New £17,000 funding boost for Hackney’s high streets

Five local business partnerships have been awarded a share of £17,000 through Hackney Council’s Local Area Activation Fund (LAAF). The funding will support new events and activities across the borough, helping residents and visitors connect while bringing more people to local high streets.

To celebrate the newly revamped Bohemia Place in Hackney Central, Friends of the Joiner’s Arms will host a free LGBTQIA+ community day across multiple venues on the street, with outdoor music and activities. 

On Chatsworth Road, deli and wine shop L’Epicerie @ 56 will use the grant to establish a new trader association that will bring businesses together with community groups, faith organisations and social landlords, alongside monthly networking events.

Cheeky Studio in Hackney Wick will run four public-facing workshops exploring flowers and textiles called The Hackney Bloom & Creative Series, which will be followed by an open studio showcase. 

To mark the 50th anniversary of Rio Cinema, the oldest community-run cinema in Dalston, the cinema will collaborate with MadeGood Films to host two Japanese film screenings. The events will bring visitors from across London, supporting neighbouring local restaurants and bars before and after the screenings. 

Community organisation Misgav will run a series of in-store events celebrating eight locally owned shops in Stamford Hill. The funding will support activities raising awareness of autism and learning disabilities, and show businesses how they can make their shops and services more accessible and inclusive for customers. 

Cllr Rachel Nkiessu-Guifo, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Skills, High Streets and Markets said: “Our town centres and high streets are more than places to shop. They are where people meet, connect and build community. This funding backs local businesses to create more of those opportunities, bring people together, celebrate what makes each neighbourhood distinctive and strengthen our high streets and economies.”

For the full listings, event details and updates, visit: 

Hackney Council website, Facebook, Instagram and Love Hackney