Hackney Carnival Archive

Find out more about the history of Hackney Carnival and revisit some of its greatest moments!

The History

Find out more about Hackney Carnival by those who know best - the carnivalists. Across 20 interviews with representatives of Hackney Carnival bands, sound systems, volunteers and creative directors, learn about the importance of Hackney Carnival in their own words. From music, dance, the Art of Masquerade and the Then and Now of the big day, The Spirit of Hackney Carnival includes their memories, opinions and insight into the various cultural and artistic disciplines associated with this historic event.

The Sights!

The colours, the costumes, the smiling faces… let our Hackney Carnival photo galleries transport you back through the ages of Hackney’s biggest family street party!

2014

A lot may have changed since 2014, but one thing has remained and that’s the beauty of Hackney Carnival. Check out the pics - do you recognise anyone you know?

Back in the day when Hackney Carnival was the infamous ‘Hackney One Carnival!’

Vibes galore at 2019’s Hackney Carnival parade. Good times!

2017

A blast from the past at 2015’s Hackney Carnival. Ah the memories…

2018

Loud, proud and lighting up the streets! Revist the magic from 2018’s carnival.

2019

Happy memories from the biggest carnival yet!

2021 Gala

Live from the Hackney Empire stage!

2023: Carnival Roadshow

Hackney Carnival Roadshow took to the streets of Hackney Wick for 2023.

2023: Jump Up!

2023’s ‘Jump Up’ special at Berger Primary School.

The Sounds!

Watch and listen back to Hackney Carnival’s finest moments. Perfect for getting you in the mood for September 2024!

Hackney Carnival YouTube Playlist

From costume workshops, flashmob Town Hall takeovers to the Carnival Showcase livestream at Hackney Empire, sit back (or get ready to dance) while watching the best of Hackney Carnival YouTube videos

Hackney Carnival Soundsystem Day Part 2: 2021

Such a live show, it needed two parts! Pax Nindi showcases the best of Hackney's soundsystems for 2021.

Hackney Carnival Soundsystem Day Part 1: 2021

2021 Carnival soundsystem day hosted by Pax Nindi featuring the Hackney Carnival Soundsystems as well as DJs from parade floats.

Mixcloud DJ Sets

Listen back to the finest DJs to grace the Hackney Carnival stage over on Mixcloud. From NTS, Faggamuffin, Solution Sounds, Rinse FM and more, rewind and come again!

2021 Hackney Carnival Soundsystem Day

A very special mix to keep the carnival spirit alive during the pandemic.


2022 Hackney Sounds Day! Saturday Session

Produced by Pax Nindi on behalf of Hackney Carnival this is a online musical extravaganza.