This week's new events

Art Saves Lives, London Putting the variation back into variety, this free event is a profile-raiser for community arts group Art Saves Lives, which works with marginalised writers, artists and performers. It showcases some of their talent as well as that of friends and supporters, with the wonderful Jazzman John Clarke being one oddball act always worth going out for. Prisoner turned singer-songwriter Leon Fender Walker – whose life has been changed by the arts – plays alongside street dance group Alter Ego and theatre group Freewheelers, while burlesque and new playwriting talent will also be compered by actor Jud Charlton. Leicester Square Theatre, W1, Mon, artsaveslives.co.uk Iain Aitch The Mad Artist's Tea Party, London Forget the usual no touching rule, at this exhibition – the UK's first entirely edible one – you can munch your way through everything on show. Curator of Cake Lily Vanilli has commissioned some of the finest food artists – Prudence Staite, Bompass And Parr and Crumbs And Doilies – to work with illustrators, designers and creatives on a series of fancy-pants baked goods. There'll be no bogstandard Victoria sponges here, just fabulously-iced, ready-to-eat masterpieces. Miss Cakehead, the brains behind the event, is running a load of special sessions throughout the dessert-fest too, including a sing-along Bugsy Malone screening (with splurge guns, of course) and an AC/DC-style rock cake class. A delightful gallery to visit, whether you've got a sweet tooth or not. The Future Gallery, WC2, Fri to 29 Aug, lily-vanilli.blogspot.com Perri Lewis Supernormal Festival, Ipsden In spite of the unassuming title, Supernormal really does look different from other festivals. Non-commercial and artist-organised, its debut incarnation off-sets an inspired music lineup with performance art, film screenings and artist's talks. Kraut-rockers par excellence, Faust headline, with support from the likes of experimental folkie Alexander Tucker, Teeth Of The Sea's far-out contemporary space-rock and Gnod's psychedelic drone. Meanwhile, artists will be causing creative sparks with new work and discussion groups throughout the site. It's all happening amid the 50 acres of a 17th-century country house, celebrating its 60th anniversary as a proto-hippy commune. Braziers Park, to 22 Aug, supernormalfestival.co.uk Skye Sherwin Out & about The Nocturne Series , Blackpool, Saturday Two-wheel frenzy through the city streets, with pro cyclists racing past, flanked by trade stalls and food and drink areas. From Winter Gardens, St John Square, 6pm Castle Park Festival , Leicester, Mon to 30 Aug Step back in history with tours, re-enactments and dressed-up characters. Old town, call 0116-253 2569 The Island , London, Thu & Fri Theatrical, architectural and musical spectacular by the London Snorkelling Team – with crazy golf, fortune-telling and barbecued meat to boot! Testbed 1, Parkgate Road, SW11 NASC Street Rod Nationals , Ipswich, Fri to 30 Aug Hot rod heaven with customised, vintage American motors. Trinity Park, call 01933 625183 Herne Bay Festival , to 29 Aug With family fun sports, art, music, picnicking, street theatre and a sea monster parade.