More than 8,000 people attended the fifth annual Purley Festival, which ended with two days of action on the Rotary Fields.
The week-long event was launched on Monday June 29 with a ceremony at All Saints Church, in Brighton Road, which was combined with the launch of the Purley Business Improvement District.
Weekday activities attracted more than 1,000 people to take part in walks, music, talks, workshops and business networking meetings.
At the weekend finale, chart topping 80’s jazz funk band, Shakatak headlined on Saturday, while British soul singer Omar took centre stage on Sunday.
Omar, who lives in Croydon, ended the week-long event
Crowds also enjoyed music from The Expansions, above, and Brothers of Mothershovel, below
There were also circus performers, a silent disco, a variety of food from local traders and a jam-packed schedule in the children’s area at Christ Church School.
New additions for this year included screenings of the film Paddington, a 40s-themed cocktail garden organised by RedFest and the silent disco, organised by Massive Arms Promotions.
Festival musical director Stephanie Darkes, who organised the weekend’s events, said: “We really pushed the boat out this year and were honoured to have two very prestigious headliners in Shakatak and Omar and lots of local talent playing across the stages; not to mention the very first silent disco, which was a great success.”
The festival was a community driven and inclusive event that celebrated the local area and cultural scene, local businesses and local people.
It was sponsored by Jemca Lexus, Jemca Toyota, Sunrise of Purley, Streeter Marshall, and Laithwaites.
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