The 10th annual Hackney Mare de Gras will be held on Sunday 16th September.

The parade which kicks-off at Ridley Road, London E8 at noon will pass through Dalston Lane, Queensbridge Road, Richmond Road, Mare Street, Armhurst Road, Pembury Road and finish at Hackney Downs Park.

Thousands are expected to line the streets of Hackney as well as converge on the Park, for the event which is organised by Centerprise, the Dalston-based community and arts centre in Hackney.

Hackney carnival groups People of Paradise, Unity Mas Band, Perpetual Odyssey, Unique Touch, Heritage, Jamboulay Carnival Arts, Stamford Hill Carnival Club, GAHU Dramatic Arts, Dakrobi, Soca Saga Boys, and Beeraahaar Sweet Combination, are all expected. Clubs from outside Hackney that will make a guest appearances are Ruff Diamond, PATO, Soca Massive, Masquerade 2000 and Lord Eric Carboo & Sugumugu Sunday - the master drummers of Africa.

“Hackney groups have worked very hard and deserve to be congratulated for ensuring that carnival arts is thriving in the borough in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics,” commented Ruby Noblemunn, Chair of Hackney Mare de Gras and a trustee of Centerprise, about the event that has become an annual fixture in Hackney’s cultural calendar.

Hackney Downs Park will cater to all age groups in a family atmosphere and includes face painting, children's play activities, Soca music, arts and craft stalls and Caribbean food.