Hackney Peace Mural

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Hackney’s iconic mural: Sunday 28 September 2025 11am - 10pm

Event: Peace in Colour 40 Years in the Community

Sunday 28 September 2025 11am - 10pm

Locations: Dalston Curve Garden / Dalston Peace Mural Forecourt / Netil360 / Ashwin Street.

Full programme of events below!

The Hackney Peace Carnival Mural, designed by artist Ray Walker in 1983/84, powerfully captures the energy and spirit of the 1983 Hackney Carnival and a peace demonstration held that same year. Tragically, Ray died suddenly before he could bring his vision to life, but the mural was completed in his honour by his wife, Anna Walker, and close friend Mick Jones, using his original designs. Now an iconic landmark, it has become a symbol of unity and resistance, featured on Rudimental’s ‘Home’ album and the acclaimed TV adaptation of ‘Mr Loverman’. The mural continues to embody Hackney’s proud tradition of activism, creativity, and community.

To mark its 40th anniversary, a programme of celebratory events is being organised in partnership with Hackney Council and local community groups. Highlights include an exhibition and talk at Hackney Archives, exploring the mural’s creation through original sketches and photographs, and a series of creative workshops at Dalston Curve Garden.

These workshops will produce artworks by residents of all ages, which will be displayed outside the garden with support from the Cultural Hackney Fund. The celebrations will continue throughout the day with live art, music, dance, and interactive, family-friendly events across Dalston, concluding with a carnival-style street party and after party at Netil360 - a vibrant tribute to the mural’s enduring spirit.

Help make the event a success! You can still donate to the crowdfunder below. Follow @hackneypeacemural or @beyondbeckroad for updates on Instagram!

Programme of events

Sunday 28 September, 11 am - 10 pm

Mural Forecourt, London E8 3DF - Map

  • 11-12pm Morning Meditation for Peace; led by London Buddhist Centre. Located on Mural Forecourt or Curve Garden (wet weather dependent).

  • 12pm Plaque Unveiling by CND Vice president Kate Hudson and The Speaker of Hackney Cllr Grace Adebayo, in front of Mural.

  • 1pm Short performance by the Muralistas.

Curve Garden, London E8 3DF - Map

  • 1.30pm Holly Walker (Ray Walker’s Granddaughter) to perform an acoustic set.

  • 2-3pm The Muralistas comprising of 2 original members, including Alan, Steve and Kevin, playing music including, mural saxophonist, the late Jah Globe.

  • 2-3pm Creative Workshop for kids and families to produce artworks to parade at the street party.

Ashwin St. Street Party, Ashwin St, London E8 3DL - Map

  • 3-8pm ‘Solution Sound System' & ‘Choice FMUK’, a free community street party, with Carnival Performers ‘Dimensions’.

Hackney Archives, (located in the CLR James Library) London E8 3BQ - Map

  • 3.30-5pm Ben Wiedel-Kaufman and Laurie Elks, The Hackney Peace Carnival Mural ‘unwrapped’ which will open to a wider panel.

  • After party, Netil 360, Netil House, London E8 3RL

  • 7-10pm Live vocal performance by John Glacier & Global Roots DJ Thristian.