Pic: Sean Pollock / Hackney Council

More than 30,000 people attended Hackney Carnival over the weekend to enjoy the festival atmosphere, fabulous dancers and music.

The carnival spread from Regent’s Canal along to Ridley Road with performers in elaborate costumes put on a show for spectators lining the streets.

Pax Nindi, Founder of Global Carnival Centre and Hackney One Carnival Creative Director said: “It’s amazing how carnival is growing, especially with so many residents loving it and getting involved.

“The quality of the costumes, the colours are fantastic, the joy massive! The capital has another golden carnival gem blooming in East London.”

Sebastian Ross, from the Paracarnival group, said: “Carnival is our chance to go out and express ourselves and really be part of the community.”

The procession paused as groups entered Mare Street and carnival-goers observed a minute’s silence for those who died in the Grenfell Tower fire and those affected by recent hurricanes in the Caribbean.

Carnival groups were cheered on as they danced past judges in Hackney Town Hall Square and there were especially big cheers for local groups such as Beeraahaar Sweet Combination and Gahu Dramatic Arts. For the first time this year the Carnival Elders bus, organised by St Joseph’s Hospice, also made an appearance.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Arts & Culture, said: “A big thanks to everyone involved in carnival who helped make it the biggest yet! Also a big thanks to residents who took part cheering the carnival on, helping bring the streets to life and celebrate Hackney’s diverse community.”