London’s second biggest carnival returned with a bang after a five year gap.

Hackney Carnival took over Mare Street and London Fields yesterday (September 22), marking a long-awaited return for the event.

The last edition took place in 2019, with disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the late Queen’s death and council budget constraints derailing its return.

Starting at 11am, the parade took dancers and musicians through Graham Road, Queensbridge Road, Albion Drive and Lansdowne Drive, before ending in London Fields six hours later.

A fire-breather was among the hundreds of colourfully dressed performers to brighten up what turned out to be an overcast September day in east London.  

A fire breather was among the performers to impress the crowdsA fire breather was among the performers to impress the crowds (Image: Hackney Council)

A sound system set up outside the Town Hall played drum and bass music throughout the afternoon, with steel pan performers taking up position in Queensbridge Road.

Hackney Carnival is the second biggest in London, attracting up to 80,000 people.

A few hours before the event, Mayor Caroline Woodley said: “I am so excited to be here, getting ready for Hackney Carnival 2024.

“There’s lots of children and young people who have never been at Hackney Carnival before who are going to be parading for the first time and they cannot wait.

“There are parents and teachers around supporting them. But there are also some old hands; we’ve got [artistic director] Pax here getting ready with all the drumming crew.

“There’s so many people making the music, making the noise and getting us excited for the parade.”