Stratford and surrounding areas Area Guide

Leyton Orient take on AFC Wimbledon in this Sky Bet League One fixture.

Multi-million selling soul band The Real Thing are ready to give their much loved disco-inspired hits a new lease of life, with an extensive UK tour. Featuring the group’s two original vocalists Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, along with their 5-piece band, The Real Thing deliver a funky ‘in your face’ show with a strong ‘retro flavour’ with the band’s classic songs mixed with contemporary grooves. Celebrating over 45 years in the music industry. As well as the success of their debut hit single ‘You to Me Are Everything’, these Liverpool lads boast three million selling hit singles including, ‘Can’t Get by Without You’, ‘Whenever You Want My Love’ and ‘Can You Feel the Force’, making them the UK’s best-selling black group of the late 70s.

Leyton Orient take on Mansfield Town in this Sky Bet League One fixture.

Tottenham Hotspur take on Everton in this Women's Super League fixture.

This January, residents and visitors to East Village can begin the year on a thoughtful and creative note with Reflections I, a large-scale interactive art installation by artist Russ Jones, brought to the neighbourhood by Get Living. Located in Celebration Avenue Square, the striking 2.4-metre mirrored cube invites people to stop, reflect and take part in a shared creative experience. Running throughout January 2026, Reflections I transforms East Village into a space for self-expression and optimism at a time when many are setting intentions for the year ahead. The artwork explores themes of positivity, self-acceptance and connection. Each of the four mirrored sides encourages people to engage with a different idea – from writing what they love about themselves to responding to the playful question “Is this art?”, leaving a doodle or message of their own, or adding a note about their favourite local spot on a map of East London. As more people contribute, the mirrored cube will gradually evolve, covered in colourful thoughts, reflections and drawings that capture the collective spirit of the community. By the end of the month, what began as a blank reflective surface will have transformed into a joyful record of human connection, creativity and hope for the year ahead. Set within 25 acres of parks and wetlands, East Village offers more than 1,900 rental homes across its two collections, Victory Plaza and Portlands Place. With its mix of green open spaces, independent retailers, and creative venues such as The Lab E20 and Refill Therapy, East Village blends the buzz of city life with a sense of calm and community. It’s a place to live well, connect with neighbours and embrace the best of sustainable city living – and installations like Reflections I bring that ethos to life, creating moments of shared creativity and positivity. Please note that all imagery is indicative only.

Step into The Leyton Star this New Year’s Eve and onto the dancefloor, where you will be taken back through the years of musical delights. Your time travelling DJ Captain Chéos (Festival No.6 / Blue Dot / OCR) brings you DecadeDance, a sonic ride of retrospection, playing dance floor classics from each decade★. From the halcyonic 60s, the hedonistic days of 70s disco and funk, the shoe gazing, nostalgia of 80s kitsch, the sweaty abandonment of 90s old school house, to the modern sounds of the here and now. From The Stones to Blondie to Chaka Khan to Daft Punk and Peggy Gou, whatever your musical taste, almost every corner of dance floor grooves will be explored and enjoyed. Come with us and hear all proper! Hear angel trumpets and devil trombones. You are invited. Book our private Karaoke room and get free entry to the party for you and your guests. Peace out. One love. Just no f★cking requests. ★In no particular order Presented by Electric Star Pubs. This is an 18+ event.