A life-sized model of an elephant formed part of the colourful Hackney One Carnival procession on Sunday, as over 28,000 visitors and residents lined the streets to cheer on the performers.

This year the carnival was bigger than ever with 28 different carnival groups dancing and entertaining the crowds. They followed a route from Ridley Road towards Dalston Lane and Richmond Road, before performing for judges in front of Hackney Town Hall in Mare Street. Here there were big cheers for local carnival groups like Tropical Isles Mas Band and Beeraahaa Sweet Combination.

Helen, a performer in the Hackney-based Pantonic Steelband said: “The sun came out and crowds loved it and it was spectacular - the best carnival.”

The party atmosphere continued with a finale party in Ridley Road with live music and DJ sets.

And further up the road Gillett Square was transformed into a children’s play area, where some of Hackney’s best young musicians performed to the crowd.