Digital gurus and aspiring technical experts gathered for an overnight ‘hackathon’ as part of Waltham Forest Digital Month.

Social media users, web designers and project managers spent 12 hours holed up in Waltham Forest Town Hall which was transformed into a creative digital hub on Friday, November 17.

With Waltham Forest due to submit its bid to become London Borough of Culture at the end of the month, the hackers were set a challenge based on cultural events.

Over the course of the night, the team were tasked with creating a mapping service to chart the cultural landmarks, venues and events taking place in the borough.

By 7am on Saturday the sleep-deprived team had produced an extensive map, along with a Twitter account designed to promote all the things that make Waltham Forest amazing.

The hackathon was part of Waltham Forest’s annual Digital Month which aims to promote digital accessibility as well as educate people of all ages on how technology can improve their lives.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Clare Coghill, said: “The hackathon was new to Digital Month this year and it was a fantastic event that brought people from different disciplines and of different ages together.

“Events such as these keep Waltham Forest at the forefront of technology and give residents the opportunity to learn how to use the latest technology in a fun and social way.

“This year’s Digital Month has been a real celebration of the creative and entrepreneurial talent of our borough.

“With so many innovative and exciting events taking place – from workshops, masterclasses, and exhibitions – it’s clear why we’re determined that Waltham Forest should win the title of London Borough of Culture for our community.”