say in the Q&A that follows. Just turn up, no booking required.

How to get there
Overland train stations are quite far.
The closest tube station is located on Bond Street.
If travelling by bus the 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 55, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139, 159, 176, 189, 390, 453 and C2.

Hats & Masks theme party (free to those with any GFest ticket tab)
Glass Bar, Euston Gardens, 190 Euston Road, NW1 2EF See Map
22 November, 9.30pm-late

Dress up! And don't forget your ticket tab (which presumably means at some point you have to go to a paid event).

How to get there
The closest train stations are Euston and Kings Cross.
The closest tube station is located at Euston.
If Travelling by bus the 10, 18, 30, 59, 68, 73, 91, 168, 205, 253, 290 and 476 all serve Euston.

For more information on GFest 2008, see the introduction at the top of this page.

How to get there, general

The events are in various locations in London, see individual event.

Plan your visit to London with Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you are walking, cycling or using the public transport system.

Inter Cultural Youth Exchange would like to invite all fashionistas and music lovers to their exciting new all day fund raising event in the Cross Kings on Saturday 8th November 2008.

The day will include a vintage and second-hand clothes sale/swap followed by live music and DJs and it's free before 7pm, then it's £5.

BUTTONS: 3 to 7pm (FREE!)

A selection of vintage and second hand clothing to swap or buy, including well-known brands such as Aquascutum, Zara, NafNaf, Calvin Klein, TOPSHOP, H&M, John Rocha, Fake London, Bench, Zara Man, Levi's and more. Jewellery exclusively by FrillybyLily.

BEATS: 8pm to 2am (NOT free, £5 for charity)

Solo artist David Kisch will be kicking off the evening with his a blend of folk and pop, performances will follow from live bands and the evening will be finished with the fabulous Low-Fi Hi-Fi dj-ing to Indie and Electro beats.

All proceeds go towards the work of Inter-Cultural Youth Exchange, facilitating cross-cultural understanding, co-operation and peace. ICYE-UK is a unique user-led registered charity working in the field of personal, social and community development. We are an ethical volunteering organisation whose volunteers support local communities worldwide and can make a real difference to tackling poverty. ICYE-UK also hosts volunteers in the UK because we believe strongly in the principles of reciprocal exchange. The organisation is part of a worldwide federation of independent youth organisations established in 1949 and has consultative status with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).

Beats & Buttons is from 3pm on Saturday 8th November until 2am, and is free before 7pm. It's 18s only after 7pm and £5.

Find out more about ICYE, contact Nora Russell, call 020 7681 0983, or check our facebook event page.

How to get there:

The Tube - The nearest Underground station is King's Cross St Pancras, on the Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Piccadilly, Northern and Victoria lines.

Train - Kings Cross is the nearest overland station.

Bus - The Bus Route to York Way is the 390. Other services running to nearby King's Cross/St Pancras are: 10, 17, 30, 45, 46, 59, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259, 476.

Self-styled wacky rockers  The Display Team bring their rock and roll ska and punk majesty to The Fox,Lewisham's finest live alternative music venue complete with cheap pizza a nice beer garden and a chip shop next door.

This band are fun filled and rocket fuelled and their energetic performances attract a devoted fanbase and now they have a new album to plug!

We would say more but they have spiked our editorial guns by creating their own video flyer (see below). Watch it and weep....

Supporting at this gig will be
Mayors of Miyazaki
Spandex Ballet

Jon Savage will be performing a DJ set in the Rough Trade East store on Thursday 23rd October at 2pm and it is free for all!

Music journalist and broadcaster Jon Savage has written for the Observer and Mojo, published his own fanzine in the seventies, wrote the award winning book England's Dreaming (pub.1991) about the Sex Pistols and punk music, and much much more. His most recent publication, last year, is Teenage: The Creation of Youth Culture about the history of teenagers (crossing from the 1800s to the 1900s).

He has also directed several tracklistings for music compilations, so he is a man in the know and is sure to come up with some interesting choices in his set.

Jon Savage will be DJing in Rough Trade East store on Thursday 23rd October at 2pm, no wristbands required for this one, so just turn up!

Find out more about instore events at Rough Trade East, and click on the option.

How to get there

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

Enjoy an evening of live music and free film with Deptford 45s in The Albany cafe on Thursday 16th October from 6pm - 9pm.

They say the Deptford 45s is: Gathering the everyday sites and sounds of Deptford, sign posted by local residents through the use of a market stall & a series of workshops, the project documents a moment in time in SE8, an area currently under major development.

By recording the everyday sounds of Deptford, offered by local residents and my own experience the area is re-presented in an idiosyncratic way.

Programme

6.30pm - Depford 45s screening
7.15pm - Ashleigh Marsh
8pm - Ampersand

The event is part of Deptford X 10 year anniversary celebrations.

Find out more about Deptford 45s.

How to get there

Train: Nearest stations are Deptford or New Cross
Buses: 47, 199, 188, 53, 177 serve the area
DLR: Deptford Bridge

The ever popular Crisis Carol Service will take place on Saturday 13th December in the beautiful and historic Southwark Cathedral.

This year the renowned Thames Philharmonic Choir will be joined by internationally renowned soprano Kathryn Harries (pictured) and a choir of homeless people in a service led by Canon Bruce Saunders.

This Christmas Crisis will be running its 37th Crisis Open Christmas, helping London's homeless receive support and friendship over the Christmas period with the help of thousands of volunteers from every walk of life.

Spaces are limited. To apply for tickets or more information email David Coulthread on david.coulthread@crisis.org.uk

Crisis Carol Service will sing on Saturday 13th December in Southwark Cathedral, doors are open from 5.30pm and the service begins at 6.30pm.

There is no charge for tickets although there will be a collection during the service.

How to get there

The closest tube and mainline station is London Bridge.

If travelling by bus the 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 343, 381, 521 and the RV1 all serve the area.

The Dears are playing a free in-store gig in Rough Trade East store on Wednesday 15th October at 7pm (wristbands to be collected beforehand).

The (French-) Canadian six-piece, The Dears, are from Montreal city in the French speaking province of Quebec.

Their 'orchestral dark-pop' music is described as beautiful and having released three albums and some eps, they are experienced in the game of sound. Their new album is 'Missiles'.

