Wandle Park Revival a Resounding Success

On Saturday, over 7,000 people attended the reopening of 123-year-old Wandle Park. It was an incredible day of fun, laughter and celebration and having worked alongside the local community in organising this day for the past six months I was very proud of what we had achieved.

The reinstatement of the River Wandle, new bandstand, new skate park, open-air gym, pavilion, community garden and ornamental bridge was made possible due to £3.5m of funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund, The Mayor of London, Croydon Council and Barratt Homes. 

Wandle Park has also been made a Queen Elizabeth II 'field in trust' and as such is one of about 1,500 other open spaces around the country that has been given additional protection from any future redevelopment. 

Some 50 stalls and stages provided a wealth of entertainment for the crowds, and local real ale was served up by Croydon’s Cronx Brewery.

Talented bands and musicians on the main stage included local celtic folk favourites Homebrood, and the crowds were delighted by Hipsinc’s bellydancing performance.

During the day three plaques were unveiled at the new bandstand by The Mayor of Croydon.