The days are getting colder, the nights are getting darker and people keep telling you how many days there are until Christmas. Yes, that’s right, we’re officially in autumn. Here at Hackney Post, we’ve compiled a list of things to keep you and your family busy during the season, so dust off the cobwebs, don your hats and scarves and get exploring Hackney.
1. Gone Girl, at Hackney Picturehouse
This domestic thriller based on Gillian Flynn’s best-selling novel is bound to keep you entertained on a nippy autumn evening. Hackney Picturehouse is the perfect setting for such an intimate film. Visit Picturehouse Cinemas’ website for dates and times.
2. Walkabout in Hackney, at St Joseph’s café
The weather’s getting grimmer, but that doesn’t mean fitness should go on the back-burner. This free walking tour will meet at 12pm every Thursday from 8 October – 18 December at St Joseph’s café. The walkabout is a great opportunity to explore the local area, meet new people and burn off a few calories. The tour is open for those aged 18-80. For more information email Charlotte Griffin.
Image: David Holt, Flickr. Some rights reserved.
3. Hackney Fireworks Display, at Clissold Park
On Saturday 8 November, you can enjoy a spectacular show of fireworks set to music at Clissold Park, Stoke Newington. There will be illuminated stilt-walkers, an aerialist and stalls selling traditional Bonfire Night fare. This is the first fireworks display in Hackney in more than 10 years, so here’s hoping it goes off with a bang. Gates open at 5pm and the display starts at 7:30pm. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for children who are local residents and must be bought in advance from the Hackney Empire box office.
4. A gothic and ghostly gathering, at the Geffrye Museum
Get geared up for Halloween with an evening of spine-tingling live music, readings, anecdotes and ballads from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries at The Geffrye Museum. The event takes place at 7pm on 6 November. Tickets cost £16 and £13 for concessions, and the price includes a glass of wine.
5. Hackney Proms presents Peter and the Wolf, at Stoke Newington Town Hall
Sergei Prokofiev’s classic children’s tale has the power to enchant young and old alike. Make sure to catch this performance by quintet London Winds, held at Stoke Newington Town Hall on Sunday 23 November. Visit the Hackney Proms website for more information.
Image: Matthew Black, Flickr. Some rights reserved.
6. Broadway Market
Broadway Market is a Hackney institution, so if you’ve never visited now’s your chance. Browse the stalls selling quality fruit and veg, fresh fish, bread, cakes and cheese, and maybe try some samples too. Autumn means harvest-time, so the fare is sure to be extra delicious. The Broadway Market takes place from 9am-5pm every Saturday, and runs from London Fields park to the Regent’s Canal.
7. Luminous lanterns, at the Geffrye Museum
Looking for something to keep the kids occupied over half-term? Try the Luminous Lanterns workshop at The Geffrye Museum. Kids aged 11 and over will get the chance to create their own atmospheric lantern inspired by patterns in the museum’s collection. The workshop takes place from 2–4pm on 29 October. To book contact the Geffrye Museum.
8. Verden Cheese and wine bar, Clarence Road
Enjoy some fine wine, fresh cheese and cured meat at this newly-opened bar and restaurant. Food and drink is affordable, but the decor oozes sophistication. Verden is a perfect venue for a relaxed evening with friends or a partner. You can find it on Clarence Road, Clapton.
Image: David Holt, Flickr. Some rights reserved.
9. Ghostsigns walking tour
On 2 November, ‘Mr Ghostsigns’ Sam Roberts will lead a tour around Stoke Newington exploring the relics of advertisements past. This is one for history-lovers and advertising execs. Tickets cost £12.50 and must be booked in advance.
10. Hot Yoga, at London Fields
Warm yourself up this autumn with some hot yoga. Classes are held in a room heated to 40 degrees, so you’re guaranteed to get extra sweaty as you stretch. Hotpod Yoga runs morning and evening classes at its all-new ‘Roofpod’ in London Fields. Single class passes start at £12.
Header Image: Gisle Hannemyr, Flickr. Some rights reserved