The Dears will be playing in Rough Trade East store on Wednesday 15th October at 7pm but only those with wristbands can see them! Band-aid bracelets will be available for collection from 6pm on a one-per-person and first-come-first-serve basis. To avoid disappointment, join the queue earlier!

Find out more about instore events at Rough Trade East, and click on the option.

How to get there

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

CSS supported by The Mules, and Florence and the Machine are playing free for the first 200 to get to the door in Koko on Wednesday 8th October 2008.

CSS, or cansei de ser sexy, are a very cool band from Brazil, play great grunge-pop and basically throw a party on stage.

The night's choice is thanks to a competition winner who was given the chance to put on the gig of their dreams with the help of Xbox and a panel of experts Rob Da Bank (Radio 1 DJ and Bestival founder), Fabric's promotion's manager Shaun Roberts and Andy McKay, co-owner of Manumission.

Find out more on the Koko website. They have 25 pairs of tickets to give away and say: 'To get you plus a friend on the guest list, simply send your full name plus a contact telephone number to kokomygig@neoncomms.co.uk. We will let you know straight away if you've won!'

London is Free has also been informed by Xbox that there's there's 200 tickets at the door given on a first-come-first-serve basis. Doors open at 7pm but better get there early to avoid disappointment because you can't even buy your way in (it's an industry thing)!

How to get there

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

The closest tube station is located a hop, skip and a jump away at Mornington Crescent.

If travelling by bus the 24, 27, 29, 46, 88, 134, 168, 214 and 253 all serve Mornington Crescent.

Of Montreal are playing a free in-store gig in Rough Trade East store on Monday 13th October at 7pm, wristbands to be collected beforehand.

The American band, Of Montreal are crazy looking and exude a non-linear pop sound with a logic of its own.

They are celebrating the release of their new album Skeletal Lamping, which is said to explore sexuality within their music. They play in character, whether it be a prostitute, transsexual, or confused straight guy... It's going to be theatrical!

Catch them before they play for pay in their Europe to America tour that will keep them busy for the rest of this year.

Of Montreal will be playing in Rough Trade East store on Monday 13th October at 7pm but wristbands will be available for collection from 6pm on a one-per-person and first-come-first-serve basis. To avoid disappointment, join the queue earlier!

Find out more about instore events at Rough Trade East, and click on the option.

How to get there

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

Piers Morgan, Karren Brady and the Human League will be appearing at the Black Sheep, a pop-up gastro pub, taking residence in the Truman Brewery from Monday 13th to Friday the 17th.

In celebration of those who dare to be different, from October 13th - 17th The Black Sheep will reside at The Truman Brewery on London's fashionable Brick Lane, and for five nights will be home and stage to mavericks, innovators and those that refuse to follow the herd.

Hosting a series of 'an audience with' nights with celebrated personalities, each evening at The Black Sheep will see a different speaker from the worlds of business, sport, TV, music and comedy. This exclusive experience offers guests the opportunity to enjoy an evening with recognised mavericks and innovators Piers Morgan former editor of News of the World and Daily Mirror, Karren Brady CEO of Birmingham City FC, synth-pop pioneers The Human League giving a one off performance of their greatest hits, along with a primetime comedian and a surprise Beijing Olympic gold medallist.

Guests will also be invited to enjoy a stunning two-course meal (yes, free!) by Michelin starred chef Brett Graham, head chef at The Ledbury in London's Notting Hill, and have the opportunity to sample the new Palm smartphone.

The Black Sheep will feature the things people like about gastro-pubs, except the strict location (like a travelling circus, but a travelling gastro-pub instead)...

The doors to The Black Sheep are open to everyone, so anyone interested can apply for tickets here, click on the pen on the table. You do need to register though (with name, email, address and phone number). Events are listed with times and descriptions by clicking on the various icons on the bar.

How to get there

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

Watch rehearsals of a classical kind for free on Tuesday January 6th 2009 in Christ Church, Spitalfields.

Get a behind the scenes glimpse one of the world's foremost ensembles by observing John Eliot Gardiner rehearsing the 6th part of Bach's Christmas Oratorio and the Motet Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied with the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists.

Either come for 90 minutes at 5.30pm or 7.15pm or at 5.30pm and stay for a full three hours of rehearsal.

Booking required. Call our Box Office on 020 7377 1362. Open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm. Alternatively, book online.

How to get there

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

The nearest tube stations are Aldgate East (Hammersmith and City, and District lines) and Aldgate (Metropolitan and Circle lines).

The nearest overground station is Liverpool Street.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

They're releasing a best-of collection called London Conversations that spans their eighteen year career.

Saint Etienne will be performing their DJ Set and Signing in Rough Trade East In-store on Tuesday 14th October from 7pm and if you want to be there then collect a wristband from the store from 6pm. You're advised not to be late and it's one per person in a fair first-come-first-serve basis.

Find out more about instore events at Rough Trade East, and click on the option.

How to get there

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

Seasick Steve does his thing in Rough Trade East from 7pm on Monday 29th September. Wristbands will be handed out an hour before the performance at the store, but you may choose to get there early to queue as it's on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Find out more about instore events at Rough Trade East, and click on the option.

How to get there

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

Trafalgar Square hosts celebrations to mark Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Sunday 19 October 2008, organised by the Greater London Authority and Diwali in London Committee.

Diwali on the Square is a wonderful day for all the family, and will see the square transformed by magical light displays and music and dance performances.

Programme

3pm - 4pm: Come and learn the garba, a traditional circular dance.

4.30pm - 5pm: Opening ceremony with lighting lamps and Diwali songs.

5pm - 7pm: Performances including a celebration of dance in many styles: Kathak from North India Oddissi dancers from Orissa Classical Bharata Natyam, contemporary dance, and a touch of Bhangra. Performed by Saraswati Academy of Indian Dance, Akademi, Encee Academy of Performing Arts, Apsara Dancers Mudralaya and Kala - The Arts. Musical medleys from Chinmaya Mission and a special live performance of Jay Kumar's Diwali anthem song.

7pm - 7.30pm: Special presentation by Star

7.30pm - 8pm: Aarti - traditional prayers and singing with lamps - and finale.

