At a colourful ceremony in Shoreditch Town Hall on Friday 29 September, announcements were made for this year’s winners of the Hackney Carnival awards.

Over 100 people involved in making Hackney Carnival its biggest and best year yet came together for the awards event, which is now in its fourth year.

Helen Yearwood from Pantonic, winners of Best Music on de Road, said: “The award event was the icing in the cake. Such a great end to the Hackney Carnival. It was wonderful to see councillors come out and join in the presentation of the awards ceremony. It’s certainly felt that they were very proud of the artists and the talent that loves and represents our very special and unique community.”

Carnival band of the year 1^st prize went to local group Tropical isles. The judge’s choice for highly commended newcomers went to Carnival Elders & St Joseph’s Hospice, whose wonderfully decorated double decker bus drew one of the biggest cheers from crowds.

This year’s Hackney Carnival was a resounding success, with a record breaking 30,000 people coming out to enjoy the spectacular parade and events. 

Best Music on de Road

Pantonic Steel Orchestra

Best Music Runners Up

Urban Touch

Best Theme Interpretation

Gahu Dramatic Arts

Best Theme Runners Up

Soca Massive

Best Movement (Choreography/Dance)

Yaram Arts

Best Movement Runners Up

Caporales San Simon / Jamboulay

Best Band on the Road (Design)

Tropical Isles

Best Band on the Road Runners Up (Design) Jointly awarded to

Gahu

Soca Massive

Soca Sagaboys

Participation Award

Taru Arts & St Mungo’s

Carnival Band of the Year 1st Prize

Tropical Isles

Collaboration Award

Soca Sagaboys

Judges’ Choice Best Visiting Group

UCOM

Judges’ Choice Best Visiting Group Runners Up

Paraiso School of Samba

Sound System Award

Solution Sounds

Judges’ Choice Highly Commended Newcomers

Carnival Elders & St Joseph’s Hospice