I've been running fortnightly hack sessions at venues across Birmingham, UK, for the last three months with the aim of gathering enough people together to form our own hackerspace, similar to NYC Resistor or Chaos Computer Club. So far the sessions have been very casual affairs, with most people working on their laptops and with breadboards or Arduino kits. I have a personal interest in getting projects on the go using programs like p:d and processing, but I know others will have a variety of projects!
If this sounds like your kinda thing check out www.fizzpop.org.uk and come to our next meeting on Wednesday 13th ! http://www.fizzpop.org.uk/hacksessions/hack-session-wednesday-13th-may/