Stage hosted by Club Asia Radio

How to get there:

By tube: Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines)

The following stations are within a few minutes' walk:

Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)
Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District and Circle lines)

By bus: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 53, 77A, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176, 453 go past Trafalgar Square. Routes 22 and 94 will drop you at nearby Piccadilly Circus.

By rail: Charing Cross Station is a 2 minute walk away

LIVE SOUNDTRACK WORKSHOP 4-6 pm
Have you ever performed live for a silent film? Big Bang Lab's energetic musicians will be leading two workshops on September 28 to produce new musical pieces.

Bring your acoustic instrument or your voice to create and perform together live original compositions for silent films. We will create a new instrumental piece for Unseen Voices, a film originally created by young students using archive footage from 1940s newsreels of London.

LIVE PERFORMANCE 6.30-8.30 pm
We invite you to participate in a live musical chat show in a relaxed environment introducing you to the world of new music for silent films in conjunction with the outstanding Delta Saxophone Quartet which will performing for the film L'invitation au voyage by Germain Dulac and early Tom & Jerry 1930s cartoons.

We will be screening the iconic 'Un Chien Andalou' with a new recorded award winning score by Sergio López Figueroa produced for the Dalí Exhibition at Tate Modern. The finale will be joining forces for a hilarious balloon orchestra performance for a comedy film fantasy made in 1904!

This is a free event. You need to book separately to attend the workshop or the performance by email on a first come first served basis. Limited number of seats available. Performance booking open to people 18 years old or over due to the references in the film Un Chien Andalou (1929)

PLease contact us on the following email addresses:

workshop@bigbang-lab.com (name, email, instrument / voice)
performance@bigbang-lab.com (name, email)

Deerhunter are playing for free in Rough Trade East store on Saturday 13th September.

The four piece Deerhunter are from Atlanta, Georgia (USA) and they like to play 'ghost rock'. They're just a couple of years old and people are excited about them!

Rough Trade East are celebrating a year in the life of an award winning record shop with a selection of free and fantastic instore gigs over September.

Wristbands are handed out on a one per person, first-come-first-serve basis, one hour prior to the gig whisch starts at 6pm on Saturday 13th September. Be early!

Find out more about instore events at Rough Trade East, and click on the option.

How to get there

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

Metronomy is performing for free in Rough Trade East store on Friday 12th September, for those who arrive early enough to collect a wristband.

Metronomy offer alternative pop of the multi layered, coloured and crazy kind, influenced by the likes of David Bowie, Kraftwerk, N.E.R.D and Frank Zappa.

Metronomy are celebrating the release of their 'Nights Out' album as Rough Trade East are celebrating a year in the life of an award winning record shop with a selection of free and fantastic instore gigs over September.

Wristbands are handed out on a one per person, first-come-first-serve basis, one hour prior to the gig whisch starts at 7pm on Friday 12th September. You are advised to be early!

Find out more about instore events at Rough Trade East, and click on the option.

How to get there

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

Roots Manuva is performing for free in Rough Trade East store on Thursday 4th September, for those who arrive early enough to collect a wristband.

Roots Manuva is Rodney Smith and he will be performing tracks from his forth album Slime and Reason. This lyrical genius has got some things to say and no doubt the first single, 'Buff Nuff', from the new album will go some way in explanation.

Rough Trade East are celebrating a year in the life of an award winning record shop with a selection of free and fantastic instore gigs over September.

Wristbands are handed out on a one per person, first-come-first-serve basis, one hour prior to the gig whisch starts at 7pm on Thursday 4th September. You are advised to be early!

Find out more about instore events at Rough Trade East, and click on the option.

How to get there

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

It's crazy but The Breeders, yes, The Breeders are playing for free in Rough Trade East store at 7pm on Tuesday 2nd September (wristbands to be picked up in advance, see below).

The American rock band started in 1988 and has gone through some changes in the two decades since. Kim Deal (founder member and previously in the Pixies) and twin sister Kelley and company will be playing tracks from their fourth album Mountain Battles which was out this year.

The band are squeezing in this free gig between festivals and a massive gig at the Empire.

Rough Trade East are celebrating a year in the life of an award winning record shop with a selection of free and fantastic instore gigs over September.

Wristbands to see The Breeders will be available for collection on Sunday 31st August on a one per person, first-come-first-serve basis. If you want to get in, then get to that shop early on Sunday!

Find out more about instore events at Rough Trade East, and click on the option.

How to get there

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

F*ck Buttons vs Andrew Weatherall play in Rough Trade East store on Monday 1st September from 6.30pm for those who arrive early enough to collect a wristband.

Benjamin John Power and Andrew Hung are the experimental progressive music playing F*ck Buttons and this is their single launch. And Andrew Weatherall, one half of Two Lone Swordsmen, has remixed their tracks.

Rough Trade East are celebrating a year in the life of an award winning record shop with a selection of free and fantastic instore gigs over September.

Wristbands are handed out on a one per person, first-come-first-serve basis, one hour prior to the gig. If you want to get in, then get in early!

Find out more about instore events at Rough Trade East, and click on the option.

How to get there

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

Feel the love at the inSpiral Community's Monday Love nights at their Camden Town InSpiral Lounge base, where budding revolutionaries and tied-died hippies can commune in harmony while checking out the latest live music, film and, they promise 'real life grassroots media'. They say: Free entry 'for all those who still believe in something more than money and fear'. We say: Promises to offer a bold alternative to London's plush-velvet private member's club get-togethers.


Every Monday at 7:00 PM

How to get there:

By Tube
Camden Town and Chalk Farm (Northern Line)

Or hop on a bus: 24, 27, 31, 168

If the craziness of the Notting Hill Carnival doesn't quite sate your appetite for dancing in the streets, head to Trafalgar Square the following weekend for an afternoon of diversion on Saturday 30th August (1-6pm). The Square has already played host to Marc Quinn's arresting statue of the disabled (and pregnant) Alison Lapper, and the space continues to lend itself to celebrating deaf and disabled Londoner's contributions to the arts with the annual Liberty Festival.

Not to be confused with the human rights organisation Liberty, the festival comes from organisers at the Mayor of London's office with support from Attitude is Everything, London Disability Arts Forum and Shape.

Circus performers, comics, poets, musicians and dancers hail from all walks of life - and conquer myriad disabilities. Then again, you can always just go for the food. Keep an eye on the Festival webpage for updates.

