While having a drink with friends at Bar Music Hall in Shoreditch, I came across The Darlingtons, a four-piece band likely to make a mark in the music industry as they bring guitar-driven indie-rock back to the charts.

The Lounge on the Farm started only in 2006 and has quickly built itself a reputation as one of the best festivals in the country. It has justifiably won a reputation as one of the best festivals to catch acts that will be on bigger festivals main stages in the year ahead.

Before moving to London I rarely went to listen to traditional Eastern European or classical music concerts, these were all around me, I didn’t really need to go anywhere for it. But in London, if I miss Eastern European folk music, it is not always easy to find a good gig.

The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) at the New Red Lion pairs the shuddering mediocrity of Butlins style ‘ents’, with the niggling feeling that you’re watching a bunch of drama freshers tanked on cheap cider. Oh, and there’s a bit of Shakespeare in it too.

Students for a Free Tibet are holding an environment conference later this month, to raise awareness of the Tibetan cause. With a panel of experts, this academic conference is open not just to academics, but also the public.

This is a gig not to miss on Friday night. The 100 Club at Oxford Street is having Daniela Brooker performing with her band. She is launching her debut album soon, which is a pop music mash of rock and a touch of Latin soul that comes in a sexy voice. Proceeds from this gig go to the Japan Tsunami Appeal.

Work It aims to raise awareness of the fact that while work might be extremely boring and monotonous, there’s no reason why it should cramp your personal style. The partnership between a well respected magazine for the career-focused woman and one of the top women’s labels on the high street aims to highlight that with some thought and clever combinations, you can create stunning work outfits, whatever the occasion.

Do you know how to play Chess? I can’t say I do, but that didn’t deter me from going to watch ‘Chess The Musical’, which has helped me to see the game in a whole new light. This saucy minx of a show was performed before a packed audience in suburban Woking, and had me rocking in my seat.

The Asia House Pan-Asia Film Festival is really a rare treat if you would like to see the hidden gems of Asian filmmaking. The Artistic Director, Sonali Joshi, has compiled a programme that gives a very good insight into what’s going on in Asia nowadays in terms of filmmaking.

London will once again be demonstrating its fashion credentials by playing host to an exclusive event, FashionMist, which hopes to showcase the African-influenced talents of designers from different parts of the world. This event is a first and not to be missed, whether for fashion newcomers or seasoned shoppers!