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, Hackney, East London

Full programme of events below!

Designed in 1984 by the legendary muralist Ray Walker - a pioneer of London’s socialist mural movement, it was painted after his death at the tragically early age of 39 by Mick Jones and Ray’s wife Anna. The mural is recognised as one of the five iconic London murals and is a bold vision of peace, solidarity, and resistance.

Four decades later, the mural (also known as the Dalston Mural) still speaks powerfully to our time. On 28 September 2025, we invite Londoners to a day of community celebrations marking its 40th anniversary.

With creative workshops, music, exhibitions, and a vibrant street party, the event will honour Ray Walker’s legacy, reflect on Hackney’s activist history, and spotlight its richly diverse communities.

"This isn’t just an art event—it’s a reminder that public space can be used as a canvas for peace, imagination, and unity” - Roland Walker

Why it matters now!

In a time of increasing inequality, cultural division, and global uncertainty, the values embedded in the mural—collective action, peace-building, and creative protest—have never been more vital. This anniversary is more than a memorial. It's a grassroots, intergenerational space for connection, expression, and local pride—a chance for the community of Hackney to come together at an entirely free programme of events.

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!

You can VOLUNTEER to support on this day by clicking the VOLUNTEER link below!

Donate now

VOLUNTEER

Programme of events

Sunday 28 September, 11 am - 10 pm

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Food and drink will be available to purchase from across the day in some of Dalston’s most delicious local cafes, restaurants and bakeries in close proximity of the Mural, including: Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, The Antique Cafe, Speakeasy, Cafe OTO , Bootstrap, Dusty knuckle, Cafe Route and more.

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, Holly is an accomplished musician who has played many venues in her home town of Liverpool and beyond.
2-3pm 'The Muralistas' comprising of 2 original members of the Chat’s Palace ‘Arkestra’, including Alan May, Steve & Kevin, playing music including that of mural saxophonist, the late Jah Globe.
2-3pm Creative Workshop for kids and families by Paul and Linda Butler to produce artworks to hold at the street party parade.

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

3-8pm ‘Solution Sound System' playing reggae music from way back to right now, from Jamaica to UK and beyond & ‘Choice FMUK’, Dance Urban Music Station Future, Past and Present Music Broadcasting around world and the UK Freeview 277 a free community street party, with Carnival Performers ‘Dimensions’ Entertainment is a dance organisation established in 2007, which was initially youth led.

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. Book your free ticket here.

After party, Netil 360, Netil House, London E8 3RL - Map

7-10pm Live vocal performance by John Glacier - hot from playing her performance at Glastonbury 2025 and a finishing a recent string of European shows, Hackney based artist John Glacier performs alongside Global Roots DJ Thristian at the rooftop venue Netil 360. Book your place here.

Original photographs used to paint the mural