Facilities and services available on the day will include:

• Disability awareness trained stewards
• Programmes in different formats
• BSL interpretation and audio description
• Induction loops at information points
• Wheelchair loan service
• Free parking nearby for blue badge holders - limited availability, advance booking required
  

For more info email: liberty@london.gov.uk
Recorded info: 020 7983 4277
Minicom: 020 7983 4458

How to get there:

By tube: Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines)

The following stations are within a few minutes' walk:

Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)
Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District and Circle lines)

By bus: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 53, 77A, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176, 453 go past Trafalgar Square. Routes 22 and 94 will drop you at nearby Piccadilly Circus.

By rail: Charing Cross Station is a 2 minute walk away

Now in its sixth year, Yellow Umbrella Day is Chiswick's largest annual charity event and Chiswick Park's celebrated community festival.

We will be raising money for 3 children's charities. The Log Cabin, The Shooting Star Children's Hospice and The Kid's Cookery School.

At the event there will be live performances from Elevation - a U2 tribute band, as well as local bands including Cushh and Two Spot Gobi.

Entertainment on the day will include the following: A Cake Bake Contest; Circus Skill Workshop; Street Performers; BBQ; Bar and Gaming Stations.

For the Kids there will be the following entertainment: Pony Rides; Mask Making; Insect Circus Museum and Characters; Treasure Hunt; Bouncy Castle; Face Painters and Giant Games.

BUT that is not all. There will be a grand prize draw with a chance to win amazing prizes, including a trip to Disneyland Paris, A Private Screening for you and 53 friends in Paramount's exclusive Chiswick Park Cinema; A meal for 2 at the Chiswick Union; and Family Tickets for London Duck Tours, Pit Stop Promotions Go-Kart Track, The London Wetlands Centre and Any UK Sealife Centre.

This fantastic event takes place at Chiswick Park on Sunday September 21st fr

Find out more about Yellow Umbrella Day.

How to get there

The closest tube station is located at Chiswick Park.

If travelling by bus the 27, 94, 190, 237, 267, 272, 391, 440, E3 and H91 all serve the area.

The summer Music Village - Europe's longest-running festival of world cultures - makes an immediate return to London's Hyde Park this July after a hugely popular debut event in 2007.

Outstanding musicians, dancers and spoken word artists come together for a free, weekend celebration of world cultures. Situated by the banks of the Serpentine, in London's Hyde Park, the Diaspora London Music Village offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the cultural richness of London's vibrant international communities in an idyllic picnic location.

Twenty groups of London-based performers are featured in two jam-packed days of top class music, dance and spoken word from all over the world. The line-up includes African, Latin, Jewish, Asian, Kurdish, East European and Chinese performance styles, to reflect decades of converging migrations into London from every corner of the earth.

This fantastic free event will be taking place in Hyde Park over the weekend of July 12th and 13th from 1pm to 9pm.

Find out more about the Diaspora London Music Village 2008.

How to get there

The closest tube stations to the Serpentine are Lancaster Gate, South Kensington and Knightsbridge; the closest rail station is Paddington.

If travelling on the bus the 9, 10, 52, 94 and 148 all serve the area.

Head down to the Cavendish Arms for Free Music Friday!!!!

Free music Friday is an opportunity for bands who haven't yet build up a following or for bands who would like to try out new songs before their next gig without the pressure of having to round up an audience to support them.

The idea is that if we allow at least 6 bands to play 20 min slots over the course of the evening then just with everyone that is playing staying to support each other, we have a fairly decent sized audience for you to play to. (And you get to see lots of new music without having to sit through 40 min sets! Please also note, our PA is not suitable for heavy metal bands)

We provide all the backline for you so you don't have to worry about transport for your kit plus a sound engineer (we do insist you use our kit as it allows a quick changeover between acts). If you would like to play this Friday, all you need to do is send organisers details of your myspace account and then turn up before 8pm on Friday to confirm your slot.

Names will be drawn at 8pm to decide the running order for the night. There will be no sound checks but you will have a line check before you start.

So... to conclude...!

- You must use our back line (Pearl export drum kit - cymbals and snare provide but you may bring your own, Marshall Microstack guitar amp, Peavey Pro bass amp... if you have a second guitar we can DI it through the PA)

- You must be able to stay for the whole show (8pm until 10.30pm). Your slot will be for a maximum of 20mins

- Please list the show on your Myspace site to let people know it's a free entry show

- You must email your myspace site and then arrive before 8pm to confirm your slot.

Find out more about The Cavendish Arms or email organisers.

How to get there

The closest tube station is located a short walk away at Stockwell.

If travelling by bus the 2, 88, 155, 196, 255, 333, 345 and P5 all serve the area.

Head down to Clerkenwell House for a mixture of soul, funk, breakbeat and reggae tunes.

Stoney M, "The Darth Vader of the cross-fader", goes up against DJ Andy Smith from Portishead in the third instalment of the quarterly event Le Retrouvaille.

The event is taking place on Friday June 6th from 10pm to 2am.

Find out more about events at Clerkenwell House.

How to get there

The closest tube stations are located at Farringdon and Chancery Lane.

If travelling by bus the 55, 63 and 243 serve Farringdon and the 8, 17, 25, 45, 46, 242, 341 and 521 all serve Chancery Lane.

This May Dan La Sac will be heading down to Rough Trade East for a signing session.

Dan Le Sac will be signing copies of his new album and an exclusive 7" picture disc from 7pm on Monday May 12th prior to their gig at the nearby 93 Feet East on May 13th.

The debut album 'Angles' showcases the 21st Century sounds of this innovative performer.

Find out more about events at Rough Trade.

How to get there

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.

If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

A Priscilla Thing will this June be running a specialised workshop to help encourage singers and musicians of the future to hone their talents

This free workshop will give participants an opportunity to learn and record a song and is ideal for anyone who has thought about recording a demo CD. A Priscilla Thing specialise in urban music so if you like r&b, hip hop or garage this is for you.

A Priscilla Thing is a community record label set up to give young people a chance to record music and make money from it. We are also looking for singers and rappers for album projects.

You must register in advance to participate in this workshop that is taking place at the Greenwich West Community & Arts Centre from 2.30pm on Saturday June 14th. To do so please call 07804 668686 or email info@apriscillathing.co.uk.

