Hackney One Carnival 2010
Hackney One Carnival brought the streets to life on Sunday 8 August, with more than 8,000 residents and visitors lining the streets to watch the procession and enjoying the festival in Hackney Downs Park.
Spectacular costumes, energetic dance and uplifting music created a party atmosphere at the third annual carnival, put on by Hackney Council with local carnival groups, community organisations and young people from across the borough.
View more photos of the carnival
More than 1,000 performers from 20 carnival and community groups in the borough took part in Hackney One Carnival, which is part of the Cultural Olympiad celebrating arts and culture alongside sports in the run up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Cllr Guy Nicholson, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: "It was fantastic to see thousands of residents out enjoying Hackney One Carnival, feeling excited about our role as a host for the 2012 Games, and celebrating all the communities that make our borough so special."
Performers danced their way through the streets from Queensbridge Road, past the Hackney Empire and on to Hackney Downs Park where an afternoon festival entertained the crowds.
Carnival groups showcased their colourful costumes on stage and were joined by many other community arts-based organisations, with comedian and actor Curtis Walker hosting the stage.
There was also a whole host of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy, including a workshop to make your own carnival headdress, face painting, sports competitions, and food from across the world.
Hackney One Carnival is organised by Hackney Council's 2012 Unit with local carnival groups. Building on Hackney's long history as a host of carnival organisations, Hackney One Carnival encourages communities not traditionally involved in carnival to share the experience and showcase their heritage alongside traditional carnival groups.
Find out more about Olympic related opportunities.
Page updated: 10 Aug 2010