London Open House Festival to take place in Croydon

Croydon will host a packed programme of family-friendly events during the London Open House Festival, highlighting the borough’s diverse built environment and creative spirit.

Running from September 13 to 21, the festival features more than 30 events and activities, with special family days planned for the weekend of September 20 and 21.

Creative workshops from hat-making to storytelling bring festival to life (Image: Andrew Moore) Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, said: “We are thrilled to be taking part in this year’s Open House Festival to showcase some of the amazing architecture and heritage Croydon is home to.

“By hosting fun and engaging events for children of all ages, we intend to inspire and encourage the next generation of architects and city planners.”

In The Queen’s Gardens, the Clayground Collective will present ‘You Build Croydon,’ inviting visitors of all ages to model Croydon buildings out of raw clay in a hands-on, creative session.

Children invited to build, draw, and design Croydon landmarks in clay (Image: Neal Vaughan) For younger children, storyteller Bernadette Russell will lead a guided tour of Croydon Town Hall, sharing the whimsical tales of the Gigglemugs and other hidden stories.

Art enthusiasts can join local artist Neal Vaughan for ‘You Draw Croydon Drawing Together: Nature and the Big City,’ a charcoal drawing workshop inspired by the gardens and surrounding cityscape.

Children can also take part in ‘You Build Croydon’ at the town hall with MATT+FIONA, where they can design their ideal Croydon using cardboard, paracord and neon fabric.

Another creative highlight is ‘You Wear Croydon,’ a hat-making workshop led by Samia Tossio.

Participants can craft Croydon-inspired headwear, from a towering clocktower hat to an elaborate Shirley Windmill design.

Beyond the creative workshops, the festival explores Croydon’s evolution from a historic market town to a modern urban centre, once nicknamed ‘Little Manhattan’ for its post-war skyline.

On Saturday, September 20, visitors can enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum of Croydon’s archives and explore the historic Whitgift Almshouses during a special open day.

On Sunday, September 21, architecture fans can join John Grindrod’s walking tour of Croydon’s brutalist landmarks, including Lunar House and the iconic ‘50p Building’ (No.1 Croydon).

The Shirley Windmill will also open for drop-in sessions, offering insights into its history and operation.

Additional venues taking part in the festival include Stanley Arts, Fairfield Halls, Croydon Minster and the Norman Fisher Observatory, each offering a distinctive perspective on Croydon’s heritage.

The Open House Festival aims to spark curiosity and creativity among young people while celebrating the buildings and stories that shape the borough.