London 2012: Olympic Torch comes to Hackney

Vogue Fabrics in Dalston celebrated with its own Olympic Torchbearers. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

The Olympic torch made its way through Hackney yesterday (Saturday 21 July) on its first day in the capital.

The relay was accompanied by a variety of celebrations, including the official Hackney One Carnival which took on a Brazilian flavour this year as four hundred carnival performers from Rio joined local groups.

Elsewhere, there were less official means of marking the day. These ranged from ‘alternative’ Torchbearers such as the transvestite team at Vogue Fabrics in Dalston, to pensioner protesters and Jubilee-style street parties such as the one in Trehurst Street in Homerton (pictured).

Residents lined the streets in a festive atmosphere on what was one of the driest days in recent weeks, straining to catch a glimpse or snatch a photo as the Olympic Torchbearers came past.

The full list of Torch Bearers chosen to carry the flame in Hackney can be found here.

A pensioner highlights his protest against Barclays in advance of the Olympic Torch. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

Trehurst Street residents held their own unofficial Olympic Torch Party. Photograph: Hackney Citizen