The Alternative and Burlesque Fair at Sound Control

Sometimes when a bunch of stalls set up shop in the basement of the building, it can be a pretty dreary affair. Stale slabs of fruit cake that nobody wants, punters in macs wielding blue and white striped carrier bags, Ronan Keating’s Greatest Hits playing at a respectful volume in the background – that sort of thing. Luckily the Alternative and Burlesque Fair ain’t that kind of shindig. More bizarre than bazaar, expect 50 stalls selling the best in alternative, vintage, burlesque, rockabilly, fetish and gothic pieces, all housed on three imaginatively themed floors. There are also two stages along with a full programme of entertainment on offer, including Twisted Cabaret from Amsterdam’s Natsumi Scarlett, aerial and pole dancing from Blush Dance Studios and DJ Paul DoMaster on the decks. Promising more tease than sleaze, this one’s for grown-ups – so maybe leave the kids at home while you peruse the ‘Cellar of Sin’.

Sat 12 Oct, Sound Control, 1 New Wakefield Street, M1 5NP, 11am – 5pm, £5 OTD (over-18s only), www.thealternativeandburlesquefair.com/

Photo: Katy Catfish