Meet the Carnival Groups
This year you will see over thirty different carnival groups performing at Hackney Carnival, from many different cultural backgrounds and in many different styles. Just like Hackney itself. Seventeen of these paraders are part of Hackney Carnival’s legacy groups and you can learn more about them below, as well as their chosen themes for Carnival 2024. You can also learn about our visiting bands and artists by clicking the buttons below, as you know Hackney is welcoming and open to everyone, so we invite our friends too!
Who? Blema meld African art forms to bring spectacular performances of costume and live music to the streets. Their theme for 2024 will focus on the tradition of the EWE tribe from the eastern coast of Ghana. Blema will showcase the HOGBETSOTSO festival (pronounced Hogbechocho) also known as the FESTIVAL of EXODUS which stands as a vibrant cultural celebration in Ghana, paying homage to the awe-inspiring migration journey undertaken by the Ewe people from Togoland.
Contact: info@blema.co.uk
Who? With over 10-years performing at Hackney Carnival, Dimensions work with young people across the borough to make memorable and uplifting carnival experiences. Their 2024 theme of ‘Rio the Movie’ borrows inspiration from the film’s exotic birds and also explores the journey of friendship using costume and music to bring the vision to life. They hope it will get you all dancing along! And if you want you join Dimensions on Carnival day, just drop them a line!
Contact: diment@hotmail.co.uk
Who? Gahu Dramatic Arts promotes African arts and culture. It has participated in every Hackney Carnival. This year Gahu draws inspiration from the traditions of the Ga region of Ghana. The Asafo Dance showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ga people through music, dance, and costumes, with the movements mimicking the actions of warriors in battle. It serves as a way to pass stories and traditions from one generation to another.
Contact: florencearmah@rocketmail.com
Who? Jamboulay’s main speciality is traditional Carnival characters, histories and development of these in relation to topical issues. Their theme ‘Remember When Dingolay' will incorporate old versus contemporary carnival costuming. They use wire bending and traditional methods, decorating by hand and using historic imagery. The group will deliver innovative and mind bubbling designs for the carnival.
Contact: jamboulay@live.co.uk
Who? Jun Mo Generation is the UK’s only Far East Asian Carnival arts organization. Formed in 1990, they have been active in Hackney since the 1970s. This year, their theme is ‘Celebration of the Dragon 2024’ marking the Chinese Lunar Year of the Dragon. Jun Mo will showcase young dragons to highlight the significance of the new generations, accompanied by a variety of large Masquerade costumes representing Asian mythical characters such as the Phoenix, Li Jing Heavenly King, Six Characters of Virtue, and more. Join Jun Mo in celebrating to bring good luck, prosperity, and long health to all!.
Contact: info@junmo.co.uk
Who? Mi Viejo San Simon (My Old San Simon) are a Bolivian Dancing group, they employ colourful and intricate traditional costume combined with dance and music to create a feast for the eyes. Their group is intergenerational and community focused.
Contact: mvssuk@hotmail.com
Who? Pan Vibration uses carnival arts and steel pan music as pathways to community cohesion and learning. Their theme ‘Time For Carnival 2024’ is a reflection of the past, present and the future of carnival culture. Their unique creative expression of music, rhythm, movement and colour is centred from their African/Caribbean heritage and cultural art forms.
Contact: panmanlucky@gmail.com
Who? Pantonic Steel Orchestra is a Hackney based steel band with members aged from 11 to 60. The orchestra, established in 1988, originated from and serves the local community. Their theme ‘Escapism’ will evoke a realm where feelings and emotions intertwine with pure enjoyment. It will take you on a journey into a world where melodies become a refuge, offering a break from the everyday and a chance to immerse yourself in the powerful currents of sound.
Contact: pantonic_uk@hotmail.com
Who? Paracranival are a large, exceptionally diverse community of fellow artists, performers and friends that bring legendary carnival performances that unite people of all backgrounds, ages, abilities and vulnerabilities. Their theme is ‘DEIXA FALAR ! CELEBRATION’. ‘Deixa Falar (let them talk) Samba School’ - was the original root of Rio carnival created by the disregarded and disenfranchised people of the Favela in 1928. Today, Rio Carnival is said to be the greatest show on earth. So… LET THEM TALK!
