Lewisham Loop - Issue 38 ✨

Hello, Lewisham! 👋

Who says you have to wait until Friday to have a good time?

This week, we're swapping the usual midweek routine for a little creativity, live music and some good old-fashioned fun. There's everything from chess battles in Deptford and an evening of Undertale-inspired jazz to a roller disco where staying upright is half the achievement.

And if you've been sitting on a business idea, there's a free programme that could help you turn it into an actual market stall.

Not bad for four ordinary October days.

Deptford Lounge is hosting its monthly Chess Club, welcoming everyone from complete beginners to seasoned players who already have their victory speech prepared. There'll be casual games, tips and tricks from the organisers, and plenty of opportunities to challenge someone new. Chess clocks are available too, if you fancy testing your skills under a little pressure.

No grandmaster credentials required. Just turn up ready to play, learn a few moves and possibly discover that you're more competitive than you thought.

Find out more here!

_{Note: All ages and abilities welcome.}

Students from Trinity Laban's BA Music Performance and Industry programme are taking over the stage for a showcase of live performances, with several bands exploring everything from pop and rock to jazz and beyond.

It's a brilliant chance to support emerging musicians, enjoy a mix of sounds and perhaps discover your next favourite band.

The line-up is varied, the atmosphere promises to be lively, and entry won't cost you a penny. Reserve your free ticket here.

Inside – The Expression Lab is a free creative writing programme helping young people across Lewisham and Southwark explore their ideas, develop their storytelling skills and find their own voice. From poetry and short stories to scripts and performance, the sessions offer a supportive space to experiment with writing and learn from experienced facilitators.

There's also the chance to collaborate with other writers, develop your ideas through feedback and eventually bring your work to life through readings and performances.

You don't need to arrive with a masterpiece. A little curiosity is a perfectly good starting point - find out more and register here.

Satans Baby are heading to New Cross Inn with their debut album Fuzzrock Folklore, bringing a healthy dose of fuzzy rock energy to Wednesday night. Joining them are Crushed By Pimps, serving up progressive punk with a psychedelic twist, and Reptile Kin, whose sound mixes grinding grooves, raucous rock and a little jazz-soul influence.

In other words, this isn't the night to expect gentle background music.

If your taste in music is on the heavier, louder side, this could well be your midweek fix - tickets are £7.70 from here!

Jazztick is bringing its Determination Concert to the Fox and Firkin, reimagining music from the much-loved game Undertale through lively jazz-fusion arrangements. Expect impressive solos, an energetic live band and plenty of audience interaction as familiar melodies take on a whole new life. The project has already entertained audiences across Latin America, and now it's Lewisham's turn to experience the magic.

You don't have to be a dedicated gamer to appreciate the musicianship, although recognising a favourite track will probably make the evening that little bit sweeter. Remaining tickets are listed at £23, with group tickets for 4 people at £60 from here!

Elevate 100 is launching a free Youth Market Start Up programme for Lewisham residents aged 16–30, designed to help young entrepreneurs take their products from an idea to a real market stall. The programme will help you develop your products, build your brand and prepare to sell at local youth markets.

It's a brilliant opportunity for anyone who's been quietly working on a creative idea and could use a bit of practical support to get it off the ground.

The programme is free, with registration available online via a form here. The form also contains the full timetable and further details.

Pohl are bringing their cosmic noise-rock sound to the stage, joining forces with Ogives Big Band for an evening that promises plenty of volume and adventurous musicianship. Ogives combine elements of psychedelic rock, progressive music and doom, with powerful rhythms, unpredictable arrangements and some seriously heavy guitar work.

With their album Boisterous Love out on Stolen Body Records, there's plenty of material to get stuck into.

Tickets are priced at £8.80 and can be purchased through here!

Deptford Lounge is turning its Main Hall into an indoor roller disco, complete with colourful lights, a disco playlist and plenty of space to glide, spin or simply practise staying on your feet. Whether you're a confident skater or someone whose main skill is grabbing the nearest wall, everyone's welcome.

Structured as a relaxed session for all abilities, with a café open for refreshments, the session is pay-what-you-decide, from £5 - £10, more details and tickets can be found here. Attendees will have to bring their own skates however.

Every week, the New Cross jazz bar hosts an untutored life drawing session with a professional model, giving artists of all abilities the chance to slow down, pick up a pencil and get creative. Led by resident artist Nick Cuthell, the evening offers a welcoming space for complete beginners and experienced sketchers alike.

Drawing materials are provided, there's a different model each week, and you can enjoy a drink from the bar while gentle jazz plays in the background.

Tickets and further details can be found on the website here - £15 for single sessions, 4 sessions for £50 or 10 for £100. The venue also welcomes walk-ins.

🎵 Rhyme Time with Abby - Monday 12 October, 2pm-3pm at Blackheath Community Library. Songs and rhymes for little ones aged 5 and under, with sticker collection scheme also included.

💼 Employability Support - Tuesday 13 October, 9am-1pm at Corbett Community Library. Free sessions centred around job-seeking, early times are appointment only, with 12:30-1pm being drop in.

☕ Co-Working Wednesdays - Wednesday 14 October, 9am-6pm at Orchard Gardens Community Centre. A welcoming queer-friendly workspace, with free Wi-Fi, tea, coffee and breakfast bits.

💻 IT and Form Help - Wednesday 14 October, 2:30pm-3:30pm. Head to New Cross Learning for a helping hand with digital tasks and online forms. No need to book, simply turn to receive guidance.

🎬 In The End, I Shall Return - Film Screening - Wednesday 14 October, 7pm-8:30pm at New Cross Learning. A special screening of the short film, along with a live Q&A with filmmaker Jade Thompson. No booking required.

📚 Homework Club - Thursday 15 October, 3:30pm-5pm at Corbett Community Library. A session after school for children to receive help with their homework, and a quiet space to work in.

See you around the borough this week! ~