Statement on Hackney Carnival from Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Culture

Hackney Council has committed to continuing to invest in carnival arts in the borough, despite confirming that the Council is unable to fund a full carnival parade in its current budget. Though alternative investment will be needed for any future parade, the Council continues to back the creativity, culture, and community that keep Hackney’s carnival spirit alive.

“Like all councils, we face extreme financial pressures, and we’ve been clear about the need to make difficult decisions to balance our budget – ensuring frontline services and the needs of Hackney’s most vulnerable residents are put first.

“We know how much Carnival means to so many people in Hackney. However, as a fully Council-funded event, we sadly cannot commit the significant investment that it requires in our budget for future years at a time when vital services are severely stretched.

“However, we can continue to support carnival arts in the borough and will continue to make investment in the art of carnival, carnival-led activities and community engagement.

“We of course hope that this is not the end of Hackney Carnival. With the total cost of organising Hackney Carnival now over £1 million, the Council will instead work alongside carnival organisations to support alternative carnival activities in the borough beyond a one-off large-scale event, such as Our Carnival Our Story, a two-day event celebrating Hackney Carnival's Mas Bands and artists at Chats Palace.

“We are already in discussion with Hackney's stakeholder groups about both the short and long term plans for Hackney Carnival. Meanwhile, the Council and Carnival community will also explore other options for funding future carnivals, such as through sponsoring and fundraising.”

Councillor Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Culture

Visit Love Hackney to find out more about Hackney Carnival’s legacy bands, the Hackney Carnival archive and current events or workshops going on throughout the year.