This week's events previews

London Word Festival Very much the antidote to the cosy world of celebrity-laden literary festivals, this youthful annual event celebrates badly brought-up wordsmiths, unlikely cults and hard-working writers on the fringes in a variety of East End bars, theatres and clubs. Music is never far from the music here, with Led Bib and Get The Blessing providing a backdrop for the noir of Toby Litt and Cathi Unsworth. Robin Ince and Tim Turnbull both head up evenings and the Henningham Family Press take a pub conversation perhaps a little too far by creating a chip shop from chipboard and show a documentary on screenprinting nun Sister Corita. Various East End venues, Sun to 1 Apr, londonwordfestival.com Iain Aitch Cambridge Science Festival Not just for geeks because, let's be honest, we all want to know what a laser could do to a jam doughnut, if the paranormal exists or how to make a robot. The Cambridge Science Festival brings science to life through explosive demonstrations, hands-on experiments and expert talks from leading scientists. There are demos and children's lectures on two Science Saturdays (13 & 20 Mar); an explosive "Crisp packet fireworks!" lecture from the Naked Scientists and the CHaOS Science Roadshow, where you can see how things "crash, bang and squelch", while the Laugh Lab will reveal the science of humour. Various venues, Mon to 21 Mar, cambridgescience.org Amy Redmond MOVE IT! Even if you ain't got the moves, there is plenty for dance enthusiasts to appreciate at this exhibition showing off styles ranging from samba and street dance to ballet and burlesque. Pros like Matthew and Nicole Cutler and the Royal Ballet's Sarah Lamb will be both taking to the stage and teaching a few steps, with opportunities to cha cha with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag and shake it with Britain's Got Talent finalists Flawless. Those who think they've got enough twinkle in their toes can audition for Cirque Du Soleil. Olympia, W14, Fri to 14 Mar, moveitdance.co.uk Teri Grenert Out & about People's History Museum , Manchester, from Saturday The museum of Britain's working population reopens with an exhibition documenting protest. Left Bank, Spinningfields Thomas The Tank Engine's 65th Anniversary , London, Sunday Storytelling, screenings, a chance to meet the Fat Controller and help make the world's longest Thomas train cake. Hamleys, W1, from 12noon South Tyneside International Magic Festival , South Shields, Monday to 14 Mar Budding and established acts convene to conjure up spellbinding routines. Customs House, Mill Dam, call 0191-454 1234 Fashion's Microchic Shake-Up , London, Wednesday Salon on how fashion is affected in the digital age. The Book Club, EC2 Crufts , Birmingham, Thursday to 14 Mar Breeders bring out their top canines to bow-wow-wow spectators and judges, while Discover Dogs offers advice on pooch selection. NEC, call 0844-444 9944