Last weekend was a bumper weekend of activities, celebrating everything that is great about our borough. Thousands of residents took part in the two-day New Addington Carnival, with great performances from local bands, dance troupes, stalls by community groups, charities, local traders and even camels! It was great to see so many people enjoying the event, which the Council was delighted to support.

The Whitgift Centre was transformed by our culture team into an art fair as part of the Art on Your Doorstep programme of events, in partnership with the National Gallery. The event, organised together with Turf Projects, was an opportunity to spotlight the talents of local artists. Some of the artwork was inspired by local landmarks, such as the iconic 50p building and the Art Deco designed Fairfield Halls. Also on display for the first time was Our Croydon Masterpiece. Co-created by artist Rachel Gadsden, alongside residents, through workshops held across the borough. The artwork captures the people, places and stories that make Croydon unique.

New playgrounds announced

As part of my 100 Day Plan, I am pleased to announce four new playground improvements as part of our Playground Programme for 2026/27. The first sites to be upgraded will be Milne Park in New Addington, Courtwood Playground in Forestdale, Rickman Hill in Coulsdon and Mayfield Road in Thornton Heath.

These are the first four projects within a wider programme that will see 16 playgrounds improved across the borough over the next four years, helping to ensure more children and families have access to safe, modern and inclusive play facilities closer to home.

Investing in our parks and open spaces helps create a cleaner, safer and healthier borough whilst giving children and young people more opportunities to play and thrive.

Residents may also remember the large-scale fly-tip removed from Mayfield Road in March. Following that clearance operation, new gates and CCTV cameras have been installed as part of our zero-tolerance approach to environmental crime. If you dump rubbish in Croydon, we will take action.

Tattooist fined £10k as part of zero-tolerance enforcement action

We have successfully prosecuted a tattoo parlour, Tales of Inkspiration, for a third time for trading without the required licence. They have ceased trading at their branches in Shirley Road in Croydon and Godstone Road in Purley, and the owner was ordered to pay £10,000 in fines and court costs. The prosecution is part of my zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour – we will not hesitate to take action against businesses who ignore the rules and potentially put residents’ health at risk. Find out more. 

Could you become a Shared Lives carer?

This week is Shared Lives Week – spotlighting carers who share their home with a vulnerable person, to support them to live a more fulfilled life in our community.  We need more people in Croydon to become a Shared Lives carer. Find out more on the Council website.

Celebrating Community and Heritage

This weekend there are two fantastic community events taking place in Croydon, bringing residents together to celebrate our borough’s diversity, heritage and community spirit.

On Saturday, the Windrush Generation Legacy Association (WGLA) will host its Windrush Heritage Community Family Day in Lloyd Park from 11am to 6pm. The event will celebrate the legacy and contribution of the Windrush Generation through music, cultural activities, food, entertainment and family fun.

Ahead of Father’s Day, the Be Different365 Foundation will host a Family and Community Celebration at St Saviour’s Community Hall, from 11.30am to 4pm on Saturday. The event will showcase local talent, support young entrepreneurs, recognise fathers, and celebrate the people who make a positive difference across our borough. 

Honouring the Windrush generation and Armed Forces

On Monday on Windrush Day, we will raise the Windrush flag at Croydon Town Hall to honour the remarkable contribution of the Windrush generation to our borough and our country. Later the same day, we will also mark Armed Forces Day, which is celebrated on June 27 and recognises the dedication and service of our armed forces personnel, veterans and their families. 

It’s Coming Home!

Congratulations to the Three Lions on their win against Croatia on Wednesday, in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup. It has been great to see the support around the borough and the pride people have shown for our national team.

Have a great weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon