Free summer events hit Hackney Central
The Hackney Central summer programme is in full-swing with a variety of free special events, activities and workshops for all ages.
Celebrating Hackney as one of the capital's cultural hotspots, the summer programme brings an exciting mix of free activities to Hackney Central’s Narrow Way for all residents and visitors to enjoy this season.
The Narrow Way, a pedestrianised street in the heart of the borough, has already seen a host of events throughout July including an event with the Ram Place Fashion Market, street performers as part of the St John at Hackney fete, a unique audio project helping to document the lives of those who use the Narrow Way and special walking tours.
The fun is far from over, and August will see a giant games afternoon on 9 August where visitors can test their skills with a host of over-sized board games along the Narrow Way. Celebrating the diversity and vibrancy of Hackney on 12 August is The Breakers Yard launch at Sutton House on Homerton High Street, where there will be live music and activities in the new garden and eating area which was once a breaker’s yard. Visitors to the Narrow Way can take in some local treasures with a self-guided tour on 24 August.
The Hackney summer programme concludes in September, culminating with the Hackney One Carnival, which will be winding its way through the borough from Dalston on 14 September, bringing colour, music and dance to the borough’s streets with special performances in Hackney Town Hall Square during its round-trip.
Staying in the carnival spirit, a local and international circus and street theatre company called Mimbre will return on 20 September after its successful debut last year with acrobats, cabaret, street theatre, workshops, maypole street dancing, juggling, food and craft stalls.
20-21 September will also see Open House London which is the largest annual festival of architecture and design in the capital. Open House will feature a number of special openings of Hackney buildings, spaces and neighbourhoods. Everyone is also invited for a street party taking place along the Narrow Way on 27 September.
The events are featured in a special summer guide called The Narrow Way, which is free and available in locations across Hackney. The guide also includes a run-down of the many Council regeneration projects that are helping to reinvigorate the town centre, including the Narrow Way, helping to create opportunities for residents, business and visitors to the area. The guide also features interviews with local residents and businesses, details of the Fashion Hub and a historic look at Hackney through the ages.
The Narrow Way is an important part of the wider regeneration of Hackney Central Town Centre, providing a safe and welcoming shopping environment whilst helping to support local businesses. To find out more, visit the Hackney Central cultural programme or read The Narrow Way Newsletter.
It’s great to see the Narrow Way being used by Hackney residents and visitors for these exciting cultural events and activities this summer. Historically the Narrow Way was used as a place of celebration so it’s fitting to see this pedestrianised area being enjoyed once again as a destination for people to socialise, shop and have fun. The Narrow Way is an important part of the wider regeneration of Hackney Central Town Centre, providing a safe and welcoming shopping environment whilst helping to support local businesses.
