Don’t forget to hang out your bunting this weekend for VE Day 80 celebrations! VE (Victory in Europe) Day is on Thursday 8 May, but many street parties and events are taking place this weekend. We are proud to join the nation in remembering this historic turning point in World War II. We waived the fees for street party road closures and hope the weather holds for these community events across the borough.

We will be marking the day on Thursday with the raising of the VE Day Flag at 9am outside Croydon Town Hall in Katharine Street. In the evening, Croydon will be taking part in the nationwide Beacon Lighting Ceremony at 9.30pm, also at the flagpole. The flames represent ‘the ‘light of peace’ that emerges from the dreadful darkness of war.

We are also supporting tours of Historic Croydon Airport to celebrate VE Day 80. RAF Croydon was a key location during the Battle of Britain, before becoming a transport hub for the latter part of World War II and you can find out more through the Historic Croydon Airport Trust.

Raising standards in housing

It is a priority for me to improve housing standards and services and provide better-quality homes that residents can be proud to call home. I am pleased to confirm that the regulatory notice placed on Croydon’s housing services by the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH) has now been lifted. This is owing to improvements we have made to the quality of Council homes and housing services for our residents and reflects the ongoing transformation of the service.

There is still more work to do, but I am committed to listening to our residents, putting them at the heart of decision-making and to continuing to make improvements to our housing service. Find out more.

Celebrating schools

I was proud to see Croydon’s schools and leaders nominated for the Tes Schools Awards 2025. Bensham Manor School in Thornton Heath has been shortlisted for two awards – a testament to its commitment for student achievement and inclusion for pupils with special needs. I recently visited Bensham Manor School and was hugely impressed by their teachers’ dedication to helping every young person thrive. Congratulations also to Red Gates, The Old Palace School of John Whitgift and The Harris Federation, who have all been recognised. You are making a real difference for our children and young people.

As a long-standing season ticket holder, I was absolutely thrilled, along with so many others across Croydon, to see Crystal Palace triumph in the FA Cup semi-final at the weekend. The atmosphere was electric – a true tribute to the fans – and there’s a real sense of pride in our club across the borough. All eyes are now on the final against Manchester City on 17 May – come on you Eagles!

Wishing everyone an enjoyable bank holiday weekend and VE Day 80 celebrations!

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon