Chatsworth Road festival to return for a fourth year

Heaving: the festival attracted over 10,000 visitors last year. Photograph: ChatsFest

Popular Hackney festival ChatsFest is back for a fourth consecutive year on Saturday 10 September.

The event, organised and funded by the local community, sees Chatsworth Road closed to traffic for what is known locally as a “good ol’ knees-up”.

Organisers expect a street party atmosphere, with all the activities, including live music, boxing, a bouncy castle and even a dog show, provided free of charge.

The festival was revived in 2013 following a 34-year hiatus, and last summer attracted more than 10,000 people.

Local resident Allan Parker, who is one of ChatsFest’s co-ordinators, said: “I was born and bred in Hackney and this festival very much represents everything I love about this community.

“The different generations and cultures, all coming together to create something positive, it makes me very proud to be from this area.

“ChatsFest has grown immensely over the three years but has kept the community at its heart.”

Amaria Braithwaite, a local resident and winner of CBBC’s Got What It Takes, is to perform live ahead of a special Mercury Music Prize-nominated headliner.

Entertainment: musicians drum up support from the crowd. Photograph: ChatsFest

A newly-added Community Stage will feature Hackney’s emerging talent, including local choirs and drum ensembles.

Award-winning street food vendors such as Hoxton Beach, Sugarshack, Pie Cart and Hanoi Kitchen will provide festival-goers with a delicious backdrop.

Drinks will also be available at the cocktail and beer bars.

ChatsFest is a family-friendly event featuring plenty of activities for children. There will also be a bike hub for cyclists and a range of community stalls from local organisations such as Hackney Winter Night Shelter.

For more information about the festival, visit the Chatsworth Road website.