How to get there

The closest DLR station is at the Cutty Sark, the closest overground station is at Greenwich Station.

If travelling by bus the 188, 177, 180, 199, 286 and 386 all stop near by.

Enjoy free music at the href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=SW8+2HJ&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl" target="_blank">Cavendish Arms, Stockwell at weekly Open Mic sessions.

This friendly open mic night is open to all musical performers, all backline provided plus guitar, keyboard and supportive audience! Open mic-ers need to turn up before 8.30pm (or may arrive later by previous arrangement) and speak to Shirley or John to secure a slot.

The evening is rounded off by three featured acts each week who will play 20mins each from 9.45pm...what more could any music lover wish for?

Find out more about events at the Cavendish Arms.

How to get there

The closest tube station is located a short walk away at Stockwell.

If travelling by bus the 2, 88, 155, 196, 255, 333, 345 and P5 all serve the area.

Enjoy free music at the href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=SW8+2HJ&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl" target="_blank">Cavendish Arms, Stockwell at weekly Open Mic sessions.

This friendly open mic night is open to all musical performers, all backline provided plus guitar, keyboard and supportive audience! Open mic-ers need to turn up before 8.30pm (or may arrive later by previous arrangement) and speak to Shirley or John to secure a slot.

The evening is rounded off by three featured acts each week who will play 20mins each from 9.45pm...what more could any music lover wish for?

The next event is taking place on Tuesday April 15th from 8.15pm, so go and check it out!

Find out more about events at the Cavendish Arms.

How to get there

The closest tube station is located a short walk away at Stockwell.

If travelling by bus the 2, 88, 155, 196, 255, 333, 345 and P5 all serve the area.

A spectacular live singing competition featuring 10 schools from across the country.

Wednesday 16th April,
2008 at 7pm
THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL, LONDON

Presented by Diane Louise Jordan
Special Guests: Tenors Unlimited and
London Metropolitan Choir

If you would like a free ticket for this event please
phone this number: 0161 233 2977 to reserve your
free ticket which you can collect on the night.
We look forward to seeing you there!
geoff.barnett@londonmet.ac.uk

Make the most of your Mac with the Apple Store's free workshops.

GarageBand puts an entire recording studio right on your Mac, and we'll show you just how to use it. Learn how to compose a song with loops, beats, live instruments and vocals -- no music experience required.

Tuesdays 14:00-15:00/19:00-20:00
Fridays 16:00-17:00
Saturdays 17:00-18:00
FREE (these times may be subject to change, check the Apple website before you make plans)

Store opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 21:00 and Sundays from 12:00 to 18:00.

How to get there:

Apple Store
235 Regent Street
London, W1B 2EL
020 7153 9000

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

By Tube:
Oxford Circus tube station is less than 100 metres from the Apple Store. The Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines call here.

By Bus:
Located at the heart of London's commercial district, many bus routes call at stops in the vicinity: 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 55, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139, 159, 176, 189, 390, 453 and the C2.

On Foot:
Right in the middle of some of the best shopping in the world, the Apple Store on Regents Street is easy to access as a pedestrian.

Make the most of your Mac with the Apple Store's free workshops.

"Podcasting" is one of the hottest buzzwords on the Internet. But what is it all about? Learn more about podcasting and how to create your own podcast. With the podcast recording studio in GarageBand and the podcast templates in iWeb, how can you go wrong?

Tuesdays 12:00-13:00
FREE (these times may be subject to change, check the Apple website before you make plans)

Store opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 21:00 and Sundays from 12:00 to 18:00.

How to get there:

Apple Store
235 Regent Street
London, W1B 2EL
020 7153 9000

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

By Tube:
Oxford Circus tube station is less than 100 metres from the Apple Store. The Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines call here.

By Bus:
Located at the heart of London's commercial district, many bus routes call at stops in the vicinity: 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 55, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139, 159, 176, 189, 390, 453 and the C2.

On Foot:
Right in the middle of some of the best shopping in the world, the Apple Store on Regents Street is easy to access as a pedestrian.

Make the most of your Mac with the Apple Store's free workshops.

Explore iTunes for Mac and Windows and learn why it is the best digital jukebox on the planet. You'll learn to import and organise your music, burn CDs, create playlists and download free podcasts. We will also show you how easy it is to buy music and TV programmes from the iTunes Store. And with iPod, you can take your favourite music, TV programmes and games with you wherever you go.

Mondays 17:00-18:00
Tuesdays 13:00-14:00
Wednesdays 17:00-18:00
Thursdays: 17:00-18:00
Saturdays 15:00-16:00
Sundays 17:00-18:00
FREE (these times may be subject to change, check the Apple website before you make plans)

Store opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 21:00 and Sundays from 12:00 to 18:00.

How to get there:

Apple Store
235 Regent Street
London, W1B 2EL
020 7153 9000

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

By Tube:
Oxford Circus tube station is less than 100 metres from the Apple Store. The Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines call here.

By Bus:
Located at the heart of London's commercial district, many bus routes call at stops in the vicinity: 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 55, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139, 159, 176, 189, 390, 453 and the C2.

On Foot:
Right in the middle of some of the best shopping in the world, the Apple Store on Regents Street is easy to access as a pedestrian.

Downstairs... Equator

Equator Sound System is Guy Morley (YamYam) and guests spinning the music they love - music with black roots, feeling and above all, funk. Expect rocksteady afro funk latin soul beats dubtronic batucada ska bugalu.

Meanwhile upstairs...Rhyme Time

Audience participation isn't just welcomed, it's demanded. Step up, take the mic and let the lyrics flow at this night of karaoke with a difference, with much love from an enthusiastic audience, a supportive MC and a DJ with a crate load of tunes. It's a hot, fun friendly freaky night.

Karaoke Skills will bust popular old school anthems - we've got the lot from Jazzy Jeff's Summertime, De La Soul's Me Myself and I, hip thrusting Salt 'n' Pepper's Push it, and a truck load more. Loads of prizes to be won and it's totally free.

8PM-1AM on Thursday 27th March, FREE ENTRY

The Big Chill House
257-259 Pentonville Road
King's Cross
London
N1 9NL
Tel: 020 7427 2540

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

By Tube:
King's Cross St. Pancras is the nearest Tube station, the Circle, Northern, Metropolitan, Hammersmith&City, Piccadilly and Vitoria lines all stop here.

By Bus:
In this busy area many bus routes stop in the area; 10, 17, 30, 45, 46, 59, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259, 390 and th 476 all call at King's Cross.

On Foot: Right in the city centre, this venue is very accessible on foot.

A mischievous evening packed with audio and visual gems from the Novamatix cru with their swingingly superior jaunt into the Brazilian theme avec plenty of twist.

Chris Franck (Da Lata/Zeep) engages the left of centre with psychedelic, twisted anthems from the likes of Santana, The Beatles and Jorge Ben all gelled with an electronic fringe.

Ginger Dread accompanies with rag time jazz, big band bossa jazz and techno. A man Guy offers sleazy VJ entertainment with random mash ups of Mexican game shows and delicious and rancid realism.

7PM - 12AM
Wednesday 26th March
FREE ENTRY

How to get there:

The Big Chill House
257-259 Pentonville Road
King's Cross
London
N1 9NL
Tel: 020 7427 2540

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

By Tube:
King's Cross St. Pancras is the nearest Tube station, the Circle, Northern, Metropolitan, Hammersmith&City, Piccadilly and Vitoria lines all stop here.

By Bus:
In this busy area many bus routes stop in the area; 10, 17, 30, 45, 46, 59, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259, 390 and th 476 all call at King's Cross.

On Foot: Right in the city centre, this venue is very accessible on foot.

Returning to the Big Chill House following his tour of New Zealand and the States, J*Star splashes down with his usual bag of reggae, hip-hop and dancefloor rockers, ably assisted by MC Honey Brown 'pon the microphone.

Also flying in from Brooklyn, NYC is Bastard Jazz label boss and party starter extraordinaire DJ DRM, joining residents Shepdog and Kombine on the decks. Upstairs Brighton's finest; Cookshop Records keep things cooking with the beats and treats.

Having found their way into the bags and sets of every dj worth their salt, including Grandmaster Flash, Norman Jay, Francois K and the late great John Peel; they have caused a stir in clubs worldwide. As well as great bootlegs, they have kept busy remixing tunes for Ms Dynamite, DJ Vadim & Teedra Moses.

8pm - 3am
Saturday 22nd March
FREE B4 10PM

How to get there:

The Big Chill House
257-259 Pentonville Road
King's Cross
London
N1 9NL
Tel: 020 7427 2540

To help you plan your visit, visit Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you're walking, cycling, driving, using the tube or buses, Journey Planner will provide the fastest, most efficient route.

By Tube:
King's Cross St. Pancras is the nearest Tube station, the Circle, Northern, Metropolitan, Hammersmith&City, Piccadilly and Vitoria lines all stop here.

By Bus:
In this busy area many bus routes stop in the area; 10, 17, 30, 45, 46, 59, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259, 390 and th 476 all call at King's Cross.

On Foot: Located in the city centre, this venue is very accessible on foot.

The Big Chill House has its very own family friendly show - DJ Wheelie Bag's Family Sundays.

Rocking into town every Sunday afternoon with great family entertainment, Deejay Wheelie Bag will be spinning his vintage vinyl record show whilst administering crazy competitions and pound shop prizes.

Fantastic food will be served - including mouth-watering Sunday Roasts, an all-day family menu and a kid's juice bar.

This event is ideal for families - with great entertainment every Sunday from 12pm-6pm (Wheelie from 2pm), you can enjoy a day of rest while we entertain the little ones, enjoy fine food, music and the unmistakable Big Chill atmosphere at King's Cross's newest and coolest venue.

Expect a fine collection of authentic RnB, Rockabilly and Ska played on the unlikely combination of a 4-wheeled sound system with battery powered dancing girls and a wind-up record player with a big brass horn.

Everyone gets the chance to win one of Wheelie Bag's infamous Pound Shop prizes whilst junior Big Chillers can become 'kidskifflers' in the first ever Big Chill Kidskiffle Band competition.

A roving microphone encourages audience participation. Regular contributions from some of London's music alumni and the occasional launch of a new record make for a totally engaging show where impromptu performance is uniquely combined with great music.

How to get there:

For the quickest route to the Big Chill go to Transport for London's Journey Planner, whether you are walking, cycling or using the public transport system.

By Tube
The closest Underground station is King's Cross St. Pancras, which is on the Victoria, Piccadilly, Northern, Hammersmith&City, Circle and Metropolitan lines.

By Bus
There are plenty of bus routes that stop at King's Cross: 10, 17, 30, 45, 46, 59, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259  and 390.

Click HERE for a map of the area.

White Noise is an evening if musical madness at the Southbank Centre

On Friday April 4th visitors to the Southbank will be assaulted by a cacophony of syncopated psychedelic madness with Doug Shipton (Finders Keepers/Twisted Nerve) and Luke Insect (The Laughing Windows) and a host of very special guests.

The event kicks off at 8pm in the Concrete Bar & Cafe at The Hayward and is of course, totally free!

Find out more about free events at the Southbank Centre.

How to get there

Rail - Waterloo, Waterloo East or walk over the Hungerford Bridge from Charing Cross.

Underground - The closest tube stations are Waterloo (on the Northern, Bakerloo & Jubilee lines), Southwark (on the Jubilee line) or walk over the Hungerford Bridge from Embankment (on the Northern, Bakerloo, District and Circle lines).

Buses - All the following buses stop on Waterloo Bridge and you can take the steps down to Southbank on either side of the bridge or use the pavements that slope down away from the river and then double back to take you to Upper Ground, which runs behind the Southbank Centre: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68, Riverside Bus (RV1 - which also stops on Upper Ground which runs by the back of the Southbank Centre). 77 (Upper Ground near the Festival Hall), 211 & 507 (Waterloo Road near the main station), 381 (Stamford Street). 45, 63 & 100 all stop at the southern end of Blackfriars Bridge, and there is a 10 minute walk along the riverside to the Southbank Centre.

Come to the launch of the all new and exciting music event in South London where you can experience a jazz jam followed by a late night club event at the Space Lounge!

Entertainment on the night includes; Live Jazz Band: The Madness of King Jazz! Come and chill out from early evening with the soothing sounds of a Live Jazz Band with a difference. If you feel up to it they may just let you get on stage & sing along.

Then get ready to party from 11pm - 4am! Guest DJ's to include... Hotshots, Statix & Sparks and more including a live PA from UK Apache (Original Nuttah) and host Mr. Ibz.

You can repeat the fun every Friday with guest DJs and resident host Mr. Ibz.

Over 25's only, ID may be required - Dress code: Stylish. The event takes place on Friday February 22nd. Doors open at 6pm and you can get in free entry before 10.00pm!

How to get there

The closest overland is Clapham Junction. The closest tube station is East Putney, then Putney Bridge and Southfields.

Buses 14, 22, 37, 39, 74, 85, 93, 220, 265, 270, 337, 424, 430 and 485 all serve the Putney (Putney Bridge Road and Upper Richmond Road) area.

It's a little bit country, it's a little bit rock 'n' roll - it's the What's Cookin' night in Leytonstone. And it all happens on the best dressed little stage in London...

The What's Cookin' shenanigans take place on the first and third Saturdays/Wednesdays of the month, upstairs at The Sheep Walk. Doors open 8.30pm, live stuff starts around 9.00pm-ish and finishes 11pm-ish (they sometimes overrun a little bit, but hey, you can catch up on yer beauty sleep another night). Entry is free, but there's a voluntary whip-round to pay the headline acts.

The bands lined up to perform in March are:

Saturday 1st March - Black Diamond Heavies / The Bohannons
Wednesday 5th March - Peter Case / Dan Raza Band / Quiet Loner
Wednesday 12th March - The Tailors / Treecreeper
Saturday 15th March - JD & The Longfellows / Naim Amor
Monday 17th March - Smokey Bastard / The Escape Committee
Wednesday 19th March - Steve Hooker Trio
Saturday 22nd March- BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL!!! featuring - Los Chicos / Muck & The Mires / King Salami & The Cumberland Three / Lord Rochester
Wednesday 26th March - Wild Billy Childish & The Chatham Singers / Raymond Meade
Saturday 29th March - The Fabulous Penetrators / The Shivers

For all the latest developments, phone Ramblin' Steve on 07904 210218 or find out more at the What's Cookin' website.

How to get there

Underground: The Sheep Walk is two minutes from Leytonstone tube station.

Bus: 66, 145, 257, W13, W14, W16 and W19.

A fan of Alan McGee's record labels Creation and Poptones? Then get down to Death Disco - McGee's, Dan Devine's and Chris Waks' weekly Wednesday night at Notting Hill Arts Club.

The night has seen some incredible guest DJs - including Courtney Love, Tim Burgess, Mick Jones, Tony James, The D4, The Datsuns, Mercury Rev, Jah Wobble and Ian Astbury to name but a few. In Danny and Alan's words: "Maybe The Guardian summed some of the clientele best by saying it is... a haven for indie celebs and punk veterans. However, we consider Death Disco the place to enjoy yourself."

Bands lined up to perform include this March are as follows:

March 5th - The Grants, Daniel Land and The Modern Painters
March 12th - The Barnets, Dusty Muzzle and Infa Red
March 19th - The Sessions, Model Morning and Black Hearts and White Lies
March 26th - Maths Class, The Telegraphs and Major Major

The night runs 9pm-2am - but note: entrance is only free if you get there before 8pm! After that it's £5 before 11pm, £7 thereafter.

Find out more about music and events at Notting Hill Arts Club.


How to get there

Underground: The nearest tube station is Notting Hill Gate.

Buses: 28, 52, 94, 148, 328, 390.

There'll be anything from gypsy jazz and bebop to opera and French Chanson at this weekly music night at pub/restaurant Bountiful Cow.

The line-up varies, but regular members of the Collective include the Marcella Puppini, of Puppini Sisters fame (pictured in the middle here), and jazz pianist-composer Basil Hodge.

"Roxy Beaujolais's Bountiful Cow takes its meat seriously... It's not all beef, beef, beef though - there's a new sandwich menu for 2007, a well-chosen wine list, Adnams for ale fans and bottled Budvar and Beck's. Its inconspicuous location behind High Holborn means the dark, booted space is rarely without a spare seat, while its owner's gregarious reputation ensures a decent buzz." - Time Out


How to get there

Underground: The nearest station is Holborn.

Buses: Routes 8, 25, 242 and 521.

If you're a fan of Americana - or even just great songwriting - you won't want to miss this early evening gig at the Apple Tree, starring the excellent Jason McNiff.

Described by Mojo as "one of the UK's best kept secrets", McNiff is a Polish-Irish Yorkshireman who busked his way round eastern europe and Egypt in his late teens. He's emerged as a superb purveyor of heartfelt, engaging songs, becoming a cult figure on the capital's folk and country circuit (and counting Pete Doherty and producer/Killing Joke bassist 'Youth' among his fans).

Reviews for Jason McNiff's latest album, Another Man -

"A troubadour and one of the best Americana singers we have in this country... His vocal delivery, guitar playing and lyrical content invite comparisons with Dylan at his mystic best. Frankly, anyone who purchased anything by James Blunt should be made to listen to this album to see what singer-songwriting is really about." **** - Morning Star

"An absolutely fantastic album" - Sean Rowley, BBC Radio London

"Restless travelogue post-Nashville Skyline Dylan" *** - Uncut

"A beautifully arranged involving album that demands listen after listen" - Mark Whitfield, Editor Americana UK.

Come Down And Meet The Folks is a live country/Americana/rock/blues music and DJ night at the Apple Tree pub on the second and last Sunday of every month. The gig is 4pm to 9pm.


How to get there

Underground/Rail: The nearest stations to the Apple Tree pub are Chancery Lane and Farringdon.

From Chancery Lane: walk up Gray's Inn Road. After the main junction with Theobalds Road/Clerkenwell Road, take the second right, Elm Street (by the "Butty Boys") and follow it along (as it becomes Mount Pleasant) until you find the pub.

From Farringdon: turn right out of the station, then, at the main junction ahead turn right along Farringdon Road. At the crossroads with traffic lights, turn left down Clerkenwell Road, until you reach Laystall Street. Turn right along that road until you reach Mount Pleasant at the end, then turn right and keep ahead until you reach the pub on your right.

