Hackney One Carnival returns on 7 August to bring the borough s streets to life with spectacular costumes, energetic dance and uplifting music.

Now in its fourth year, the Council-run event brings together hundreds of performers from carnival and community groups across the borough as part of the Cultural Olympiad - giving residents the opportunity to celebrate arts and culture alongside sports in the run up to the 2012 Games.

This year the carnival parade kicks off at midday at Ridley Road Market and then works its way north up the A10 to Stoke Newington Church Street, before arriving at Clissold Park at 2pm.

Meeting the Parade at the park will be a Parks for Life event - a festival of live music, dance and fun activities from 1pm until 6pm.

Mayor of Hackney Jules Pipe said: "With just one year to go until the 2012 Games, Hackney One Carnival is a great way for residents to come out and celebrate our role as a host borough and to get involved in a community event which has proved to be extremely popular for the past three years."

Last year s Carnival brought more than 8,000 residents and visitors out on to the streets to watch the procession and enjoy the festival in Hackney Downs Park.

Hackney One Carnival is organised by Hackney Council s 2012 Unit with local carnival groups. Building on Hackney s long history as a host of carnival organisations, Hackney One Carnival encourages communities not traditionally involved in carnival to share the experience and showcase their heritage alongside traditional carnival groups.

Find out more about Hackney One Carnival: www.hackney.gov.uk/onecarnival