Carnival atmosphere returns to West Croydon tomorrow

Carnival of Cultures Pic: Kate Pugh

Carnival of Cultures Pic: Photo © Kake Pugh (Creative Commons)

This Sunday (July 20), South London’s biggest carnival, much like this week’s weather, will bring some extra warmth and colour to the already vibrant streets of West Croydon.

The West Croydon Carnival of Cultures was first launched in 2011 in response to the London riots, and aims to bring people together from the diverse communities living in the area to celebrate the borough’s unique character.

Artists will entertain spectators at the central stage and steel bands will play music at various points along London Road in the build-up to the highlight of the day, the closing parade.

In addition, a wide range of stalls run by community groups and local businesses will be set-up, while kids and parents alike can enjoy fairground rides and other attractions.

Jennifer Coleen Speid, chairwoman of the event, said: “West Croydon Carnival of Cultures is an opportunity to support the traders and businesses on London Road by increasing footfall.

“The Carnival of Cultures will not only be a celebration of all that West Croydon has to offer, it will also be an opportunity to meet business owners and training providers to talk about jobs, apprenticeships, training and business start-ups.

“We want West Croydon to become the focal area of the borough for all Croydonians to be proud of.”

The Croydon Partnership, a collaboration between Westfield and Hammerson to transform the Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres into a retail and leisure destination, is sponsoring the event this year.

Peter Cole, Chief Investment Officer for Hammerson, said: “The Croydon Partnership is committed to supporting events at grass roots level across the community, and we are proud to be associated with the Carnival of Cultures.

“Come rain or shine it promises to be a tremendous day.”

Festivities at the free event will commence at 11am, with the party atmosphere continuing until 5pm.

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