Photographer LEE TOWNSEND was at yesterday’s splash of September colour that was the Thornton Heath Festival and provides this photo-story

The summer warmth had not lingered long enough for the carnival goers at Thornton Heath this year, providing chilly and showery conditions. But local carnival goers still entered into the spirit of the event. Photo: Lee Townsend

Photo by Lee Townsend
The annual Thornton Heath Festival is a real coming together of the whole of the local community in the north of the borough.
Preceded by a carnival procession, and with more than 100 food and drink stalls available, the six-hour event included music performances from a range of acts on stage, including Triniboi Joocie, Kimberley SK and Tamil Cultural Dancers, to the delight of the large crowds, most of whom kept smiling through the sometimes chilly and showery September afternoon.

The stage acts attracted large, enthusiastic crowds all through the afternoon. Photo: Lee Townsend

The carnival procession brought a splash of September colour to Thornton Heath. Photo: Lee Townsend

Photo by Lee Townsend
The Mayor of Croydon, Wayne Trakas-Lawlor, pictured left, together with other local councillors, was on hand to thank volunteers and community groups for their time and efforts in making the 2016 Thornton Heath Festival such a successful day.
As well as the Caribbean dance troupes usually associated with carnival, there were also uniformed cadets marching in the parade, as well as Tamil dancers and other community groups represented.

The stage show included opportunities for the whole community, young and old, to perform for their neighbours, friends and families. Photo: Lee Townsend

Councillor Callton Young, left in the hi-viz jacket, one of the organising committee, took time to thank all those involved in this year’s Thornton Heath Festival. Photo: Lee Townsend
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it was brilliant. felt like london should feel. a community of all different kinds of people coming together.