Hackney Carnival groups

Blema meld African art forms to bring spectacular performances of costume and live music to the streets.

Dimensions work with young people across the borough to make memorable and uplifting carnival experiences.

Gahu Dramatic Arts promotes African arts and culture. They bring vibrancy and excitement through dance and performance.

Jamboulay’s main speciality is traditional Carnival characters, their histories, and the development of these in relation to topical issues.

Jun Mo Generation is the UK’s only Far East Asian Carnival arts organisation. Formed in 1990, they have been active in Hackney since the 1970s.

Mi Viejo San Simon (My Old San Simon) is a Bolivian Dancing group; they employ colourful and intricate traditional costumes with dance and music.

Pantonic is a Hackney-based steel band with members aged from 11 to 60. The orchestra, established in 1988, originated from and serves the local community.

Pan Vibration uses carnival arts and steel pan music centred on their African/Caribbean heritage as pathways to community cohesion and learning.

Paracarnival is a diverse community that brings legendary carnival performances that unite people of all backgrounds, ages, abilities and vulnerabilities.

People of Paradise are an intergenerational carnival group that has been running for over 20 years and have been present at Hackney Carnival just as long.

Soca Massive Fancy Sailors use carnival staples of music, costume and characters. They take you on a journey of theatrics, fantasy, originality, creativity and diversity.

Soca Saga Boys, through R Consultancy, is an organisation formed in 1990, they bring curated costumes, performance and music!

TARU specialises in carnival arts and community projects, employing music, dance, and performance. They employ a can-do spirit where everyone is welcome.

Tropical Isles are an internationally acclaimed carnival arts company who have delivered award-winning artistic programmes with public engagement at its core.

With over 20 years of performing and delivering carnival arts programmes, UNITY No Nonsense promotes carnival as a multicultural and diverse celebration.

Urban Touch work with the local community in the Caribbean arts and has been a part of Hackney Carnival for 15 years.

Yaram promote African culture through music, literature, carnival arts and education.