On the agenda: London International Animation Festival; Getty Images Gallery; Gossip Girl; Open House London weekend; Ian Rankin; Un-Convention
We're off to market to see Diana Dors and getting an Edinburgh tour from Ian Rankin
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What with Toy Story 3 doing great box office, it's impossible to ignore animation, and furthering the cause is the London International Animation Festival. Now in its seventh year, it promises the best of British shorts, a sneak preview of the latest from celebrated Parisian studio Autour de Minuit and a collection of animated documentaries, as well as its primary function, hosting a competition featuring 2,000 submissions from more than 30 countries, including, Love and Theft, by Andreas Hykade. 27 August- 5 September, liaf.org.uk
Robert Epstein
Photography
East London's Billingsgate Market: known for its fish, less so its glamour. But there's Diana Dors, brightening up the place. A trip on the Tube – with Brigitte Bardot? And is that really Hitchcock floating on the Thames? As Film London teams up with Getty Images Gallery to showcase six decades of iconic Hulton Archive images of stars in the unlikeliest places, celeb-spotting has never been easier. 26 August-9 October, gettyimagesgallery.com
RE
Fashion
Its many nubile protagonists have gone on to star in myriad music videos, fashion blogs and own-label perfume launches but let's not forget hit TV series 'Gossip Girl', where Blake Lively, Leighton Meester and Taylor Momsen all cut their perfectly white teeth. The Upper East Side-based teen drama has launched as many looks as it has careers and its third series (released on DVD tomorrow) is glitzier than ever. From Lively's uptown tanned gorgeousness via Meester's doll-like dresses to Momsen's recent reincarnation as a tiny Courtney Love. Get the boxset and take to your sofa to make some serious style notes. £39.99, Warner Home Video
Harriet Walker
Architecture
Get up at 5am, go for run, stretch, two hours in the weights room, another run, lunch... If all that sounds a bit much, fear not: you don't have to be a regimented athlete to get inside the 2012 Olympic Park. In fact, you can get there two years early with a tour courtesy of the annual Open House London weekend. The capital's premier architectural showcase will also open up the incredible views from the BT Tower's revolving 34th floor, alongside a remarkable range of buildings across London, from zero-carbon buildings to the futuristic City Hall. Book early to avoid disappointment. 18-19 September, openhouselondon.org.uk
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Books
Those baffled by the multitudes of must-see events at the Edinburgh Festival might prefer to spend the day with a new iPhone app from local boy Ian Rankin. In a one-day circular tour of Edinburgh (or three mini tours) the author packs in information about settings in his novels, videos about his plots and inspiration, and sneak previews of his next novel. And don't worry, it's not all culture, culture, culture: there's also a guide to the beer garden in Inspector Rebus's favourite pub, The Oxford Bar.
Katy Guest
Music
Three days of interactive performances, panel discussions and earnest discourse on the future of the music industry is all well and good, but what we're most looking forward to about October's Un-Convention event in Manchester, is the closing night's live mash-up at the Salford Lads Club with Jarvis Cocker, Jah Wobble, John (Reverend & the Makers) McClure, the BBC Philharmonic and guest musicians from South America, Africa and Eastern Europe. Book now for an early-bird ticket for all three days at just £40. 1-3 October, unconventionhub.org
Simmy Richman
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