Croydon Harvest is back!

It promises to be a fantastic weekend as Croydon Harvest, featuring the Walnut Fair, returns to the town centre. There will be live folk music and dancing, circus performances, farm animals, family activities, craft workshops and free face painting, and it’s all free to enjoy.

The festival takes its inspiration from Croydon’s historic Walnut Fair, which dates back to 1314, when people would travel to Croydon each October to buy walnuts and enjoy fortune tellers, circus performers, traders and entertainers. Come along on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy the celebrations and experience this unique part of Croydon’s heritage.  See the full programme of events.

Black History Month begins

October marks Black History Month, an important opportunity to celebrate Black history, heritage and culture, and to recognise the enormous contribution Black communities make to Croydon and beyond.

Today saw the flag proudly raised outside the Town Hall to mark the occasion and show our support.

A fantastic programme of events and activities are taking place throughout October, offering plenty of opportunities to come together, celebrate and learn more. Find out more on Croydon BME Forum’s Black History Month webpage.

Council Tax Support consultation

We know Council Tax Support provides important help to thousands of Croydon residents on low incomes, and that many people rely on it. Whilst this is just one of a number of ways we support residents facing financial challenges, we know how important it is that the scheme works for those who need it most.

That’s why we review it each year, so we can understand whether it is still meeting residents’ needs and providing support in the right places. No decisions have been made, and it is really important that we hear from residents and our partners before we consider any changes. I would encourage everyone who may be affected, or who has views on the scheme, to read the proposals and have your say. Find out more.

Making the case for devolution

Devolution and the transfer of power from Whitehall to local government is a hot topic of conversation. I want to make sure Croydon is at the centre of these conversations. This week I wrote an article for The Municipal Journal, a local government publication, and made the case that real devolution must give councils the powers, funding and freedom they need to deliver for their communities. Councils know their areas best, and with the right resources we can do even more to regenerate our town centres, support businesses and deliver the services our residents rely on.

Croydon destination branding

We’ve been talking to community groups, young people, businesses and local creatives about what Croydon means to them and what makes the borough special.

These conversations are helping us create a new destination brand for Croydon with our partners – a shared story about who we are as a borough, what we stand for and what makes Croydon a great place to live, work, visit and invest in.

Croydon is an aspirational, forward-looking borough with a rich history, thriving communities and exciting plans for the future. We want that story to be shaped by the people who know Croydon best and share our story with pride. Thank you to everyone who has been involved so far; we will be bringing more updates on this project as it develops.

This Saturday, the South Croydon community will come together to raise money for Maggie’s cancer support as Anjuman-e-Zainee Croydon is hosting a coffee morning at the Burhani Centenary Centre from 9am to 2pm. All are welcome and you could go on your way to Croydon Harvest!

Have a great weekend all.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon