Best things in life come in threes like excellent English courses in an independent language school located in the perky area of Angel.
Sometimes best things also come for free, think of museums and art galleries. But how about a weekend of free music just a short bus ride from Angel in this freezing cold month of October?
I’m talking about the Stoke Newington Festival. If the namedoesn’t ring a bell, grab your oyster CARD and jump on the 73 or 476 to explore the lovely N16 neighborhood in all its glory. From21st until 23rd of October Stokey is the place where you need to be. All gigs are free of charge and late night DJ sets will only charge a small fee in case you’re planning to party the night away. And it won’t be just rowdy clubs and sweaty bars, this year St Paul’s Church will host a variety of musicians, composer Alex Nikiporenko and shimmering glam rockers Mid-Age Rampage to name but a few.
Any suggestions? Being super-passionate about grunge, I wouldn’t miss Thurston Moore on Sunday for the world. Who is Thurston, I hear you saying? He’s the singer, song writer and guitarist of Sonic Youth, an absolute legend whose Sunday evening slot at 6.30pm will be as busy and energetic as any Monday at ICE.
Why choosing the Stoke Newington Festival? Besides being free, it’s local, fresh, young, DYI, rock’n’roll, independent. Despite being only on its second year, the line-up is pretty impressive with music veterans and experimental young bands merging together in a super cool area of North London. And if you don’t fancy any sweaty punk rock at Mascara Bar, you can order a latte whilst enjoying an acoustic gig at the Green Room Café. Surely hipster, but who doesn’t like a bit of arty stuff in N16?
And if you still feel hesitant, think social and think helpful. This year the Stoke Newington Festival will support Brook, a charity organization which deals with young people’s sexual health.
Be good, be happy, be rock’n’roll. Stoke Newington Festival 21-23 October weekender , mark my words.
