BRICK LANE was thronging with people who had come to have a last bit of summer fun as the famous Curry Zone held its 2026 Curry Festival. It was the biggest one yet.

Tower Hamlets is one of the most harmonious communities in London. Its residents turned out in force for the Festival, and they were joined by people from far further afield who had come to snap up a bit of that Tower Hamlets vibe. The Council estimates that 40,000 people visited during the day to enjoy the food, music, culture and general celebration.

As well as offering fun for all, the Festival gave local businesses a welcome boost. Not only did they have plenty of customers on the day, they are also hoping that happy memories will see people coming back again. The day began with a procession through Brick Lane – and ended with some very happy people making their way home.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman worked hard to get the Festival back, and he expressed his delight about what this year’s event had offered those who came along. “It's fantastic to see so many residents and visitors coming together to enjoy the food, music and entertainment, while supporting the local restaurants and independent businesses that are such an important part of our borough,” he said.

“The Brick Lane Curry Festival has once again shown the incredible energy, culture and community that make Brick Lane and Banglatown so special,” he continued. “The increase in demand for this year’s festival shows just how much people value this celebration of our shared heritage, and I want to thank everyone who helped make it such a memorable day.” 

Guljar Khan, Chair of the Bangla Town Business Association, and Yasmin Haque, Secretary of Brick Lane Community Forum – two organisations which had worked with the Council to put the event together – said what a great day it had been and thanked sponsors.

Here are some pictures of the day from Tower Hamlets Council.

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