WORKSHOPS, EXHIBITIONS, AND PERFORMANCES AT THE CHATS PALACE
Carnival has influenced community life in Hackney for more than fifty years. Events have taken place since 1970 under many names, including Hackney Mare de Gras, Hackney One Carnival, Hackney Carnival Roadshow, and Hackney Carnival. These activities grew from Caribbean practice and later opened space for other carnival forms across the borough.
Financial strains have paused the full parade for now, but the work has not stopped. Local Mas Bands and artists continue to create, teach, and reach new audiences.
This year’s December programme comes in two parts, titled Our Carnival Our Story 1 and Our Carnival Our Story 2, both held at Chats Palace in Hackney. Together, they form a weekend of workshops, exhibitions, music, and performance. Friday focuses on daytime activities and an evening showcase, while Saturday continues with more sessions, a community discussion, and a night event led by DJs and Samba artists. Daytime sessions are free with no booking needed, and both evening events require advance tickets. The event is delivered by Global Carnivalz on behalf of 17 Hackney Carnival stakeholder groups and supported by Hackney Council.
OUR CARNIVAL OUR STORY 1
Friday 12 December 2025
The first day runs at Chats Palace, 42–44 Brooksby’s Walk, Hackney E9 6DF, from 10am to 6pm. Workshops and family sessions take place throughout the day with Carnival artists and musicians. Exhibitions stay open across the venue, showing displays from the Mas Bands and photography by Sean Pollock and Pax Nindi, plus archive images from Chats Palace.
From 6.45pm to 11pm, the evening showcase features costume, dance, steelpan and Mas. Entry is free, but a booking is needed.
OUR CARNIVAL OUR STORY 2
Saturday 13 December 2025
Day two also takes place at Chats Palace and runs from 10am to 4pm. The schedule offers more workshops, open sessions, and the “Let’s Talk Carnival” symposium. Exhibitions remain open. Tickets are not required for these sessions.
The evening event runs from 6.30pm to 12am. Carnival DJs and Samba performers lead a night that recreates the same energy you would find on the road. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance.
Participating groups and artists include Para Carnival, Pantonic Steel Orchestra, Pan Vibration, Unity No Nonsense, Dimensions Entertainment, Jun Mo Generations, People of Paradise, BLEMA, Soca Massive, Soca Saga Boys through R Consultancy, Gahu Dramatics, Yaram Arts, Mi Viejo San Simon, Taru Arts, Urban Touch, and Jamboulay Carnival Arts. For more information, visit lovehackney.squarespace.com/carnival.
