Croydon Heritage Festival 2014. Pic: The Whitgift Foundation

Croydon Heritage Festival is inviting locals to reveal secrets and stories of Croydon’s past as part of the preparations for the increasingly successful June event, now in its fourth year.

The theme for 2016 is ‘Undiscovered Croydon’. The organisers are calling on local groups, businesses and individuals to get involved by sharing little-known facts or their best-kept secrets of the area.

Martin Corney, Chief Executive of The Whitgift Foundation, said: ”Croydon has a vast amount of heritage that is often overlooked or unknown.”

Croydon has 150 listed buildings that were once home to famous residents, including Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Archbishop John Whitgift, the second most powerful man during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign.

“We would like to hear from anyone who would like to get involved to showcase the best our borough has to offer.”

According to The Whitgift Foundation, this year’s festival will kick off in the North End with talented musicians and performers taking the stage to showcase their work. Local charities and community groups will have stalls and the festival will end with a range of fun family-orientated activities.

The festival attracted a high turnout last year, with over 15,000 people attending.

Organisers are now working behind the scenes to prepare for the upcoming 2016 festival, which takes place from 18 to 26 June. To get involved or for any further information, please email info[at]croydonheritagefestival.co.uk, call 020 256 1579 or visit www.croydonheritagefestival.co.uk