Hackney History Festival

History heads, get ready as the Hackney History Festival takes over the borough this May with a month-long run of walks, talks and film digging deep into East London stories.

Expect everything from General Strike singalongs to Black history treasure hunts and lost gardens brought back to life with expert-led talks on everything from public baths to ghost signs and cinema secrets—including Secrets from the Savoy Cinema, Stoke Newington Road.

The festival brings together local historians, archives and community groups in a shared celebration of the borough’s past, building on Hackney’s long-standing grassroots history scene and opening it up to wider audiences through accessible walks, talks and events across the area.

Hackney History Festival takes place throughout the month of May with two weekends packed with talks on 9-10 May and 16-17 May 2026, check out the full line-up at hackneyhistoryfestival.org

Instagram: @hackneyhistoryfest

Words by Georgina Garness