Al-fresco curry and naked art (From Times Series)

Al-fresco curry and naked art

10:45am Friday 9th September 2005

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The UK's love affair with all things Asian is clearly here to stay as the tenth Brick Lane Festival is expected to attract aroud 60,000 people this Sunday.

Starting off at around noon, there is music, fashion shows, an arts and crafts market, and for children there are bouncy castles, face painting and stilt-walking workshops. Food wise, the international food court is supplemented by curry served al fresco at the food establishments lining the street.

And in keeping with the East End's long association with the textile indsutry the Sew-East fashion show offers a mix of designs from silk and beaded outfits to Fifties pin-up fashion.

Headlining the music is the undisputed Kings of Indian pop Jay Sean and Juggy D who are joined by the Rishi Rich Project. Also on offer are Britain's best Asian R&B and bhangra groups.

And if you still need an outlet to shake your tush, DJs and live sets play late into the night at Brick Lane's trendy night spot, the Vibe Bar inside the Truman Brewery..

Those who have an interest in London's landmarks and the city's heritage may well know that the latest adornment on Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth's (latest adorment) will be unveiled in a public ceremony next Thursday 15.

Marc Quinn's now celebrated sculpture, Alison Lapper, Pregnant, was originally selected from a shortlist of six other artists. It shows the naked Alison, who has no arms and no legs, pregnant. As Alison herself said: "I regard it as a modern tribute to femininity, disability and motherhood. It is so rare to see disability in everyday life let alone naked, pregnant and proud."

The statue, carved from white marble and weighing more than 12 tonnes is displayed until April 2007.

The ceremony takes place in the now-pedestrianised piazza at 12.30pm.

And if that event gets you in the mood for all things artistic, you could visit events at the London Design Festival during the last two weeks of September. This is where London's creative communities come together to show off textiles, ceramics, furniture, architectural and graphic designs.

There are more than 150 events, with shops and showrooms hosting exhibitions. Head to Shoreditch for Designersblock or check out Fortune Street's show on exclusive footie gear for girls. Alternatively visit Embankment Tube station for an exhibtion on the inspiration behind the Circle Line.

For information about all these events check www.visitlondon.com

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