HACKNEY One Carnival brought the streets to life last Sunday, with over 7,000 residents and visitors lining the streets to watch the procession and enjoy events in Hackney Downs Park.

It is the second year Hackney Council has put on the event, with local carnival groups, community organisations and young people joining in from across the borough.

More than 850 performers from 16 carnival groups in the borough took part which is part of the Cultural Olympiad, celebrating arts and culture alongside sports in the run up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Hackney Council chief executive Tim Shields and MTV Base presenter Kat B opened Hackney One Carnival and Kat B hosted events on the stage in Hackney Downs Park. A carnival procession made its way through the streets from Hackney Town Hall to Hackney Downs Park where a program of sports and cultural events culminated with a headline performance on stage from MOBO Award-winning UK hip-hop artist SWAY.

Carnival groups showcased their costumes on stage at Hackney Downs Park and were joined by many other community arts-based organisations. Choice FM presenter Martin Jay was the DJ on stage. Tim Shields, Chief Executive of Hackney Council, said:

“Hackney One Carnival is about everybody coming together to celebrate the diverse cultures that make our borough so special. It was fantastic to see so many residents lining the streets to watch the carnival procession and enjoying the events in Hackney Downs Park. The performances were colourful, energetic and exciting, and the Council is proud to support the amazing talent we have in Hackney.”