London

Now in its fourth year, the London Design Festival (www.londondesignfestival.com) runs September 15-30. Set up to promote UK design talent, the LDF has evolved rapidly: there are now events at more than 150 venues across the capital, with activity centred on the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane. Intended for all divisions of the industry plus the and public, there will be talks, events, exhibitions and product launches, many of which are free. Professional designers can take advantage of the temporary London Design Embassy, housed in the ICA (www.ica.org.uk), but there will be plenty of events large- and small-scale. Full guides can be picked up at the ICA, Somerset House, Old Truman Brewery and other cultural hubs. This is our pick of the highlights. Feature continues

100% Design
This is London’s premier international design fair, where designers and manufacturers come to show off their latest creations and launch innovative prototypes, and where architects and interior designers come to source cutting-edge design. Members of the public are invited to join them on the Sunday. Unlike some commercial shows, this one vets all the exhibitors to ensure a good range of products and that only the best design makes the cut. The event, now in its twelfth year, has spawned spin-off shows: 100% Detail (held next door in Earl’s Court 1, and this year focusing on sustainability and eco products); 100% East (a fringe event held in the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane); and, new this year, 100% Light (an addition to the mix for 2006 showcasing contemporary lighting, also at Earl’s Court).
100% Design, Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Rd, SW5 (020 7385 1200/www.eco.co.uk) Earl’s Court tube. Fair Sept 21-24 but open to public only Sun 24. Tickets £15 each show. Readers who call the 100% Design ticket hotline (0870 429 5342) and quote ‘Time Out’ will get day tickets (valid Sun only) at a discounted rate of £7.50 each.

‘Bridge’
Artist Michael Cross is flooding a Southwark church then installing a series of mechanical stepping stones that rise up one at a time, making it feel like you’re walking on water. Unlikely to catch on as an interior design fad, but sounds wild.
‘Bridge’ at Café Gallery, Dilston Grove, Southwark Park, SE16 (020 7237 1230/ www.cafeprojects.org). Event Sept 21-30. Adm free.

Ceramics in the City
The Geffrye Museum hosts a three-day ceramics fair featuring more than 50 potters. Talk to designers, take part in free demonstrations or just buy yourself something nice.
Ceramics in the City at Geffrye Museum, 136 Kingsland Rd, E2 (020 7739 9893/ www.geffrye-museum.org.uk) Old St tube/rail. Fair Sept 22-24. Adm free.

Deptford Design Weekend
Local designer-makers from this enclave of creativity (including Cockpit Arts, Laban Centre, Goldsmiths College, Framework Gallery, Greenwich Village, Committee and Raw Nerve) open up their studios and lay on special hospitality. Deptford design Weekend offers a good opportunity to buy from the source. Free car parking, too.
Deptford Design Weekend, Cockpit Arts, 18-22 Creekside, SE8 (020 8692 4463/ www.creativelewishamagency.org.uk) Deptford rail or Deptford DLR. Event Sept 15-17. Adm free.