This week's events previews

Writing On The Wall, Birmingham Artist Mohammed "Aerosol Arabic" Ali offers a chance to experience a fantastic mix of artistic and cultural diversity. Having established himself this past decade with his unique graffiti style, which challenges the clash of civilisations by painting messages of peace and unity, his latest project sees an idea that has been four years in the making come to life. Hoping to create hope and positive change by "bringing a bit of colour into some of the ugly conditions that exist in the world today", the one-off evening of live graffiti art and poetry in the Rep's due-to-be-demolished workshop will involve specially commissioned poetry performances by Dreadlock Alien, Zena Edwards and Amir Sulaiman, with direction from hip-hop theatre pioneer Jonzi D. Birmingham Rep, Thu, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk Alison King Oro De Ojo, London Promising psychedelic strangeness and mystical interventions, this arty party is inspired by the films of cult film-maker Alejandro Jodorowsky, who has influenced everyone from Kasabian to Bob Dylan and Peter Gabriel. The suggested dress code includes a vast variety of styles that encompasses gods of war, hermits and death, so you can be assured that this is going to be the place to have an odd time. Music comes from Agaskodo Teliverek, The Mighty Roars and Ebe Oke & The Sable Seers, while artistic performers on the bill include SybanV, Twisted Cirque, Morai Tribal Bellydance and the rather unusual bondage stylings of Esinem alongside aerial ballet and DJs. Corsica Studios, SE17, Fri, guerrillazoo.com Iain Aitch National Winter Ales Festival, Manchester This week Manchester will be host to the UK's biggest winter ales festival, celebrating some of the nation's best seasonal beers. With over 200 to sample from, curious drinkers can expect four days of winter warmers, old ales, strong milds, stouts and ciders as part of the Campaign for Real Ale. If the selection of tipples alone is not enough, then there's the added entertainment of the The Champion Winter Beer competition, live performances by punk band the Roadrunners and a punk fancy dress theme on Saturday. The Sheridan Suite, Wed to 23 Jan, visit alefestival.org.uk Alison King OUT & ABOUT Out To Lunch , Belfast, to 31 Jan A feast of predominantly at-lunchtime music, theatre, talks and comedy. Various venues, call 028-9024 6609, visit cqaf.com Ice Cube, Leeds, Saturday to 7 Mar The thrill and magic of outdoor ice skating comes to the heart of the city. Millenium Square, £8.50, concs £7.50, child £6.50, call 0113 224 3801 or visit leeds.gov.uk/icecube Voices Of Freedom, London, Monday to 23 Jan A series encompassing theatre, film, spoken word and music to celebrate Martin Luther King Day and the anniversary of Obama's inauguration. Rich Mix, E1, call 020-7613 7498 or visit richmix.org.uk A Village Lost And Found, London, Friday Queen guitarist Brian May discusses his lesser-known 3D photography skills with historian Elena Vidal. V&A, SW7, 7pm, £18, call 020-7942 2211 or visit vam.ac.uk Wordsworth Arts & Book Festival, Grasmere, Friday to 24 Jan The Wordsworth Trust presents an academic programme of talks, readings and workshops. Wordsworth Hotel, call 015394 35544 or visit wordsworth.org.uk/events