Buses: 17, 38, 46, 55, 63, 341.

Make your way down to the intimate surroundings of the Cafe at the Ritzy Picturehouse in Brixton for a night of great music.

On Wednesday March 19th there will be night dedicated to the groundbreaking label that is Blue Note, best known for its jazz legacy. The DJs selecting the finest cuts from the label's extensive catalogue are William Bowles and Bill Davies, plus a live jazz jam.

The night kicks off at 8pm. Find out more about events at the Ritzy Cafe.

How to get there

Rail/Underground: Brixton (Victoria Line) - the cinema is 50 yards left out of the station.

Bus: 2, 3, 35, 45, 109, 118, 133, 159, 196, 250, 322, 345, 355, P4, P5.

Every Sunday night, there's fantastic live jazz in the laidback-but-gorgeous surroundings of The Mansion pub in Gipsy Hill.

Excellent pianist Bruno D'Ambra leads the always-enjoyable resident trio - which features Scott Noftle on bass and Charlie Price on drums - with a musical guest joining them each week.

February's guests include saxophonist Tony Kofi (3 Feb), vocalist Jane Parker (10 Feb) and trumpeter Quentin Collins (17 Feb).

So come down, enjoy the live music, have a drink or a bite to eat... and imagine you're in Greenwich Village. Yes, it really is that good.

"Reincarnated a couple of years back, this impressive black-fronted gastropub reigns supreme in the area. Not many pubs have a grand piano - and this one doesn't look at all out of place among the gilt mirrors and elaborate candelabras." - Time Out review of The Mansion


How to get there

Rail: The nearest station is Gipsy Hill.

Bus: Routes 3, 432.

Live Nights London run this weekly open mic for singer-songwriters and other performers at The River Bar near Tower Bridge.

All are welcome, sign-up is from 7pm and the music start around 7.30pm. The promoters supply a PA and two mics (no house instruments or backline) - so come on down with your instrument(s) and tunes, or just to enjoy the live music from the likes of singer-songwriter Andrew Petersen here.

Find out more about Live Nights London.


How to get there

Underground/Rail: The nearest stations are Tower Hill and London Bridge.

Bus: 47, 188, 381.

Miss Dusty O and Lady Lloyds bring you a night of pop and twinks at this weekly tea dance in the basement club of the Ku Bar.

Dance the night away from 7pm til midnight (later on "special occasions") - and remember that there's also the chill-out classic Library bar on the first floor.

"A sophisticated cafe-bar, cocktail lounge and nightclub combined... Ku is a great space and the cheap drinks deals and party nights are a major draw. Anyone old enough to remember this building's previous incarnations as West Central and The Polar Bear will be utterly amazed how upmarket this gay venue now looks." - View London

Find out more about this and other events at Ku Bar.


How to get there

The closest tube stations are at Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. If travelling by bus, jump on the 14, 19, 24, 29, 38 or 176.

Join host Enigmatic Len for the free weekly Open Mic night every Tuesday at The Half Moon pub in Herne Hill.

A pub with a long tradition of live events - The Police, Van Morrison and U2 have all played there - The Half Moon is a fabulous Victorian pub with beautiful wooden interior, engraved mirrored walls, and a cosy snug bar.

Sign-up is from 7pm, and the night runs form 8pm to midnight. Expect everything from spoken word to solo musicians and acoustic singer/songwriters. Bring your instrument, your lyric book - or just yourself! As the poster says: "First time members welcome. Don't be afraid of the mic!"

Find out more about events at The Half Moon.

How to get there

Rail: The nearest train station is Herne Hill. Turn left out of the station, pass underneath the railway bridge, and the Half Moon pub is straight in front of you.

Bus: Routes 3, 37, 68, 322 and 468 all run nearby.

Go to Cafe 1001 and enjoy an evening of free short films followed by music every Monday evening.

Cafe 1001 is a coffee shop and DJ bar and is just off Brick Lane in the Old Truman Building. It's a cool area bustling with lots of fashion-art-music-student-all kinds of life.

The management are very happy with the consistent good quality and interest in their free short film night and are going to continue it until, if ever, that changes.

Films are followed by the music of DJ Top Rankin playing some Hip-Hop and Latin Grooves.

Free short films are on in room 2 the Cafe 1001 every Monday from 7pm.

Find out more about free films in Cafe 1001 or call 020 7247 9679.

How to get there

The nearest tube stations are at Liverpool Street and Aldgate East. If on the bus jump on the 15, 25, 40, 42, 67, 78, 100, 115, 205 and 254 all serve Aldgate, while the 8, 11, 23, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 133, 149, 153, 205, 214, 242, 271, 344 and 388 serve the nearby Liverpool Street.

According to the Daily Mail, Mahiki is "Prince Harry's favourite new bar" (it's where he had his send-off party for Iraq. Not that he went of course). The likes of Jamie Cullum and Marco Pierre White have also been spotted there... But hey, don't let any of the above put you off.

The Polynesian-themed bar is transformed into a free cabaret venue on Wednesday nights - with flower girls, Hawaiian boys, cocktails and, of course, cabaret entertainers. The show kicks off at 9pm.

"Mahiki is cosy rather than kitsch. Spread over two floors, this riot of bamboo, rum and hibiscus flowers is the antithesis of the uptight London style bar... a low-lit, luxurious beach-hut feel that's surprisingly seductive. Top-quality spirits and fresh fruit juices and syrups made on-site also mean that however silly your drink may look, it will taste seriously good." - Time Out


How to get there
Mahiki is on Dover Street, just off Piccadilly. The nearest Underground station is Green Park. Buses 9,14,19, 22 and 38 all run nearby.

Every Sunday at the Durrell Arms those propping up the bar are treated to a performance from Jazz Trio The Anthony Allstars.

Featuring Joel Bell on Guitar, John Bergfelt on Bass and Luke Anthony on Bass, the Anthony Allstars deliver a fantastic set topped off by a jam session towards the end of their performance.

Things kick off from 7.30pm, for more information call 020 7736 3014.

How to get there

The closest tube station to the Durrell Arms is at Parsons Green. If travelling by bus the 11, 14, 28, 211, 295, 391, 414 and 424 all serve the nearby Fulham Broadway.