Designs for the redeveloped Fairfield Halls. Pic: Rick Mather Architects

Croydon’s Fairfield Halls will play host to royalty in what will be the last concert at the venue before its two-year closure in July for renovation.

The final performance, entitled “Queen & Country”, will be given by the London Mozart Players (LMP) on June 30 in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday with special guests Edward and Sophie, Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Paula Murray, Creative Director of Croydon Council, said: “The London Mozart Players have put together a creative piece that will showcase what Croydon’s talented young people have to offer.

“Celebrating Croydon’s cultural and artistic diversity in events like these, is an important part of the future development of the borough.”

Julia Desbruslais, Executive Director of the LMP said: “What better way to bring together the community and celebrate our historic relationship with the Fairfield Halls, than through a royal concert that brings together a plethora of artistic talent from across the borough of Croydon.”

The renovations, which will cost Croydon Council over £30 million, have not been without controversy, not least because of 200 staff members losing their jobs when work begins, with no plans in place to re-hire them. There are also calls for the renovations to be carried out in stages to allow some of the halls’ facilities to remain open to the public while work continues.

Local campaign group ‘Save Our Fairfield Halls’ has launched a petition, which has more than 8,500 signatures calls for the implementation of a “phased development”, which would allow some of the facilities provided by the hall to remain in use. Among supporters of this option is the renowned conductor Sir Simon Rattle

Find more information on the event.