Hackney Wick Festival hits new highs in its third year

Events, from canal boat rides to Shakespeare performances, formed part of a two-day festival in Hackney Wick

Festival-goers were spoilt for choice in Hackney Wick last weekend, with events including live theatre performances, clothes swaps, rickshaw rides and art exhibitions all organised by residents.

A village fete on Wick Green next to Lavington Close, a fair at Gainsborough Primary School in Berkshire Road and canal barge rides at Hackney Cut were three of the many activities entertaining crowds on Saturday and Sunday (September 18-19) as part of the third annual Hackney Wick Festival.

“The whole atmosphere was great and it brought so many people together,” said Tracy Trimmer, 49, of Leabank Square, one of the organisers.

“There were lots of children and families who had a good time and also older people who were so happy that it was over two days and they would get another chance to have a look around.

“Lots of people came from outside the Wick to enjoy themselves as well.”

A roving theatre group, The Romeo and Juliet Experience walked between venues including Wick Green and Leabank Square to perform the Shakespeare play while residents put on an art exhibition and a clothes exchange at the Hackney Wick community centre in Eastway and volunteers also planted bulbs under the Eastway flyover.

“This was our biggest year yet and we’ve never had so much support,” added Tracy.

“We’ve definitely got lots of ideas for next year now as well.”