BACK with a bang for its second year, the Hackney WickED art festival takes over Hackney Wick and Fish Island this weekend. The three-day arts explosion features an array of talent from the contemporary art world against a backdrop of funky galleries and

BACK with a bang for its second year, the Hackney WickED art festival takes over Hackney Wick and Fish Island this weekend.

The three-day arts explosion features an array of talent from the contemporary art world against a backdrop of funky galleries and studios in Hackney Wick, an area boasting more artists per square metre than anywhere else in the world.

A grand opening of cutting edge gallery shows kicks things off tonight (Friday) from 6pm, including Ingrid Z's disco installation The Wrecking Ball at The Residence in tribute to the forthcoming demolition of its host building The Verger's Cottage, while Laura May's iconic HollyWick sign also makes an appearance.

At the Elevator Gallery, WickED marks the opening of a new exhibition, The Tomorrow People; Artists of the Future Now, providing a platform for some of the most exciting emerging artists around.

One of the most stirring contemporary exhibits is the newly installed Museum Of Hackney Wick, presented by Nomadic Projects.

A disused shop in the hub of the festival will be transformed into a traditional museum interior, showcasing work from local artists as seen from a future prospective in which Hackney Wick as it currently stands has been wiped out under the shadow of regeneration in preparation for London 2012.

On Saturday, acclaimed artist Gavin Turk opens and all-day arts fete and a barbeque and soiree with projections on the Olympic fence closes proceedings on Sunday.

A plethora of studios and spaces will open across various locations during the three day extravaganza, including the Old Peanut Factory where resident artist Rosie Emerson exhibits a series of 6ft tall ink drawings entitled Legs and Drawers, inspired by the provocative form of burlesque dancers and strippers.

Other spaces forming part of the festival include Schwartz Gallery, Mother Studios, Lion Works, Main Yard and Space Studios.

For more detailed information on Hackney WickED including a full list of participating venues and locations, line ups and other events, visit www.hackneywicked.com or email festival@hackneywicked.com