To quote from the beloved 1990 action-comedy Dick Tracey, we’re “back in business and ain’t it grand – let the good times roll!” So hello 2013 and readers old and new – we’ve had an awesome Christmas break but can’t wait to plug into the arts and culture scene once again, starting with a curious music night at BAC, a play about love and all that mushy stuff at Rich Mix, two unmissable festivals and a third reason to tuck into burgers and lobster this weekend.

Friday

ART & CULTURE: In Our Ears: Scratch at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, Battersea, SW11 5TN

How much: Pay What You Can

We say: Head south for an experimental evening of natural soundscapes that’ll wow and amaze as it pushes the boundaries of music. Sounds come courtesy of director Nell Catchpole, sound designer/artist David Shepperd, drummer Kwake Bass, bass player Tim Harries and violinist Raven Bush.

Info: www.bac.org.uk/whats-on/our-ears-scratch/

EAT & DRINK: Burger and Lobster, 1 Bread Street, London EC4M

How much: Various

We say: If you don’t know about Burger and Lobster yet, get to know. Since 2011, the trendy outlet has been dishing out burgers, lobster and lobster rolls for the price of £20 with sides – and it’s now arrived near St Pauls to offer even more good eats in the City.

Info: www.burgerandlobster.com

Saturday

ARTS & CULTURE: The Love Project at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA

How much: £9

We say: This interactive play takes inspiration from local love stories from residents on Kingsland Road and is produced by Look Left Look Right, the award-winning theatre company.

Info: www.richmix.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-love-project-jan2013

ALTERNATIVE: The London International Mime Festival

How much: Various

We say: Christmas comedowns, broken banks and discarded pine trees all weigh heavy in January. But, chin up! It looks like the London International Mime Festival could be the perfect antidote to lift the spirits. Encompassing a broader range of performance styles than its title gives it credit for, the Festival is set to open 2013 with a bang.

Info: http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/somewhere-you-should-go-the-london-international-mime-festival/

Sunday

CINEMA: The London Short Film Festival (until January 13^th)

How much: Various

We say: Christmas has been and gone, and whilst for some it’s the food and the gifts that will be sorely missed, for me, it’s the movies. Whether they’re good or bad, Christmas-themed tearjerkers or action-packed frightfests, to me Christmas is all about the movie magic. If you’re suffering withdrawal symptoms (like having to resort to Eastenders omnibus), don’t worry, because help is at hand with the London Short Film Festival.

Info: http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/film/somewhere-you-should-go-london-short-film-festival/

ALTERNATIVE: The London Ice Sculpting Festival, Canary Wharf, E14 5AX

How much: FREE

We say: You’re in for a treat because it’s time for this year’s London Ice Sculpting festival. If the website is anything to go by, carving an angel will seem like child’s play by the time you leave. Taking place around Canary Wharf (from Friday onwards) the festival will be hosting sculpting competitions to see who can create the biggest and best sculpture on the day.

Info: www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/recommendations/somewhere-you-should-go/somewhere-you-should-go-the-london-ice-sculpting-festival/

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

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• Steve Davis

  A great thing to do when in London is to go on a Jack the Ripper walk. I went on one of these recently and was really impressed with the amount of facts about Jack the Ripper that I found out. I would definitely recommend it to others as it is a great experience for a great price.