Colourful costumes at the Hackney One Carnival pic: Gemma O'Brien

Hackney Mayor Jules Pipe has hailed the first We Love Hackney Weekend a success – a statement echoed by those who attended.

The weekend, which took place September 17-18, included live music, food and drink markets, children’s entertainment and tours of historic buildings in the borough, as well as the Hackney Wick festival and the Hackney One Carnival, which was postponed after last month’s riots.

Wilton Way played host to a dog show, the Hackney Colliery Band and a Come Dine With Me-style cooking contest on Saturday. David McHugh, who owns businesses in Wilton Way, said: “It’s been really good – throughout the day there were hundreds of people that came along, it seemed to be a hit. “

The Hackney Colliery band’s version of hip-hop classic No Diggity received rave reviews and lots of love on Twitter including @phototropy who tweeted: “Found the Hackney Colliery Band! Currently playing in St John’s of Hackney-come join us in grooving!”

Linda Curry, of Daubney Road, said of the street party: “It’s been great, really good. Its events like this that help to bring people together and raise awareness of the kinds of businesses we have locally.”

Hackney Mayor Jules Pipe said: “It was heartening to see so many members of the local community and businesses take part in the day, which highlighted just a small section of the great cultural and business offerings, the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games and great community venues we have here in Hackney. Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in making it happen.”

The Hackney One carnival was also one of the highlights of the weekend, as local community groups paraded in spectacular brightly-coloured outfits accompanied by an energetic soundtrack to wind their way from Shoreditch up the A10 to Stoke Newington.

Click on the thumbnails below for more images from the weekend, courtesy of Hackney Today and Gemma O’Brien (more pics can be found on her blog here).