Hackney Carnival's future is uncertain after the council decided to discontinue its Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding, which previously amounted to a £1 million investment over two-year cycles. The decision, driven by budgetary pressures requiring the protection of frontline services for the borough's most vulnerable residents, has prompted concerns about the sustainability of the annual celebration.
The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday 9 July 2025 to discuss the matter, reviewing a response from Councillor Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture, to a scrutiny letter outlining suggestions for improvement.
Councillor Kennedy's response acknowledged the financial constraints but highlighted ongoing efforts to secure alternative funding and empower carnival stakeholders. A £70,000 NCIL bid for 2025/26 has been approved, along with £30,000 from Arts Council England. These funds will be directed toward artistic projects and strategic planning for a sustainable trust or business model. The Arts & Culture team and the Carnival stakeholder group plan to deliver the ACE project and then apply for Investment Funding from ACE, potentially in the £20-30k range for 2026 onwards.
Carnival stakeholders are central to developing an alternative, financially feasible programme celebrating Carnival culture,
Councillor Kennedy stated in his response. He noted that stakeholders have established budget priorities, researched venues, and appointed an event lead in collaboration with the Arts & Culture team. Monthly stakeholder meetings are at the core of the engagement plan, supported by two Carnival-led sub-groups for Events and for the Trust. Minutes are taken at each meeting, and all stakeholders are invited.
Several suggestions were made in the scrutiny letter, including creating a clear engagement plan, developing a communications plan, establishing a working group, reporting progress to the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission, mapping funding opportunities, supporting the establishment of a charitable trust, and identifying underused buildings for a Carnival Hub.
Councillor Kennedy addressed each suggestion in turn, outlining the steps being taken to engage stakeholders, communicate plans, and explore funding options. The Arts & Culture team is providing advice and support on alternative funding options for Carnival, with the understanding that detailed work will be undertaken by the Arts Council business development package. Full cost recovery funding for Hackney Carnival from individual funders or sponsors is highly unlikely in the short to medium term given the large budget required.
The council has offered one-to-one funding application support to Carnival stakeholders and shares funding opportunities via a fortnightly newsletter. The council will also assist in exploring the possibility of a stakeholder-managed trust and understanding the associated challenges, opportunities, and practicalities. Carnival stakeholders have indicated that any potential trust/building should be stakeholder-managed.
Regarding available buildings, the council can share opportunities for potential cultural use when available. However, due to the council's financial constraints, the availability and use of council buildings for this purpose cannot be guaranteed as any proposal should be cost neutral to the council.
The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission will continue to monitor the situation and work with the council and carnival stakeholders to ensure the celebration of Hackney's cultural diversity continues in some form.