Summer is almost here, and Croydon’s parks and open spaces will soon be full of great events to treat the family to fun days out.
The first date in the calendar is this weekend, as a family funfair sets up in Lloyd Park.
Running from 12 to 21 May, the fair is open daily from noon to 9pm. Entry is free and rides are either pay-as-you-go or, with a wristband, people can have unlimited goes throughout the day.
In Purley, it’s circus time between 17 and 21 May.
Circus Fantasia will be in full swing at Rotary Field with two action-packed shows on most days, each lasting around two hours. Audiences can expect to be wowed by springboard acts, aerial net stunts, high-voltage acrobatics and chair balancing. There will also be appearances by hula-hoop artists and the beautiful Miss Reka with her aerial umbrella. Spiced up by the whimsical Spanish Rivelino clowns and concluded by dancing water fountains, the animal-free show can be enjoyed by little ones and adults alike.
Elsewhere in the outdoors – this time on the top of the Centrale shopping centre car park – Lost Format Society return with Croydon’s own rooftop cinema and bar.
Their season starts on 18 May, the same day as Croydon Cycle Fest takes over the streets of the town for a celebration of everything pedal-powered. The cinema runs throughout the summer with classic movie screenings and a bar, which is free to enter and will be open from 17:00 – 23:30, Thursday to Friday, and 16:00 – 23:30 on Saturdays.
Other events will also make use of the rooftop space, with the first show being a very special free appearance by Norman Jay MBE, who will be spinning up his famous Good Times set from 5pm on 19 May.
At the end of the month, on 28 May, Lloyd Park will once again be full of activity as the town and country show sets up for its second year, alongside the festival of dogs.
The show includes daredevil medieval horse and motorcycle stunt routines, falconry, celebrity chefs, dog shows, and live music.
On the same day, John Conoley’s Fun Fair will be at the heart of the Addiscombe Festival in Ashburton Park. The annual family fun day will be packed with food, live music, arena displays, and stage shows.
All this and lots more can be found on the council’s ‘what’s on’ listings page.
