Happy New Year Rioters. Tips returns with a healthy dose of culturama and style to banish any January blues. Read on for your one-stop style-shop of events and happenings in Bojolandshire.

It’s that time of the year for thinking about the gym. I have, it was a horrible thought. I am certainly not tempted to splash £20 to watch a leathery ex-Eastender showing off her pelvic lunges. Fear not, for fashion photographer and music producer, Thomas Knights, and disco club promoter Aubrey Dobson have come up with the genius idea of legalising clubbing as an “exercise”. Launching on Wednesday 13th January Disco Health Club - The Green Carnation, 5 Greek St Soho 6 - 7:30 pm and 8 - 9:30 pm. Doors open to the public at 10 pm - 2:30 -£5 for the classes and club night , is an innovative concept that allows girls and guys to keep fit while dancing along to their favourite disco classics, all in the surroundings of a West End club. Taking its inspiration from the 80’s aerobic style of Olivia Newton John and Jane Fonda, it encourages you to shimmy into some shiny leggings, pull on the legwarmers, and dig out those retro sweatbands for a workout like no other! Is this just not another 80’s inspired club? Well no. First up they have an instructor to teach you all the moves, complete with lights and lasers. Better still its smoothies and health bars a-go-go, though booze is available if you fancy a bit of Dutch courage. You can even request tracks from the DJ before the class begins.



If you fancy a gentler pursuit I would recommend hopping to the ‘ditch to catch From One Extreme to the Other Idea, 20th Jan – 14th Feb Idea Generation Gallery, 11 Chance Street London E2 7JB . Nat Finklestein was a political activist, fugitive, Factory documenter, veteran of the 1960s New York scene not to mention the whitest black panther around. This retrospective brings together Finkelstein’s diverse portfolio of photographic work achieved across five decades: from the Factory scenes, to the civil rights and anti-war protests of mid-60s America, to his continuing exploration of the subcultures of 80s and 90s New York. An interesting mix of the whimsical and the serious reflecting Finklestein’s ability to convey messages in all scenarios.

After exercising body and mind, round off the month at a seductively different literary pyjama party. Bedtimes Stories returns on the 29th 7:00pm - 10:30pm The 40 Winks Hotel - 109 Mile End Road Tickets: £25 per head including unusually nice Hendrick's Gin cocktails and nibbles. ‘WILDE AT HEART’, performed by Patrick Marley and Genevieve Allenbury, brings the world of Oscar Wilde wickedly to life in a show that has toured the world with rapturous reviews (“A delightful evening, full of drama and emotion – beautifully compiled and thrillingly performed.” Sir Derek Jacobi) . A dress code of pyjamas, nighties and dressing gowns is rigorously enforced by Mr Carter, who usually suggest guests bring along a small cushion, a teddy bear or anything else that makes them feel warm and cosy (Nanny or Matron may be brought too, but you will have to pay for them as well…) Tickets must be purchased in advance, so email Mr Carter at info@40winks.org