For the past few years, the excellent Macmillan Cancer research charity has done great awareness and fundraising work, particularly with events such as this one. As the headline suggests, The Big Mix has stepped up a few gears, none more so than with its name. Previously inspired by its location, the new festival's name takes all of the global and cultural distractions of the East End curry-mile and stirs it up with the enormously varied (and star-studded, natch) line-up on offer for the 2011 shindig.

On 18th June then, you can bob your heads to Clare Maguire, Newton Faulkner, The Pipettes and 6 Day Riot doing their individual musical thing at various local venues, roar with laughter at Kevin Eldon, Helen Arney, Steve Hughes and more or just frug your wristbands off to the DJ-ing skills of Edith Bowman, Zero 7 and Tim Burgess. In total, there are a few dozen confirmed acts, with more promised in due course.

Numerous other attractions around the Shoreditch and Hoxton area will be taking place, including hip-hop karaoke, exhibitions and cabaret shows. You. Will. Not. Be. Bored. Ticket prices are £20 (the Earlybirds have sold out) and proceeds go to Macmillan's continuing work in providing cancer support.