Hackney Carnival returns on Sunday September 22 for the first time in five years.
The event will cost £1million and has been financed through Hackney Council’s Neighbourhood Community Interest Levy.
NCIL is money collected by Hackney Council from new capital developments and is used to support community programmes.
Hackney Carnival celebrates the borough’s diverse community with this year’s carnival groups coming from the Caribbean islands and African, South American and East Asian countries.
Artistic director Pax Nindi said: “Hackney Carnival holds a special place in my heart.
“It is a celebration that embraces everyone, regardless of their background, transcending boundaries of colour, race, and creed.”
He continued: “In 2019, we created something truly special, and now I’m excited to bring even more colour, community spirit, and inclusivity to 2024.”
Last year, Hackney Council cancelled the carnival due to rising costs and the increasing scale and popularity of the event, instead hosting a smaller-scale roadshow in Hackney Wick.
The carnival was also cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, and in 2022 following the death of the Queen.
The street parade will be the highlight of this year’s event, featuring colourful costumes, live music and performances from more than 30 groups.
The parade will begin at noon on Mare Street, before making its way along Graham Road, Queensbridge Road, Albion Drive and Lansdown Drive, ending at London Fields.
To mark the return of the event, the Hackney Museum is hosting a free exhibition Making Carnival: 50 Years of Mas, Music and Movement in Hackney, open until 31 December.
The exhibition uncovers the history of carnival in Hackney across a 50 year period, focusing on the emergence of the Caribbean carnival, the influence of the Windrush generations and the introduction of their carnival traditions.
Hackney has been home to carnival groups since the 1970s when Caribbean communities settled in the borough.
Previously known as the ‘last lap’ of Notting Hill Carnival, Hackney is now London’s second largest carnival, with more than 100,000 people attending in 2019.
Notting Hill Carnival attracts more than one million people each year and there are often a number of violent incidents.
Across the two-day event that took place in August this year the Met Police reported eight stabbings and 349 arrest with 61 police officers assaulted.
Hackney Council has been working closely with the emergency services to ensure the safety of its residents ahead of the upcoming Hackney Carnival as it returns.
There will be security personnel, first aid stations, and clear information points, and the council has set up a hotline for the event.
Residents should call 07762 002 129 to report any concerns on the day.
The line will be operational from 07:00am until 21:00pm on Sunday.
Photo credit: Hackney Council
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