The circus is coming

The Narrow Way’s cultural programme of events is well underway along with improvements to the area’s public space.
 
Hackney-based architects Studio Weave has been brightening up the street using temporary painted patterns on the open pathways as well as installing recycled seating from East London Furniture.  The local community has also helped to plant the shrubs and flowers in the planters attached to the benches which are dotted all the way along the street.

Maria Smith from Studio Weave said: "It was great to see such a green-fingered hive of activity on the Narrow Way: wheelbarrows, shovels, soil and buckets of water were being passed up and down the street and the newly planted plants immediately attracted shoppers and bees alike."

The events also continue to draw people to the area too. The 7 September will see the programme’s biggest event yet, with the street being taken over by a huge family festival from Mimbre, a local and international circus and street theatre company.  The area will be filled with interactive performances including live music, street dance and acrobatics.  There will also be a host of free workshops to learn anything from circus skills to juggling ball making.  A bouncy castle, plenty of play equipment and outdoor games will be on offer too.
 
The 29 September will see Hackney Harvest hitting the Narrow Way to celebrate the changing of the seasons in a great outdoor feast. Visitors are asked to bring their favourite dish to add to the communal feast and enjoy live entertainment from local musicians. The team is also inviting people to help build the tables and benches for the feast during the week before the event in workshops run by a team of architects, carpenters and makers from Clapton based co-operative, RARA.
 
The events and improvements have been commissioned by the Council in celebration of the Narrow Way’s trial pedestrianisation to help breath new to the street and create a more welcoming place for people to enjoy.

So far the visitors have enjoyed live music, theatre, fetes, street food and art and craft workshops by creative company Artburst.  There's plenty more to come too.

For the full events programme and more information about the wider regeneration of Hackney Central, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-central 

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