Croydon Council want to help local communities to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day and/or the Big Lunch by hosting an event in a street or park:

• VE Day: Saturday 3 May, Sunday 4 May or Monday 5 May – https://forms.croydon.gov.uk/form/ve-day-street-parties#no-back. Deadline Sunday 6 April
• Big Lunch: Saturday 7 June or Sunday 8 June – https://forms.croydon.gov.uk/form/big-lunch-street-parties#no-back. Deadline Friday 9 May 2025,

More information https://www.croydon.gov.uk/community-and-safety/equality-and-diversity/events/big-lunch-street-party/apply-hold-ve-day-80th-or-big-lunch-event

If you can identify a space for your event that is not in a park or requiring a road closure, you can hold a small private event without getting council permission on another day. Such spaces could include wide driveways or cul-de-sacs where all the residents give permission.

All you need are some tables & chairs. Invite your neighbours to bring food & drink to share – there is always more than enough to go around. The benefits far outweigh the effort involved. You will make new friends and your neighbourhood will become a more interesting & safer place to live in.