A Hackney One Carnival to remember
The Hackney One Carnival 2016 made a spectacular return to the borough on Sunday 11 September.
This year the carnival was bigger than ever with over 28,000 visitors and residents lining the streets to cheer on the colourful procession of performers. A total of 28 different carnival groups danced and entertained their way from Ridley Road, south along Dalston Lane, Richmond Road and along Mare Street towards Hackney Town Hall.
The groups performed for judges and a large crowd of on-lookers in front of Hackney Town Hall. There were big cheers for local carnival groups such as Tropical Isles Mas Band and Beeraahaa Sweet Combination and excitement as the group Festive Roads brought a life-sized elephant puppet down Mare Street.
Helen, one of the performers in the Hackney based Pantonic Steelband said: "The sun came out and crowds loved it and it was spectacular, the best Carnival!"
After the main procession, the carnival atmosphere continued with a finale party in Ridley Road with live music and DJ sets playing global beats and a host of food stalls which continued until 8pm.
Creative Direcor at the Hackney One Carnival, Pax Nindi said: "The event has become a major success putting Hackney on the national Carnival map and is the best outdoor event to be at in London. This would not be possible if it wasn't for the Hackney residents, artists, volunteers, local participating and visiting groups who dedicate their time and money to make this such a vibrant and successful event."
Lorna from Clapton, who lined the Carnival route, said: “The Carnival has been really great, its brought so many different communities together. All the floats and costumes look fantastic, they have all put in so much effort today. This is the first Carnival that I’ve been to in a few years and I think it’s just fantastic.”
Children were kept entertained, having fun with the Hackney Play Bus as families enjoyed live street theatre. Some of Hackney’s best young musicians performed to the crowd at Gillett Square which was also transformed into a children’s play area.
Check out Hackney Council’s Facebook page for the #HackneyOneCarnival photos.