More than 60,000 people lined the streets of Hackney last year and 25 carnival and community groups took part in the parade. This year will see the number watching and taking part increase, making it one of the biggest carnivals in the country. To make sure everyone can enjoy the day, and to keep everyone safe, the procession will follow a new route, starting and ending near London Fields, travelling via Queensbridge Road, Graham Road and Mare Street where the judging for the best group will take place.
A new carnival village around Hackney Central will host live bands and sound systems, as well as world food stalls and interactive art experiences. There will also be several areas designated for families and young children. There will be street performances along Mare Street and the Narrow Way, pop-up play areas and family-friendly entertainment around Hackney Town Hall, Hillman Street and St John’s Churchyard.
Hackney Carnival is back on the borough’s streets this September and promises to be bigger, louder and more colourful than ever before. In recent years the carnival has grown and grown, with more residents than ever joining in the fun, and more visitors coming to the Borough, as Hackney Carnival’s reputation spreads far and wide.
We have been working closely with local Carnival groups, to create this years Hackney Carnival, which will have a brilliant new carnival village and new route for the procession to make sure everyone can enjoy the sights and sounds of London’s best family Carnival. As we start the countdown to September 8 keep an eye out for more details of the programme.
Cllr Guy Nicholson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Arts & Culture
Hackney Carnival is a great family event and Hackney Council is keen to involve as many local residents as possible – anyone who would like to take part as an artist or a volunteer can go online to find out more and complete an application form here.