30 November: The Hackney Debates No. 4
BBC news presenter, George Alagiah, chairs a debate in St Peter’s Church, De Beauvoir Town. The motion is “Secondary schools: is parental choice paramount?” Speakers include BBC education correspondent, Reeta Chakrabarti; Chair of the Hackney Learning Trust 2003-2010, Sir Mike Tomlinson and Chair and Founder of Hackney New School, Andreas Wesemann. 7:30pm-9:30pm. Telephone Paul Bolding on 0207 6845811
12 December: Jazz Night at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road.
A night of ragtime and swing awaits for those who turn up. Happening every second Wednesday of each month. Doors at 7pm. Free before 8pm, £5 after, £3.50 if dressed in the style of 1920s/30s!
14 December: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12A)
In Tolkien’s prequel to The Lord of The Rings, Frodo’s uncle, Bilbo Baggins (played by Martin Freeman) goes on a quest to the Lonely Mountain to recover a lost treasure from the dragon, Smaug. Fans of the earlier Tolkein films have been waiting with baited breath to see the first instalment of this trilogy.
22 December: The Christmas African Market, Gillett Square, Dalston.
A variety of stalls will be on display at this festive market, including face painting, drumming, mask making, fashion, arts, storytelling, music and culture. Free entry.
29 December: The Cider Sessions at The Russet.
Fancy a night of round table live folk music, replete with foot-stomping and scrumpy swigging? Get to The Russett, 1 Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT, for 7pm. Free entry.
Interactive MA student at City University.