Events picks of the week

Folk Against Fascism , England Founded to counter the BNP's attempts to appropriate English folk music, Folk Against Fascism now ups its profile with events for both folk purists and the folk-curious. London's Southbank has the Oyster Band and Bellowhead as well as Chumbawamba, whose new album track Dance, Idiot, Dance imagines Nick Griffin morris dancing. John Prescott's least favourite band also feature with the Demon Barbers in Hailsham, while Nowt So Queer As Folk day features Tom Robinson, Roy Bailey and Pimm's on the lawns of Camden's Cecil Sharp House. Various venues, Sat to Mon Iain Aitch Interior Traces , On tour This startling series of shows explores the twists and turns of a murderous psychopath and a brain tumour patient each colliding with archaic diagnostics, obscure scientific remedies and sci-fi inspired technology. Writers James Wilkes and Louise Whiteley examine the fates of these two characters had they faced doctors in 1906, 2009 and 2030, to investigate how images of the brain have impacted on our imagining of it, as well as on modern medicine and identity. The six-part tour also features quirkily illustrated videos, live performances and interactive debates set to an exclusive score by Cheryl Frances-Hoad. Various venues, Wed to 14 May Ella Walker Asahi Anime Festival , Brighton Blending Japanese music and food with fantasy gaming culture, this street festival promises to celebrate anime and Manga in outlandish style. True anime fans let out their inner manga star and compete to be the best dressed Final Fantasy hero or anime legend in a cosplay competition, while there's also sushi and street food and a gothic Lolita fashion show. The event wouldn't be complete without karaoke, plus there's speed drawing and a crazy gameshow. Bartholomew Square, to Sun Ella Walker Out & about Grand Designs Live , London, Sat to 9 May Pick up tips from Kevin McCloud and co with an eco twist on redecorating, refurbishing and building a low-carbon home. ExCeL, E16, call 0844-581 0771 Festival Of Literature , Swindon, Mon to 15 May Prepare to quiz Cherie Blair and Michael Portillo on their political lives, grumpy old novelist John O'Farrell on the history of Britain, and columnist Rebecca Abrams on truth-telling. Various venues, call 01793 771080 Made In Italy , London, Brighton & Glasgow, from Weds The Design Museum runs evening seminars on the passions and styles that have influenced Italian design over the last 50 years. Call 020-7940 8783 to book tickets Real Food Festival , London, Fri to 10 May Featuring over 400 producers, a Mad Hatter's tea party and Raymond Blanc whipping dishes up live on stage. Earls Court, SW5, call 0871-231 0827