What's on in East London this weekend, 11th and 12th May, 2019

The Magic of Motown

Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience. With timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and more. This breath-taking concert spectacular takes you on a musical journey through all your favourite songs, including Ain’t No Mountain, Signed Sealed Delivered, Dancing In The Streets, My Cherie Amor, Heatwave, and many more

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11, 7.30pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

Farzad Farzin

Farzad Farzin is an Iranian singer, songwriter, arranger and actor. In 2018 he toured the US and is now coming to London with his latest album.

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ, Saturday, May 11, 8pm. Details: 02089 852424 hackneyempire.co.uk

Gary Phelan

A wonderful singer and great performer playing a wide range of great covers with power and passion.

The Coppermill Pub, 205 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, E17 7HF, Saturday, May 11, 8.30pm. Details: 020 8520 3709 coppermillpub.co.uk

Lee Mead – My Story

Selected from thousands of performers, Lee Mead was thrust into the spotlight in 2007 to play the iconic role of Joseph in the West End. From there this young man’s career has been a never-ending rollercoaster of differing engagements from stage to screen. In the West End Lee has appeared in classic musicals such as Wicked, Legally Blonde, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and his television credits include Casualty and Holby City. For 2019, Lee invites his fans to join him for an intimate interview. Lee will talk about the magical moments, the highs and lows, the memories and of course the songs the audience love to hear.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Sunday, May 12, 7.30pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

E17 Designers Spring Market

E17 Designers meets E17 Village Market with 20 artists, makers, plus tea and cake inside, street food outside. The Greek Café, Wood Street Coffee, Walthamstow Dogs and more on the forecourt. Suzie Cakes will be in the Kitchen. LoveLatouche Faces will be on hand for face painting, glitter tattoos and henna for all ages, and Vixeno9 for all your tarot reading needs.

Waltham Forest Community Hub, Orford Road, Walthamstow, E17 9LN, Saturday, May 11, 10.30am to 3.30pm. Details: e17designers.co.uk

Paddle Boarding

Stand-up paddle boarding is easily the smoothest way to cruise around on the canals of East London. These sessions offer everyone from absolute beginner to intermediate paddler the chance to get out on a board and start progressing. The aim is to get you standing up and paddling by the end of your first session. If you're already past that stage, the instructors can help you improve your technique and efficiency.

White Post Lane, E9 5EN, Saturday, May 11, various times. Details: uk.funzing.com

London Craft Week

London Craft Week is an annual event that showcases exceptional craftsmanship through a journey-of-discovery programme featuring hidden workshops and unknown makers alongside celebrated masters, famous studios, galleries, shops and luxury brands. London Craft Week returns to the capital for its fifth edition. Celebrating outstanding British and international creativity, this year the festival brings together over 240 established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world.

Various locations in London, until Sunday, May 12. Details: londoncraftweek.com

May Fayre and Puppet Festival

Celebrate the 357th anniversary of the first sighting of Mr Punch in England by Samuel Pepys in May 1662 with Punch and Judy professors from all over the country and abroad.

St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED, Sunday, May 12, 11am to 5.30pm. Details: alternativearts.co.uk

We Love Cheese

The diverse world of cheese is coming to this exciting riverside neighbourhood at the foot of the Power Station, set to be the biggest We Love Cheese yet. Come along for a wonderful weekend of all things cheese related, celebrating both local and global cheeses, flavoursome cheese board accompaniments and drinks to pair.

Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12. Details: eat-me-drink-me.co.uk

Affordable Art Fair

Discover the joy of collecting art at the Affordable Art Fair, with thousands of original, contemporary artworks from all over the world. Within our expertly curated collection of both emerging and established artists, there is something to suit every taste, space, and budget. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a first-time art buyer, there is a whole world of contemporary art to discover and an all-new programme with fun for all the family.

Lower Fairground Site, East Heath Road, NW3 1TH, Thursday, May 9, to Sunday, May 12. Details: affordableartfair.com