Girls Germs is a popular grrrl-tastic DJ night held every few months in London. A celebration of women’s creativity and proof that girls making music is more than just a faddy trend, all the songs played are by women, and there are zines and cakes to boot! We sat down with DJ Gianna to talk about the Capital’s LGBT scene, how to get people dancing and why she loves living in East London.

How long have you been a Londoner for?

Well, I was born in London and spent my early years here, but after living ‘Up North’ for most of my life, I finally moved to East London just over a year ago.

How did you get involved with Girl Germs?

I met Girl Germs creators Lydia and Laura through taking part in various feminist activities, including helping to organise Ladyfest Ten. Previously, I had been promoting and DJing at nights in Leeds, so I was itching to get involved in the London scene. After realising we had a shared vision of putting on more grrl-friendly nights, I joined the Girl Germs team early this year.

Where have you had your best nights out in London?

I love going to Unskinny Bop at The Star of Bethnal Green. It’s a great atmosphere and they play plenty of danceable 90s tunes.

What are your favourite local hangouts?

The Victoria in Mile End is my favourite local pub and is where we held the last Girl Germs. It’s a great venue that puts on everything from gigs to jumble sales, and has some of the friendliest staff in East London.

What London events are you looking forward to?

Well I’m going to Lovebox this year, which should be good – the line-up is great and I’ve never been able to stroll home from a festival in ten minutes before! I also can’t wait for Ladyfest Ten. This year marks the ten year anniversary since the very first Ladyfest, and we’ll be celebrating it in London in style. It’s a DIY, non-profit festival that celebrates women’s talents and creativity. Expect some big names in music, film and the arts coming to North London from 12th to 14th November!

What are the best songs to get everyone on the dancefloor in London?

Kate Bush – ‘Hounds of Love’ is a classic and always gets people singing along. Also, it’s an obvious choice but no one can resist dancing to Le Tigre – ‘Deceptacon’.

What song do people always request that you simply cannot stand?

Katy Perry – ‘I Kissed a Girl’. Even with a heavy dose of irony, it’s still bad.

What do you think of London’s LGBT scene?

Like most LGBT scenes, I think it often caters more to men than to women. Part of the reason we created Girl Germs was because we were frustrated that a lot of alternative music scenes were male dominated. What we’ve tried to do is create a grrl-safe space where women, trans folk and people of all genders and persuasions can dance to ace tunes without having to conform to ideals of coolness.

What London places do you think are seriously underrated?

I’m a big fan of cinema and London has so many independent cinemas that I’m in the process of discovering. Close to me is the Genesis cinema at Stepney Green. It’s cosy, cheap, and the 80s décor just adds to its charm!

And what places are completely overrated?

For nights out, I find that some of the bars in Shoreditch can be over-priced, pretentious and close way too early.

How would you spend a long summer’s day in London?

I often sit in the sunshine in Victoria Park with a picnic and a good book. Currently I’m working my way through Charlie Brooker’s back catalogue.

In London? In August? If you get tired of sunbathing (or sitting inside in the rain, depending) here are some top events we suggest you check out.

Notting Hill Carnival – Any round-up of things happening in London in August has to start with Europe’s largest street party! This two day fiesta sees over two million people head to West London on the last weekend of August to celebrate Caribbean culture. There are parades, booming soundstages and jerk chicken galore – it’s quite an experience, but not for the faint of heart!

UK Air Guitar Championships – Who would have thought that a ’sport’ that started in bedrooms up and down the land would ever turn into a national event? Watch in awe as the axe masters of the air throw shapes, pull faces and generally go all out in the hopes of winning the UK title and the chance to compete in the world championships! It’s happening on Friday 6th August at the O2 Academy in Islington, and proceeds go to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Great British Beer Festival – The British have a deep love for their beers – after all, it’s what we drank instead of water for hundreds of years. That said, most of the lagers you’ll find in an average London pub will be European, although ales, if served, are commonly British. If you want to find out more fun facts about the world’s third most popular drink (after water and tea) and of course, sample lots of it, head down to Earl’s Court between 3rd – 7th August for ‘Britain’s biggest beer festival’. Hic!

