Culture activities, events and funding opportunities in Hackney
We work with organisations and people across Hackney to support the production of culture-led activities, providing a year round calendar of cultural opportunities for our residents to engage with.
Cultural events for residents aged 55 and over
Hackney Circle is a free membership community for residents aged 55 and over interested in creative and cultural events, discounts and activities.
Members receive regular updates about events from local cultural partners.
If you are 55 or older and live in Hackney, you can join Hackney Circle and stay informed about events in the area.
Celebrating Black History
Hackney Black History season
Since 2019, we have extended Black History Month into a season lasting from October through November or December. This season celebrates both the historical and contemporary contributions of Black communities in Hackney and beyond.
The events and activities are led by the community, with many funded by us.
The Black History Season grant scheme opens for applications in the summer.
Celebrating Black History all year round
In 2024, Hackney Black History 365 was launched as a year-round celebration, focusing on Hackney’s Black past, present, and future.
Hackney Black History 365 provides ongoing opportunities for Black communities to:
- share their work
- gain exposure for council events and resources
- highlight the significant legacy of Black communities in Hackney
For more information on Hackney Black History 365 and to submit an event for consideration, visit Love Hackney – Hackney Black History 365.
Hackney Carnival
Hackney Carnival returned on Sunday 22 September 2024, with a family-friendly parade and fun activities such as:
- live music stages
- sound systems
- a food market
- a children’s area
For more information about Hackney Carnival 2024 and to learn about the history of Hackney Carnival, visit Love Hackney – Hackney Carnival.
Arts and culture opportunities for young people
Every summer, Discover Young Hackney offers opportunities for young people to access arts and culture.
The initiative aims to:
- develop the creative skills of 15 year olds to 26 year olds
- provide routes into the cultural and creative industries
It also highlights cultural organisations in Hackney that offer high-quality activities for young people.
All events and activities are led by industry professionals and are either free or low cost.
For more information, visit Love Hackney – Discover Young Hackney.
Honouring the Windrush Generation
Windrush Artwork Commission
In 2018, we became the first local authority in the UK to pass a motion in support of the Windrush Generation. This motion pledged to:
- oppose the criminalisation of Windrush families
- celebrate Windrush Day every year
- call for a public inquiry into the 2018 scandal
One way to honour the Windrush Generation legacy in Hackney is by visiting our commemorative sculptures. These permanent artworks serve as symbols of respect and commitment to the Windrush Generation and their contributions to life in Hackney today.
Created by artists Veronica Ryan OBE and Thomas J Price, the sculptures were commissioned by Hackney Council and supported by Art Fund and the Freelands Foundation. Create London managed the project.
The selection process involved input from residents, cultural experts, campaigners, artists, architects, councillors, and school children. After reviewing proposals from many artists, Veronica Ryan OBE and Thomas J Price were chosen.
The sculptures, ‘Warm Shores’ by Thomas J Price and the Turner Prize-winner Custard Apple (Annonaceae), Breadfruit (Moraceae) and Soursop (Annonaceae) by Veronica Ryan OBE, are located near Hackney Central station, beside St. Augustine’s Tower and directly outside Hackney Town Hall.
For more details, see Hackney Windrush – Artwork Commission PDF (592kb).
Windrush Generations Festival
The Windrush Generations Festival is an award-winning event that we’ve been running every June since 2019.
The festival is part of our commitments to honour the Windrush Generation, as outlined in the motion passed in August 2018.
Each year, the culture team offers small grants to organisations that want to contribute to the festival. For more information or to express your interest, email culture@hackney.gov.uk.
To see highlights from past festivals, visit Love Hackney – Windrush Generations Festival.
Windrush Day
Since 2018, we have celebrated National Windrush Day on 22 June to honour Caribbean passengers who arrived at Tilbury Docks on the HMT Empire Windrush.
A month of events take place across Hackney, funded by our Windrush grant scheme and hosted by Hackney’s Windrush community. The events include:
- theatre shows
- art exhibitions
- poetry
- film screenings
These events celebrate the contributions of the Windrush Generation and address ongoing issues many still face as a result of the scandal.
Celebrating and supporting Hackney’s LGBTQIA+ community
Hackney Pride365 is a year round programme of events and activities that support, celebrate and platform Hackney’s LGBTQIA+ communities, artists and allies through cultural activities and events. These include:
- LGBT+ History Month (February)
- Hackney at Pride in London (June)
- Transgender Awareness Week (13 to 19 November)
- Transgender Remembrance Day (20 November)
For more information, visit Love Hackney – Pride365 Grants Programme.
Grant funding to celebrate Hackney’s diversity and heritage
Cultural Hackney is a grant fund that supports communities in delivering cultural activities celebrating Hackney’s diversity and heritage.
For information on past and current funded activities, along with details for the next round of funding, visit Love Hackney – Cultural Hackney.
Hackney’s festive events
Every year, the culture team organises the annual Christmas lights switch-on and Hanukkah celebrations.
Dates and locations may vary.
For more details, visit Love Hackney – Festive events Hackney.
Supporting filmmakers
Screen Hackney is our dedicated agency that:
- helps filmmakers access essential council services
- promotes Hackney as a filming destination
- connects residents with training and job opportunities
Find out more on the Screen Hackney website.
Cultural Development Team
Address
Opening times
- Mon to Fri: 9am - 5pm