Groups of people took to the street on Tuesday night to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence Day.

Pakistanis wrapped themselves in flags, had henna tattoos, played the dhol (Indian drum) and danced into the early hours of the morning in Ilford Lane, Ilford.

Cars were also driving down the road beeping their horns.

Mohammed Shoaib, 22, of Ilford, said: “We are all friends here to enjoy the day. We miss our country, family, and friends in Pakistan and this is a chance to celebrate that together.”

People from all cultures enjoyed the carnival atmosphere. The celebrations were quieter than previous years because it is Ramadan and Muslims are breaking their fasts in the evening.

Wilson Chowdhry from the British Pakistani Christian Association, who was playing music at one end of Ilford Lane, said: “One of the things we wanted to show was the diversity of culture in Pakistan.

“It was nice to share some of our culture and history with local residents.”