Chatsworth Road Festival back for another East End knees up

Worth a butcher’s: Halil Mehmet, owner of Mighty Meat on Chatsworth Road Photo: Laura McCluskey

With a much lauded dog parade, a boxing ring and a bouncy castle, last year’s street festival on Chatsworth Road went down a storm with local punters.

The festival, which was revived last year after a 34 year hiatus, aims to restore the road to its 1980s heyday when Chatsworth was a thriving community high street routinely decked in bunting, banners and floats.

Chatsworth Road Traders and Residents Association, the organisers behind the festival, have promised some new events including a slow bike race and, a ‘dogs who look like their owners’ award as an addition to last years’ acclaimed canine competition.

The bouncy castle will be back by popular demand, as well as the fundraising football match with Salaam Peace Football Club, a local Islamic charity who will be raising money for Homerton Hospital.

There will also be live bands, Caribbean food, a Pimp my Bike workshop and an after party at 41b Social Club on Chatsworth Road.

Last year’s festival. Photograph: Leon Sendzikas

Local Lea Bridge Councillor Ian Rathbone said: “It’s fantastic to see Chatsworth Road Festival become an annual event. It’s a great example of an integrated community event – with different generations and cultures coming together from across the area to celebrate who we are and have a good time together!”

Festival organiser Allan Parker said:“We’re thrilled to get the go-ahead this year after last years success. We want this event to become a staple in every Hackney-dwellers calender, as it was back in the 70’s when the streets would pile out for the festival each year.”

The festival takes place on Chatsworth Road, E5 on Saturday 6 September between 10am and 9pm.

Visit the festival website here for updates.