Feathers, glitz, booming beats and fabulous dance routines from over 800 performers are promised to light up the borough’s streets on Sunday for the Hackney Carnival.
As well as their spectacular costumes and energetic dancing there will also be sound systems and live music from around the world in the all-day carnival extravaganza.
The council-organised procession starts at the Queensbridge Road bridge over the Regents canal at 1.30pm, and will travel north, turning right into Richmond Road and along Mare Street towards the town hall before heading up Amhurst Road, and down Dalston Lane.
Performers are expected to return to the junction with Queensbridge Road and Richmond Road at 5pm.
Alongside the procession, there will be a festival atmosphere in Gillett Square, Dalston, from noon to 8pm with a live music stage.
The square will also host a play area from noon to 6pm, with a playground and hula hooping sessions from Marawa and the Majorettes.
The Hackney Playbus will be parked up in the town hall square to entertain crowds as they wait for the procession which is expected to arrive there at 3pm.
There will also be international food stalls and four sounds systems, including Solution Sounds and NTS Live in Ridley Road.
Parking will be suspended in all bays and on single yellow lines in all these roads from 7am Sunday, as well as in Colvestone Crescent, Reading Lane, Hillman Street, Wilton Way and Bradbury Street.
Ridley Road, St Mark’s Rise and Reading Lane will be closed to traffic from 8am, with other roads surrounding the carnival route following suit throughout the day.
Hackney’s arts chief, Cllr Guy Nicholson, said: “Hackney’s very own carnival is a celebration of community. It’s made by our community for our community and for all Londoners who believe we are better and stronger together as one.”
Stephen Montgomery, from the Urban Touch Carnival group which is taking part added: “Everyone looks forward to the event. Young and old. All nations.
“It is one day in the year the community comes together and gives old and young the chance to work and celebrate together.”
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