|
London's famous New Year's Day Parade
was of special significance this year - it
was the first time the Council supported a
Hackney float in the event's 20-year
history.
Nearly 500,000 people lined the route
through the heart of the capital, despite
threats of travel disruption and pouring
rain. The colourful parade was watched
live on TV by a further 200 million
worldwide.
Over 10,000 performers including
marching bands, cheerleaders and floats
from more than 20 London boroughs took
part in the parade.
Among them were members of Satellite
Arts in Hackney, who took a lead role in
promoting the borough. Their float focused
on Hackney's contribution to contemporary
art over the past 20 years and celebrated
the area's diversity.
Stanley White, manager of Springfield
Park in Clapton, was one of the driving
forces behind the borough's entry. He
said: "The atmosphere was excellent There
were hundreds of people shouting 'Hackney'
as we went past, it made me very proud to
be involved."
Money raised in a street collection On
the day will be divided between the Studio
Upstairs, an arts group based at the
Dalston Culture' House, and the Council
Speaker's chosen charity, St Joseph's
Hospice in Mare Street. |