Photos by fchouse and mckln used under a Creative Commons License

Previously on the blog, Nik Vestberg posted a photo essay on New York in the Summertime. Photographer Hemmy Hardwick has now shot a ‘twin’ post on London.

Most England flags (and pride?) vanished overnight on 27th June, but these were still  flapping away last weekend.

Cycling aimlessly in gusts of dry dusty wind that rush between tower blocks.

Water slaps goosepimpled skin and tickles the soles of the feet.

All photographs by Hemmy Hardwick used under a Creative Commons License

Following up my post from last week on our five top tips for July activities in New York, here are the best things (in our opinion) going down in London Town next month.

The Lovebox Weekender

We mentioned Lovebox before in our London Festival Round Up, but it’s always worth a spot of repetition as this is a great weekend of music and partying  in East London’s Victoria Park from 16th – 18th July. Big name acts such as Dizzee Rascal, Grace Jones and Roxy Music are all playing, and the central location means it’s easy as pie to get to, and you can go home and shower at the end of the day!

Summer Screen at Somerset House

We extolled the greatness of outdoor cinema at Bryant Park in our New York round up, but Londoners are also able to experience an al fresco evening of film, thanks to Film4’s ongoing summer collaboration with Somerset House. Generally London summers are a bit more unpredictable than New York ones, but with the typical short-term memory of one writing a blog post during a heatwave, I can only imagine gorgeous summer evenings for the period of 29th July – 8th August, when films will be screened nightly.

Pride 2010 Parade

This year it’s the 40th anniversary of the Gay Liberation Front, so the annual LGBT march through Central London will be bigger than ever, and have a 1970’s disco theme in honour of the pioneering group of activists. Old Compton Street will naturally be one big party zone, but Trafalgar Square will also host performances and speeches on specially constructed stages, and there will be stalls and activities to boot. The parade itself starts at 1pm at Baker Street and ends up at Trafalgar Square at 3pm. It’s loud, it’s proud…it’s perhaps not the day to take your grandmother on a sightseeing trip around Central London, but boy will it be fun!

Ben and Jerry’s Sundae on the Common

This is a nice family festival taking place on Clapham Common on 24th and 25th July. Yeah, it’s basically a massive ad for Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, but a) there are loads of bands are playing b)lots of fairground rides and family-friendly activities and c) free ice cream! What more do you want?

Kerala Carnival 2010

Kerala is a vibrant state in South West India, known for its fantastic cuisine, easy-going nature and for being a bit of a tropical paradise. It’s very popular with travellers, but now Londoners can experience the best of the region without even leaving the city. On 7th – 8th July, the South Bank is being transformed into one big carnival;  a Keralan temple will be erected by the banks of the Thames and there will be music and dancing and stalls selling Keralan foods and handicrafts. For a day out in London with a twist, we definitely recommend a visit.

Photos by robonline and anemoneprojectors via flikr used under a Creative Commons License

The sun is shining, the pubs of Soho are already thronging with people and the office is empty. This can mean only one thing – it’s time for the Friday round up!

New Lists

Duvels, Deliriums and Triples aplenty in London – if you like your ales pale, wheaty and very, very strong, you should check out this list by Belgian beer aficionado mrfionn. And drink a glass of milk before you leave the house.

New Places

The Dove – A friendly boozer on Broadway Market, it gets a bit crowded in the evenings!

Spore Boys – Possibly the best name for a mushroom stall EVER.

Off Broadway – a bar in London modelled after one in New York. Perfectly Metrotwin darling.

Merito Coffee – Independent and much lauded cafe.

Gossip Cafe – The site of the best coffee at least one person has ever had…

Stumptown – West Coast coffee in an East Coast hotel lobby.

Twins

Stumptown and Merito Coffee – see above!

McSorely’s Ale House and The Dovetail – strong ales in old ale houses.

East of Eighth and Balans - you’ll find a fine steak but no husband here, Madam.

Hungarian Pastry Shop and Louis Patisserie – The New York side of this twin is a good definition for both to be honest.

Photos by dinoboy and jacopast used under a Creative Commons Licence