The sun is out, and summer is truly here, so if you’re in North London and looking for an authentic outdoor experience on Sunday, head to Hackney for the annual Alevi Festival.

The ninth event of its kind in London, this community festival celebrates one of Anatolia’s biggest mystical faiths through a week-long programme of music, talks, and dance, hosted by the UK’s main Cemevi (Alevi house of worship) in Wood Green.

Alevism draws on the teachings of multiple faiths in the region including Shamanism, Shiism, and Sufi Islam, but has evolved distinctly from each with its own prayers and rituals. At least a quarter of Turkey’s 82 million population are thought to be Alevis.

The week concludes with UK Alevis’ annual gathering on Hackney Downs Park, which draws thousands of people from all over Britain.

Headlining at this year’s event are Turkish rock band Pinhani (pictured above) and folk singer Arzu Şahi, with Can Gox, Grup Miraz, Deste Günaydın, Mehmet and Selen Tek also performing. The family-friendly festival will include stalls selling food and drink, and trinkets.

For those outside of London, later this month the British Alevi Federation is organising events in Edinburgh (16 June) and Sheffield (22-23 June). More information is available on their Facebook page.

Event Details

Title: 9th Alevi Festival

Date: Sunday 02 June 2019

Time:  11am to 7pm

Venue: Hackney Downs Park, Downs Park Road, Hackney, London E5 8NP

Admission: Free