Croydon

Ever evolving, Croydon is a town under heavy development with a number of ambitious projects reaching for the stars – as long as the British economy prevails. Behind the headline grabbing construction, however, is a hugely creative arts community and a fascinating history.

- James Knighton

Long swallowed up by London’s urban sprawl, Croydon sits just to the north of our county and has an ‘Old Surrey’ history that defies its modern reputation. While the buildings reach increasingly skyward and delays to hugely ambitious projects are proving to be elephants in the room, the town is a patchwork quilt of change.

September brings optimism however, with the reopening of the Fairfield Halls arts and entertainment complex following a multi-million pound refurbishment. Found a short walk from East Croydon station, it will officially open on Monday September 16, with actress Dame Judi Dench performing the honours at its 809-seater Ashcroft Playhouse. Originally opened by the Queen Mother in 1962, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, The Who, Elton John and David Bowie are just a few of the stars to have performed on its stages through its heyday.

In fact, Croydon is a town with deeply ingrained links to music, whether it’s pub gigs by Jimi Hendrix, those stellar Fairfield Halls performances or Croydonborn Grime artist Stormzy conquering Glastonbury’s headlining spot. There’s also the BRIT School, found just around the corner from Crystal Palace’s football stadium in nearby Selhurst, which has played a part in launching the careers of chart-topping artists includes Adele, Katie Melua, Imogen Heap, Jessie J and Amy Winehouse.