The Learning Trust in Hackney organise a number of courses and activities as well as running an advice centre helping you to choose the right kind of class. So whether you want to brush up on skills and knowledge you already have, improve your employment opportunities, or simply take up a new interest, adult education in Hackney North and Stoke Newington could be for you. Visit: http://www.learningtrust.co.uk/adult_learning for more details.
Young Hackney is a website commissioned by Hackney Youth Service designed for and by local young people. The site provides a hub of entertainment, education and information for the young people of Hackney and includes a comprehensive list of events for young people in the borough. Visit: http://www.younghackney.org
The parks in Hackney North and Stoke Newington are a wonderful place to take children and offer a range of activities. Hackney and Stoke Newington parks are famed for their festivals and events during the summer months, check out the Council website for dates and details of these events: http://www.hackney.gov.uk/festivals.htm
Hackney libraries host about 500 events every year. These include regular reading groups, visits from authors, cultural festivals, specialist talks, computer classes, homework clubs and toy libraries. There are eight libraries in Hackney to choose from. Visit: http://www.hackney.gov.uk/cl-libraries-whats-on.htm for up-to-date details of what's on.
Sutton House dates from the Tudor period and is the oldest house in East London. It is a National Trust run site that has regular events and gives visitors the opportunity to explore the house as it would have been throughout the ages. Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-suttonhouse for more information.
Hackney Museum is a wonderful place to learn about local history. There is a permanent exhibition here detailing the history of immigration into Hackney over the past 1,000 years. There are plenty of hands-on exhibitions to keep children entertained as well as regular events and topical exhibitions. See: www.hackney.gov.uk/hackneymuseum
The N16 Fringe festival takes place each summer in the Stoke Newington area. There is a wealth of different musicians to see, each playing in various bars and cafes in Stoke Newington. Poetry and art also feature in the festival. The festival is a great chance to check out the many bars and venues across Stoke Newington, as well as catering to all different music tastes. See www.n16fringe.co.uk for more details
The Geffrye Museum is one of London's favourite museums. The museum has a large collection of English interiors through the ages. There are also beautiful and award-winning gardens to visit. The museum also has regular special open days, educational events and exhibitions. Check out the website for more details: www.geffrye-museum.org.uk
The Rio Cinema on Kingsland High Street was originally built in 1909. It shows a huge variety of films including art house and blockbusters. There are regular seasons of Kurdish and Turkish films shown. The cinema is also very good value for money. See www.riocinema.ndirect.co.uk for current programmes.
One of London's best jazz clubs, The Vortex, is located in Dalston and has been running for 20 years. The club hosts a variety of different musicians, from the well-known to the up-and-coming. See www.vortexjazz.co.uk for details of upcoming events and concerts.
The Arcola Theatre offers a wide-range of productions and is known for being a unique "fringe" venue. The theatre offers affordability with its regular "pay what you can" nights. There are resident groups for young people, writers and OAPs. There are regular seminars held in the theatre on a variety of interesting subjects. Visit the website at: www.arcolatheatre.com
The Hackney Empire has been entertaining people from London and beyond since 1901. Currently the theatre is used for many different shows – dancing, music, acting and pantomime. There are a number of different educational activities and courses based at the Empire, including for those people interested in getting into working in the theatre and entertainment world. It is also possible to take back-stage tours of the Empire once a month. The Marie Lloyd Bar is located next door to the theatre and plays host to talks, poetry and music events. www.hackneyempire.co.uk
Dakrobi Arts is a Stoke Newington-based organisation concerned with portraying African education, arts and culture positively. Founded by Ngozi Headley-Fulani, Dakrobi Arts provides performances, workshops, history, music, dance, drumming and much more. To learn more about Dakrobi Arts, Sofora and what else they offer visit www.dakrobi-arts.com