CIDER, cider, cider. Yes, summer is coming and a new season in the music calendar is about to begin.

Across east London and Essex squillions of groups are huridly preparing for a wide variety of festivals, guitarists are re-stringing their instruments, the sun is out, and everyone is generally feeling rather nice. If you forget about all the murders of course.

They'll be more on upcoming festivals in the next few weeks in this column, but in the meantime, alas, with every new season an old one must come to an end.

And so over at Ilford Sports club the tremendous run of Green Fair gigs, which started in November, finishes this Friday (June 12).

The monthly sessions have brought a wealth of diverse talent to the musical “desert” that is Ilford (in the words of organiser Steve Collins).

Headlining the night, which starts at 8pm, are Playing Rapunzel. The energetic duo deliver a wonderful selection of songs soaked in strong storytelling and myth, with a bit of humour thrown in to.

Support comes from Asymmetry, an eclectic seven-piece band combining jazz-funk, latin and acoustic rock.

Also playing are acoustic quartet Upstreet Irregulars, playing set of traditional English folk tunes, and teenage foursome Way T' Go.

But don’t fret, while this may be the end of gigs at the sports club for now, many of these and other acts will be taking part in this year's Redbridge Midsummer Music Fest next month on July 11 and 12.

Over in Walthamstow, the superb monthly Tunnel Vision Friday is (as you would probably expect) this Friday, headlined by house band Graham Larkbey and the Escape Committee.

While on Saturday (June 13) it’s Beatles night, as a host of local talent perform all those hits you know and love. Or hate, depending on your outlook.

Among those playing the free night are folk master Russ Chandler, sing songwriter Lizzie B, Alternative Book Club and Graham Tutton and the MP3’s.

At the Standard, down Blackhorse Road way, a Foreigner’s Journey play on Friday, with One Step Behind playing on Standard. Entry is £9 for both gigs.

Are you in a band? Are you a singer? Promoter? Music fan? Got something to say about local music? Let me know at dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk