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This is Croydon, London Borough of Culture 2023

A big, bold, celebration of the communities of Croydon

Croydon’s year-long programme of culture ran April 2023 – March 2024 and showcased Croydon’s extraordinary communities, its world-leading artists and emerging talent.  From music and dance to street art and food festivals, the year saw an array of vibrant, dynamic, and varied cultural moments and events. 

This Is Croydon was created and presented by local people. With inclusivity and accessibility at its heart, communities came together to discover new experiences, exchange ideas and explore our borough’s unique identity, heritage and creativity.

It’s not over yet! The year will leave a lasting legacy. Check back for updates and follow us @CultureCroydon.

This is Croydon

Croydon is…big in every sense – 86 square kilometres, with the second largest population of any London borough. Its nearly 400,000 residents represent a microcosm of the whole UK.

Croydon is…Young. The borough has the largest number of young people ages 18 and under in London, giving it a dynamism, youthfulness, and energy all its own.

Croydon is…Visionary. Sometimes known as the mini-Manhattan and the English Alphaville, its extraordinary buildings were once a vision of the future.

Croydon is…Green. It has over 120 open and green spaces – from South Norwood Country Park to the 95-hectare Farthing downs where cattle and sheep graze throughout the year. Croydon’s name derives from the Anglo-Saxon ‘Crocus Valley’.

Croydon is…a talent incubator. From ‘70s punk to ’80-s indie, the foundation of the BRIT School in the ‘90s to the cradle of dubstep in the noughties, Croydon makes things happen in its own way – on its own terms.