Traders in Croydon Old Town are holding a special event to mark St George’s Day.

The business community have got together to throw the party on Saturday, April 21 – two days before the patron saint of England is remembered.

The event will feature live cooking demonstrations, additional market stalls and roaming entertainment in Surrey Street.

There will be a Covent-Garden style performance area, stalls and children’s activities around the Piazza as well as tours of historic Croydon plus refreshments and other family attractions available at Croydon Minster.

The event is being organised as part of the Croydon Recovery Campaign, aimed at boosting the areas of Croydon worst hit by the riots last August.

Kez Hassan, interim chairman of the proposed Old Town Business Association, said: "The riots shocked everyone.

"But the positive to come out of those terrible events is that the Croydon community has been drawn together to breathe life back into our town.

"We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of people from all over Croydon and further afield for our amazing St George’s-themed event.

"This is a great opportunity for Croydon to move forward and help rebuild a lost sense of community pride and respect for the area in which we live and work."

There will be free St George’s Day Historic walking tours running hourly at quarter past the hour 11.15am to 3.15pm from the top of Crown Hill.

On Minster Green there will be children’s fairground attractions, tours of the Bell Tower at regular intervals throughout the day and tours of Old Palace at 11am and noon.

The following acts are taking place at the live performance area at the Piazza, Exchange Square:

11.00 The Bombshells (40s style trio)
11.20 Paul (magic)
11.45 Kocoa Brown (jazz/soul)
12.05 308 (soul)
12.25 Homebrood (Irish folk)
12.45 Impulse Bolly Street (dance)
13.00 Jester (street artist show)
13.25 Imagine Creative Express (youth collective)
13.50 Tia (R&B singer)
14.05 Fred Roslin (blues guitar)
14.20 Luke and Lizzie Stanley (folk)
14.40 Grey Siara (singer songwriter)
15.05 The Mayor’s Speech and fancy dress competition
15.10 Popchoir (choir)
15.40 Rosie & The Glass Balloon (alternative folk)
15.40 Jester (street artist show)