Hackney Carnival Awards

Taking part in the parade is serious business. Every year Hackney Carnival judges award the legacy carnival groups for their efforts in bringing their best work. The awards keep the standard high and inject a little healthy competition to the fun. A private awards night is hosted shortly after the event as a way to congratulate the carnivalists and bring everyone together to celebrate what will have been many months of hard work.

The Judges adjudicated by artistic director Pax Nindi will score the groups when they arrive at the judging point just outside of the Town Hall.

Judging Criteria

Theme Interpretation

Each group has selected their own theme to bring to the parade. You can see what each group’s theme is on the Carnival Groups page. Judges will assess how well the groups have interpreted their theme and consider how it is reflected in their costumes, movement, and music.

Design/Visual Impact

Here, the creativity, originality, and quality of the groups’ costumes and masquerade pieces will be scored. Which band will have the most visual impact? It’s all to play for. 


Music Presentation

Music is at the heart of carnival and points will be scored for the quality, innovation and how well suited the music is to the processional environment. Separate awards will be given out for acoustic and amplified music styles. 


Movement and Mas Participation

There’s no I in ‘parade’ and groups need to move brilliantly as a team. Judges evaluate each groups’ movements and how well their costumes are presented as part of the performance. Extra points for how well they represent the essence of the carnival and how they contribute to the jubilant atmosphere. 

Awards Categories

1) On the Road 

  • On The Road Runners Up: Awarded to the second-best group in terms of overall design and presentation.

  • Best Band On The Road: Awarded to the group with the best overall design and presentation.

2) Movement 

    • Best Movement Runners Up: Awarded to the second-best group in choreography and dance.

    • Best Movement (Choreography/Dance): Awarded to the group with the best choreography and dance.

3) Theme 

    • Best Theme Runners Up: Awarded to the second-best group in theme interpretation.

    • Best Theme Interpretation: Awarded to the group with the best interpretation of their theme.


4) Procession/Presentation Music 

    • Best Music On The Road - Acoustic: Awarded to the group with the best acoustic music presentation.

    • Best Music On The Road - Amplified: Awarded to the group with the best amplified music presentation and interaction with the participating group.


5)Judge’s Choice 

    • Highly Commended Newcomers: Special recognition for outstanding new participants.

    • Highly Commended Hackney Carnival Group: Special recognition for outstanding groups incorporating combined elements, from culture to participation etc.


6) Band of the Year 

    • Carnival Band of the Year 2nd Prize: Awarded to the second-best overall group of the year.

    • Carnival Band of the Year 1st Prize: Awarded to the best overall group of the year.

The Judges

Mary Genis - Trinidad born steel pan player and founder of Reading-based CultureMix and the award-winning Reading All Steel Pan Orchestra (RASPO).

Jeannette De Couteau - Esteemed judge for Caribbean and Trinidad-style carnivals, with extensive experience judging at Notting Hill Carnival and Trinidad and Tobago Carnival where she was based until 2018.

Morcea Walker - Founder and Chairperson of Northampton Carnival Arts Consortium and Director of EMCCAN (East Midlands Caribbean Carnival Arts Network) a recognised Arts Council NPO.

Angela Chappel - Arts Council Relationship Manager with national responsibilities for carnivals, bringing a wealth of experience in arts management and in the carnival sector.

James Thomas - Versatile musician and Director of Hackney Music Services, contributing his extensive expertise in music and education to the judging panel.

Fransisco Cerasco - Expert in Latin American carnival traditions, musician, Lecturer at Liverpool University, and Director of Luma Creations and All Things Latin.

Ngoma Bishop - Community leader and cultural expert, specialising in Caribbean and African traditions, and Director of BEMA Arts.

Pax Nindi - Judges Adjudicator with extensive experience in judging carnivals globally, including in Brazil, Africa, the Caribbean, and across the UK. Author of the Arts Council National Carnival Arts Strategy and Hackney Carnival’s Artistic Director!