FRIDAY 1st July – SUNDAY 3rd July

Cuban soul
In the late 90s, German auteur Wim Wenders travelled to Cuba with legendary guitarist Ry Cooder and his son, Joachim, on a mission to assemble a group of the country’s greatest musicians. Named, Buena Vista Social Club, the group recorded an album under the same name and perform live. An incredible story, the resulting album won a Grammy and made them an international phenomenon, leading to a series of outstanding live performances. Wenders recorded it all, and translated the story through his signature aesthetic, resulting in one of the most brilliant documentaries out there, and a poignant ode to Cuban culture.

Buena Vista Social Club is being screened at Dalston Rio all weekend – see times here.

Trip to Africa
The V&A is loving a fashion deep dive at the moment and after the success of their ongoing menswear exhibition the British institute is turning its attention to Africa. Spanning from the mid-twentieth century to the present day, the showcase will explore the continent’s global influence and chart the varied scene of African creatives.

Showcasing over 250 artefacts in the form of textiles, photographs and garments from designers such as Shade Thomas Fahm and Imane Ayissi alongside those who pioneered the African Cultural Renaissance in the 1950s, its doors are set to be opening this weekend, so nab a ticket and be one of the first to see Africa in all its fashionable glory.

Africa Fashion at the V&A opens Saturday 2nd July, more info here. 

It’s about bloody time
After being restricted to the perils of live-streaming and cancellations for the last two years, London’s Pride Parade is back with a bang. 50 years on from the inaugural Pride march, this year’s route will trace the historic paths travelled in 1972, beginning in Hyde Park and eventually ending at Whitehall Place. A line-up spread over four stages across the city will see a host of singers, dancers and entertainers perform in the London sun to celebrate the brilliance of our ever-growing LGBTQ+ community.

London’s Pride Parade will take place on Saturday 2nd July, more info here. 

Affordable art
Frieze is great but for those of us who aren’t prepared to drop six-figure cheque on a piece of artwork, the Other Art Fair is on hand to offer up an accessible alternative. Curated by Saatchi Art, the fair comprises original yet affordable works from 110 independent artists of all kinds and is also hosting a series of immersive installations, performances and DJs. If we haven’t convinced you yet, there is also a fully stocked bar – need we say anymore?

The Other Art Fair is taking place at West Handyside Canopy until Sunday 3rd July, more info here. 

It’s only rock ‘n’ roll, but we love it
Having already knocked it out the Hyde Park last week at their first date at the iconic location, this weekend The Rolling Stones return for those who missed out – or those who want a double-dose. Needless to say, Jagger, Richards and Wood (RIP Charlie) have still got it. Running around the stage, hips a-shakin’ to Richards’ sultry riffs, Jagger rolls back the decades as one of music’s greatest ever performers. Marking 60 years since the band’s first-ever show at the Marquee Club in London – just around the corner – chances to see the band in full swing are sadly limited, so quit your dilly-dallying and, despite what Jagger says, total satisfaction is waiting for you on Sunday in Hyde Park.

The Rolling Stones play at Hyde Park on Sunday 3rd.

Afrofuturism
Hayward Gallery’s latest exhibition is focusing on the past, present, and fantasy of the future to address the narrative of the African diaspora. Exploring the possibility of creative and cultural liberation through art, In the Black Fantastic combines the concepts of myth, science fiction, spiritual traditions and the legacy of Afrofuturism. Comprising a myriad of  works in the form of painting, photography, sculpture and immersive installations, contributions have been made from the likes of Nick Cave, Ellen Gallagher and Hew Locke. One thing’s for sure, this showcase will leave you pondering on an alternate time ahead and send you away with a deeper understanding of the past.

In the Black Fantastic runs at Hayward Gallery until 18th September, more info here. 

La Dolce Vita
Famed chef Robin Gill is transporting us away (god knows we need it), opening Maria G’s on Kensington’s Warwick Lane inspired by his time working in Southern Italy, especially at Marina Del Cantone on the Amalfi Coast. Bringing these exotic delights to West London, expect ricotta agnolotti with baby artichoke, rosemary and orange bresaola, linguine ‘Nerano’ with fried courgette and provolone cheese. As for the drinks? It’s all about the spritzes.

Maria G’s is located at 1-4 Warwick Lane, W14 8FN.