Hackney Carnival took over Mare Street and London Fields yesterday (September 22), marking a long-awaited return for the event. The last edition took place in 2019, with disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the late Queen’s death and council budget constraints derailing its return. Starting at 11am , the parade took dancers and musicians through Graham Road, Queensbridge Road, Albion Drive and Lansdowne Drive, before ending in London Fields six hours later.
A fire-breather was among the hundreds of colourfully dressed performers to brighten up what turned out to be an overcast September day in east London. A fire breather was among the performers to impress the crowds (Image: Hackney Council) A sound system set up outside the Town Hall played drum and bass music throughout the afternoon, with steel pan performers taking up position in Queensbridge Road. Hackney Carnival is the second biggest in London, attracting up to 80,000 people.
🎶Carnival is in full swing and Hackney is pumping! If you’re not here yet, there’s still time to join the fun! The parade will continue until around 5.30pm, but don't fear the sound systems and live music continue until 7pm! pic.twitter.
com/hwizhnMTlM A few hours before the event, Mayor Caroline Woodley said: “I am so excited to be here, getting ready for Hackney Carnival 2024. “There’s lots of children and young people who have never been at Hackney Carnival before who are going to be parading for the first time and they canno.