Summer events bring village vibe to Hackney and Islington
It’s all about community in East London this summer as a series of events seek to celebrate the area and recreate the village vibe.
We’ve been raiding the calendar and seeking out events to help locals escape the hubbub and really connect.
“East London knows how to party”, said Jenna Fansa of the Local Buyers Club. “There’s so much on offer here from an apple festival and carnival to village fetes and a celebration of local canals. Many of these events are free or low-cost, having such a vibrant event scene brings many more people to the area, which is great for local businesses and they also provide a platform for up-and-coming food and drink outlets.”
Know your apples!
Great British Apple Festival (August 12th and 13th)
The fun starts this weekend in Shoreditch Park when The Great British Apple Festival, billed as a village fete, offers live music, cider, food and apple-themed games.
This daytime event includes a cider village with suppliers such as Kentish Pip, Hallets Cider and Worley’s Cider and there’ll be barbecues, a hog roast and loads of street food. And, if you feel like awakening your inner-child, you can have a go at apple bobbing or the apple shy.
Among the artists performing live are Robbie Boyd, Elsa Chapman and Monroe Ferrari.
The fun starts at 12pm and ends at 8pm Saturday (August 12th) and Sunday and tickets cost £10 for adults and children aged over 12. Visit www.gbaf.co.uk
SKFEST, August 23rd and 24th
Emerging talent in poetry, theatre, music and food will be given a platform at SKFEST, a two-day event running at various Dalston venues.
There’ll be a community market at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden (12pm-8pm) and BOYS (an adaptation of Lord of the Flies) will be performed there too, creative workshops a Dalston CLR James Library. Visit www.sandkproject.com
East London Waterways Festival, Bank Holiday Monday August 28th
A flotilla of canal boats, dragon boat racing, canoeing taster sessions, stand-up paddle boarding and plenty of live music are all on offer at the East London Waterways Festival.
The event, which takes place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, runs from 12pm till 6pm and local food and drinks companies will be providing refreshments.
Some events need to be pre-booked. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/events/2017-08-28-east-london-waterways-festival
Summer Night’s Music in the Park, Thursday August 31st
Local musicians will be performing at this evening event in Clissold Park.
The free acoustic concert takes place in the Café Garden from 7pm-9pm and the audience is encouraged to bring a picnic – wine and refreshments will be served in the café. www.clissoldpark.com/events
Hackney Carnival, Sunday September 10th
Every year more than 20 carnival and community groups take part in the Hackney One Carnival - a huge procession with spectacular costumes, energetic dance, live music and sound systems. Few events offer such energy or creativity.
Thie event takes place between 12pm and 8pm, with the procession travelling up Queensbridge Road, Richmond Road, Mare Street, Amhurst Road and Dalston Lane.
There’ll be a pop-up play area and hula-hoop workshops at Gillett Square, music and food stalls in Ridley Road. Visit www.hackney.gov.uk/carnival
Jam and Jerusalem!
De Beauvoir Flower and Produce Show, Sunday September 17th.
Home-grown flowers, vegetables, fruit, baked goods and crafts will feature at this event at St Peter’s Church, as well as a dog show.