Contact: bfdance@hotmail.com
Who? People Of Paradise are an intergenerational carnival group that has been running for over 20 years and have been present at Hackney Carnival just as long. Their theme for 2024 ‘Tropical Influence’ aims to celebrate the uniqueness of our different faces, different colours & different backgrounds, brought together in solidarity through the unifying power, art and joy of carnival.
Contact: peopleofparadise00@gmail.com
Who? Soca Massive Fancy Sailors are ‘CELEBRATING 40 YEARS’ of music, costumes and characters. They will take you on a journey of theatrics, fantasy, originality, creativity and diversity. Ruby, the gemstone for 40-year anniversaries, will adorn their uniforms and regalia. Soca Massive’s designs are fused with traditional and modern decorations demonstrating the importance of honouring traditional carnival alongside its artistic and social evolution.
Contact: socamassive57@gmail.com
Who? Soca Saga Boys through R Consultancy are an organisation formed in 1990. Their theme ‘A Traditional Mas’ will feature Bele Skirts including traditional Shortknee costumes made from the Wynderush print alongside modern designs in collaboration with Utopia Mas band. They will showcase the historic and legendary Mighty Ruler Sound System (during the carnival procession) – an original sound system belonging to the Windrusher Count Rob (RIP) that was restored by a collective of Hackney sound engineers after it was rescued from a house clearance!
Contact: inforconsultancy1@aol.co.uk
Who? TARU specialises in carnival arts and community projects, employing music, dance, and performance. They bring colourful and dynamic displays that are infectious, energetic, creative, and unifying. Taru have performed at Hackney Carnival since 2013. Their theme for this year is ‘The Spirit of Carnival’. This vibrant theme encapsulates the essence of carnival roots and community, paying homage to the rich traditions that have defined this annual celebration. It’s also TARU’s 20th anniversary - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TARU!
Contact: info@taru.org.uk
Who? Tropical Isles is an internationally acclaimed carnival arts company who have delivered award-winning artistic programmes with public engagement at its core. Their theme ‘J'ouvert Freedom of Carnival’ celebrates a tradition originated from the emancipation of slaves in Trinidad in 1834. J'ouvert signifies the beginning of a new day, symbolising the freedom and liberation of the enslaved population. It is an important part of Trinidadian culture and is celebrated with music, dancing and colourful costumes.
Contact: info@tropicalisles.org
Who? With over 20-years performing at Hackney Carnival and delivering carnival arts programmes UNITY No Nonsense promotes carnival as a multicultural and diverse celebration inclusive for all. Their theme ‘Fancy Indians’ is a traditional mas, born from solidarity with Native American and indigenous people as marginalised and disenfranchised communities. Fancy Indian mas is characterised by colourful and vibrant costumes often inspired by cinema.
Contact: unitycarnivalarts@yahoo.co.uk
Who? Urban Touch works with the local community in the Caribbean arts and have been a part of Hackney Carnival for 15-years. Their 2024 theme is ‘Urban Paradise’.
Urban Touch say “In the midst of a concrete jungle we find beauty. Those fragrant blooms are a testament that unity can thrive in the most diverse environments. An urban oasis meets a kaleidoscope of colour in Urban Paradise”.
Contact: mass@urbantouch.org.uk
Who? Yaram promote African culture through music, literature, carnival arts and education. Their 2024 theme is ‘ZIMBA - Lion Masquearde Dance Parade’. They will present three Lion Masquerades accompanied for the first time by lion-cubs! Dancing to the musical beats of 'Sabar' drumming by master African drummers with singing and dancing revellers. Look out for grimacing, roaring and a spectacular display where a spirit caller tames the lion and puts it to sleep through words of incantation.
Contact: info@yaram.org