Typically tropical: not the Caribbean, but Costa del Croydon, which opens on the top of a central Croydon car park from tomorrow
Did someone say heatwave?
Sun seekers need to go no further than the top deck of Centrale’s multi-storey car park in the heart of Croydon from tomorrow to enjoy a staycation with a difference.
Soaking up the rays: Costa del Croydon will be open until Aug 28
Costa Del Croydon opens to the public from August 1, with free entry to the public, offering a seaside experience with funfair stalls, food and ice cream vans, a bar, plus fun and games, sand and (hopefully) loadsa sun.
The event will be a first for Croydon, Centrale having transformed their car park rooftop into what the organisers call “a vibrant beach haven”, offering a unique blend of seaside fun and city vibes with a splash zone and a daily programme of fun activities.
Open seven days a week with two sessions daily – 11.30am to 3pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm, “featuring a mix of free and paid activities”, say the organisers.
For more information and to book your free ticket (there are also spaces for walk-ups) click here.
For further information and updates visit www.centraleandwhitgift.co.uk
Week 1 activities list at Costa del Croydon
Fun in the sun: kids can cool off in the water spray
Thu Aug 1: Hula Hooping classes
12.30 to 2.30 and 4.30 to 6.30: Come and unlock your playful side and join us for a relaxed session of hula hooping for all the family. Ideal for tots, adults and everyone in between!Fri Aug 2: Puppet Making with Bunny and Gonk
12.30 to 2.30 and 4.30 to 6.30: Join local puppeteer Bunny and her favourite puppet friend Gonk for some fun sock puppet-making. Your very own puppet friend to take home with you!Sat Aug 3: Salsa Classes on the beach with Rumba Latina
Food and drink: there’s plenty of pier-side refreshments
12.30 to 2.00 and 4.oo to 6.00: Experience the vibrant rhythms of Latin America as RumbaLatinaUK brings the party to Costa Del Croydon!
Rumbalatina will be teaching some Salsa classes and bringing all the good vibes! All ages and genders welcome, no partner needed!
Sun Aug 4: Street Art class on the beach with Alec LDN
12.00 to 2.00 and 4.00 to 6.00: Alec is part of the fabric of Croydon, using canvas or concrete allows him to communicate with the whole community. Alec strives to inspire and create opportunities for tomorrow’s adult generation, bringing creativity and representation to communities. Art for all.Mon Aug 5: Storytelling with Peasoup
12.30 to 2.30 and 4.30 to 6.30: Katie and Matthew are on a mission to discover the best story ever! Can you help them? Armed with their trusty typewriter they’ll gather some of Croydon’s best stories and you’ll have your very own story to take home!Tue Aug 6: Croydon Voluntary Action Community Day
Details to be announcedWed Aug 7: Baby and Toddler Music Class with Georgia
12.30 to 2.30 and 4.30 to 6.30: Georgia Andrews is an award-winning performer that plays multiple folk instruments and will be leading a fun and relaxing creative session for both babies and guardians where we will co-create music and learn basic rhythm, percussion, song and signs.
Life’s a beach: Costa del Croydon offers families an alternative to the one-hour journey to pebbly Brighton
Costa del Croydon’s first week illustrates the breadth of activities that will be laid on for the entire month – with Back to the 90s, Bingo on the Beach, to more dance classes and live music.
Details will be updated on the website weekly.
And for those seeking a sun-drenched retreat to unwind after work or enjoy a refreshing daytime break, Costa Del Croydon is the perfect destination, with a variety of delicious street food, refreshing cocktails from the Thirst Trap mobile bar, and ample seating areas: relax, socialise, and soak up the sun.
Visitors can indulge in a variety of tasty food options, from classic pier-side treats like ice creams, candyfloss and doughnuts to Indian cuisine and hotdogs.
With many families in Croydon living in flats without outdoor space, and the nearest beaches more than an hour away, “Costa Del Croydon is set to provide an accessible escape filled with sun, sand and smiles,” say the organisers.
“Costa Del Croydon is more than just a pop-up beach – it’s a celebration of community, creativity and summer fun. Join us for an unforgettable seaside escape, right here in Croydon!”
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