Jubilant procession of sound and colour at Hackney One Carnival

Carnival of colours. Photograph: Sean Pollock/Hackney Council (via Facebook)

Hackney One Carnival was as colourful as ever this year as people took to the streets under the blazing Sunday sun to dance the day away.

The carnival, which traces its roots back to the early 1970s, saw women clad in samba costumes and men dressed as dragons pounding the streets as they made their way to the junction outside the Town Hall, where the road had been partly closed as part of the council-run event.

In previous years it rained on the parade, but this year the sun shone throughout. Photo: Sean Pollock/Hackney Council

The joy-filled procession had earlier made its way down Ridley Road and Dalston Lane.

The borough was a hive of activity; Gillett Square hosted a live music stage and play area for children, and there was street theatre at the Town Hall.

Sound systems boomed and the party atmosphere was irresistibly infectious. Elephants (mechanically operated, rather than real ones) also featured in the inspiring display.

Peacock-style feathers featured in some of the colourful costumes. Photograph: Sean Pollock

Hackney One Carnival in its current incarnation was set up back in 2008 by 15 different carnival groups. It is intended to celebrate the different cultures and creativity of the borough.

After the festivities, the Three Compasses pub on Dalston Lane staged an after-party event featuring reggae, face painting and rum punch.

Costume drama: Festivities outside the Town Hall. Photograph: Sean Pollock

Speaking ahead of the event, Councillor Jonathan McShane said Hackney One Carnival was “one of East London’s stand-out events, jam-packed with a fantastic variety of costumes”.