Carnival arts in Hackney
Carnival has long played an important role in Hackney's history. Rooted in the Caribbean legacy of resilience, empowerment and creativity, Hackney’s carnival activity also celebrates the borough’s diversity and includes carnival traditions from around the world.
Since as early as 1970, Hackney has staged carnival activities in the shape of large-scale street parades, workshops in schools and showcases at local theatres. It has been known by various names, including Hackney Mare de Gras, Hackney One Carnival, Hackney Carnival Roadshow, and Hackney Carnival.
Despite the current financial challenges that have put the full-scale carnival parade on hold, Carnival Arts in Hackney is still finding a way to reach the community.
Read on below to find out more about Hackney Carnival’s legacy bands, the Hackney Carnival archive and current events or workshops going on throughout the year.
Hackney Carnival bands, archive and current events
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Hackney Carnival activities
Workshops, community projects and summer camps. This year's carnival activities!
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Meet the bands
Find out more about the 17 legacy Carnival groups who have contributed to Hackney Carnival over the years.
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Hackney Carnival Highlights
Blasts from the past! Browse images of past Hackney Carnivals in our image archive.
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Hackney Carnival Awards
Let’s take a look back at who won what at Hackney Carnival 2024.
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Hackney Carnival YouTube playlist
From costume workshops, flashmob Town Hall takeovers and Carnival Showcase livestream at Hackney Empire!
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Carnival interviews
Discover more about Hackney Carnival, via interviews conducted with Hackney-based carnival bands.
On now & coming up
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