A Carnival Roadshow will take the place of Hackney Carnival this year. Rising costs have forced organisers to postpone the usual parade through the streets until 2024. Hackney Carnival will take place every two years thereafter.
For years, Hackney Carnival was a much-anticipated ‘las lap’ to the UK carnival season, but it has faced plenty of challenges in recent years. After being forced to go ‘virtual’ for two years thanks to Covid restrictions in 2020 and 2021, Hackney Carnival had to be cancelled in 2022 as well because it fell within the official 10-day period of mourning for HM Queen Elizabeth II.
All is not lost this year, however, as north London’s carnival-goers will still be able to enjoy a variety of events in canalside venues in Hackney Wick on Sunday 17 September.
Hackney Carnival Committee will be keeping the carnival spirit alive with a busy programme of pop-up processions, costume workshops, DJs and live music to demonstrate the borough’s talents. Visitors will be able to enjoy the likes of Solution Sound System (roots reggae), Fagamuffin Bloc Party (which aims to give visibility to the QTBIPOC community within the tradition of Carnival), Reggae Roast, Just Vibez and DJ Green Papi. There’ll be performances from Pantonic Steel Orchestra and special guests Triniboi Joocie and D Alberto. Other attractions include a food market, bars, a dedicated family area, kids’ rave, films and an exhibition.
Roadshow events and activities started way back on 5 August and included workshops teaching African drumming, steelpan and carnival arts.
To find out more, check the official Hackney Carnival Roadshow website.
