Hackney Wick Festival 2011

A truly local endeavour has been underway for the past few years in the form of Hackney Wick Festival – a celebration of the diverse range of talent emanating from the immediate area.

Run by an enthusiastic group of local volunteers the festival is now in its fourth year and has created a strong cultural identity within the borough.

With the recent riots casting a brief shadow over Hackney, community-led events are more important than ever and this year’s festival shows no signs of abating with activities for kids including the Gainsborough School Fete, a climbing wall, the Hackney Play Bus and canal rides.

As is befitting a proper east end affair, there is also the chance to meet a real-life Pearly King and Queen. Meanwhile, the adults can browse the vintage fair, dance to live music provided by London’s first “punk choir” and show off their own musical talent on the busking stage.

Running from 17-18 September, this year’s festival also ties in neatly with the impending Olympic Games as young and old alike will be given the chance to sample a wide range of sporting activities to whet their appetites for the real thing next June.

Hackney Wick Festival
17-18 September
hackneywickfestival.org.uk