When it comes to cultural diversity, no where does it better than London – so this weekend’s events is your chance to appreciate the capital’s melting pot, via East London’s Mela, the new 100% London show at Hackney Empire or a unique pop-up exhibition that unveils the top of the “toffs”…

FRIDAY

ARTS & CULTURE: The Horsebox Gallery & The National Trust present Best of British Boys: “Toffs Have It Tough Too”, Blewcoat School, 23 Caxton Street, SW1H 0PY (Nearest tube: St. James’s Park)

How much: FREE

They say: “There has never been a more opportune time to celebrate “Britishness” in all its glory. The Jubilee and Olympics are enough to get anyone sporting a pair of Union Jack leggings. Britain’s great because it’s home to all sorts, and toffs are a part of the landscape. This is a free pop-up arts event in a glorious 18th century National Trust building in Westminster. It celebrates boys (especially public school boys) in all their British glory and talent and is an open event for all to enjoy!” The Horsebox Gallery

Info: www.thehorseboxgallery.com

ALTERNATIVE: Found Footage Festival, Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street  City of Westminster, W1D 3NE

How much: £15

They say: ”The Found Footage Festival, the acclaimed showcase of odd and hilarious found videos, will make its UK debut at the Soho Theatre. Founded in New York City in 2004, the FFF is a one-of-a-kind event featuring VHS tapes discovered at thrift shops and garage sales throughout North America. Hosts Joe Pickett (The Onion) and Nick Prueher (Late Show with David Letterman) host each screening in-person and provide their unique observations and commentary on these found video obscurities” Soho Theatre

Info: www.sohotheatre.com

SATURDAY

ALTERNATIVE: The Hackney Vintage Kilo Sale, Hackney Downs Studios, Amhurst Terrace, London E8 2BT

How much:  £1

They say:  “Comprising excellent value for money with on-trend styles from the 60s – 80s, the Vintage Kilo Clothing Sale takes from the age old ethos that clothing should be sold by weight, making it easy for you to fill your wardrobe for less than £30″ The Vintage Kilo Sale

Info: www.judysvintagefair.co.uk

ALTERNATIVE: Ping! London Launch

How much: FREE

They say: “Ping! sees a month of activity and tables popping up in unusual and remarkable places.  Marked ‘Stop and Play’, the tables are up  for all to enjoy. Bats and balls are supplied: to join in the fun just borrow a bat from the side of the table!  As well as free-play, each ping-pong table features a varied programme of master-classes, competitions and free to join activities” Ping!

Info: www.pinglondon.co.uk

SUNDAY

ARTS & CULTURE: 100% London, Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ

How much: £10

They say: “100% London is a living, breathing portrait of the city that tells the truth of modern London life in a way graphs or pie-charts never can. Starring 100 everyday Londoners, each of whom represents 1% of London’s 7.8 million population. It began with the casting of one person who then had 24 hours to recruit another, who then recruited another and so on – all according to specific criteria of age, gender, location and ethnicity mirroring the demographic make-up of one of the world’s most diverse cities” Hackney Empire

Info: www.hackneyempire.co.uk

ARTS & CULTURE: East London Mela, Barking Park, Longbridge Road, Barking, IG11 8TA

How much: £5

They say: “A Mela – meaning ‘festival’ — beautifully describes an exciting summer outdoor event with an emphasis on cultural and artistic programme. They feature a mix of music, food, and information as well as all the fun of the fair. Mela’s are an excellent opportunity for the whole community to come together and celebrate irrespective of ethnic background. They provide a crucial link with the community and offer organization a valuable opportunity to target a captive audience” East London Mela

Info: www.eastlondon-mela.com

For more things to do in London, visit www.theculturalexpose.co.uk

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