If you thought Easter was all about eggs, think again. This April, Old Spitalfields Market is turning tradition on its (bonnet-clad) head with a dazzling Easter Bonnet Parade that promises fashion, flair, and full-on fabulousness. On Thursday 17th April, Londoners and curious onlookers alike are invited to witness the Market explode into a riot of colour, creativity, and community spirit. Trust us—this isn’t your nan’s Easter walkabout.
Strut Your Stuff: The Creative Spirit of Shoreditch in Bloom
We know Shoreditch doesn’t do anything by halves—especially when it comes to creativity. So, it’s no surprise that Old Spitalfields Market, nestled right in the beating heart of East London’s trendiest postcode, is hatching an Easter celebration with serious style. Whether you’re rocking a handmade felt fantasy or just keen to snap selfies with parade royalty, the Easter Bonnet Parade is here to bring high fashion and high jinks to the cobbled catwalk.
Expect bold headpieces. Expect glitter. Expect feathers, sequins, and possibly a bunny or two perched atop someone’s head. Above all, expect the unexpected—this is Shoreditch culture in full bloom.
Parade, Party, Prizes: What’s Happening on the Day
This isn’t just a quick parade and a cup of tea (although there will probably be tea). The day is packed with events guaranteed to satisfy the most vibrant of souls.
1:00 PM – Colour Walk:
Things kick off with a special edition of the Colour Walk, the monthly congregation of East London’s most stylish creatures. Known for their daring outfits and defiant joy, this community of dressers will be dialling up the drama with Easter-inspired twists. Think Peeps meets punk couture. It’s the ultimate warm-up act to the bonnet bonanza.
2:00 PM – ‘Wearable Art’ Talk with Sue Kreitzman:
Next up, Sue Kreitzman, the indomitable doyenne of wearable art, takes centre stage. Known for her explosive use of colour and unforgettable ensembles, Sue’s talk explores the transformative power of self-expression through clothing. If there’s anyone who can tell you why your bonnet is more than just a hat—it’s her.
2:30 PM – The Easter Bonnet Parade:
The main event. Bonneted beauties of all ages will sashay through the Market, flaunting creations that range from elegant to eccentric. Participation is free, and the only rule? Be bold. Whether you’re a fashion student, a fancy dress fanatic, or just someone with an excessive attachment to papier-mâché, you’re welcome.
3:00 PM – Prize Giving:
Of course, there are fabulous prizes for the most standout bonnets. Categories might range from ‘Most Avant-Garde’ to ‘Best Use of Glitter’—but let’s face it, everyone’s a winner when you’re looking this good. Expect applause, photos, and maybe even a few (totally deserved) tears.
Why This Easter Parade Is So Shoreditch
Let’s face it: Shoreditch isn’t just a place, it’s a lifestyle. It’s where street style becomes high fashion, where a gallery pop-up happens on a Wednesday just because, and where you can wear a six-foot floral sculpture on your head without turning a single eyebrow.
This Easter Bonnet Parade channels that same glorious spirit. It’s not just about nostalgia or novelty—it’s about celebrating identity, creativity, and community. It’s about saying yes to art, yes to expression, and yes to being a little extra. The event reflects the East London creative scene in all its unfiltered glory, and that’s why we love it.
Come for the Bonnets, Stay for the Vibe
Old Spitalfields Market is already a Shoreditch staple. With its curated indie stalls, legendary street food, and ever-changing art installations, it’s the ideal backdrop for a parade that’s equal parts eccentric and elegant. Plus, there’s something delightfully refreshing about celebrating Easter not with plastic eggs, but with a communal fashion moment that supports local creatives and style rebels.
Not in the mood to dress up? No stress. Spectators are as essential as the parade itself. Come armed with a camera, good vibes, and a healthy sense of curiosity.
Don’t Just Watch—Create
Here’s your invitation to ditch the chocolate bunnies and craft something wearable instead. Break out the glue gun, ransack your local haberdashery, and build your Easter bonnet masterpiece. Not only will you be part of a London tradition with a twist, but you’ll also join a growing tribe of artists, makers, and style visionaries putting Shoreditch creative fashion on parade—literally.
And if all that sounds like too much effort, you can still turn up, cheer loudly, and marvel at the bizarre beauty of it all. Either way, you’re part of the story.
So, what are you waiting for?
Get bonnet-ready, invite your most stylish friends, and join this gloriously absurd and unapologetically joyful celebration of spring, self-expression, and the ever-wonderful weirdness of East London.
Event Details:
Thursday 17th April, 2025
Old Spitalfields Market, London
Free entry, open to all ages
Event Schedule:
1:00 PM – Colour Walk
2:00 PM – ‘Wearable Art’ Talk with Sue Kreitzman
2:30 PM – Easter Bonnet Parade
3:00 PM – Prize Giving
