Explore the Grade II listed Croydon Airport

Kate Moss may be one of the best-known things to come out of Croydon, but there’s a heck of a lot more to the local culture than the easyJet-bothering model.

Over 100 events are lined up over the next fortnight for Croydon Heritage Festival, now in its third year. It all kicks off with a Heritage Day on 20 June, with live music, dance, performances, open buildings and tours of historic Croydon to celebrate the borough’s past, present and future. There’ll also be numerous stalls representing many of the area’s historic societies and community groups.

Elsewhere, there’s a chance to explore the Grade II listed Croydon Airport — once the world’s biggest international airport, and home to the world’s oldest air traffic control tower.

And in other traffic related events, local historian David Clark recreates a 2oth Century tram journey from Norbury to Streatham, using images of views that would have been seen from the tram at the time.

Use your legs by taking a wander down the Wandle, which meanders for nine miles before joining the Thames, or alternatively hear about the river from Rebecca Watts, programme manager of the Living Wandle Landscape Partnership.

There’s also a behind the scenes tour of the Victorian Croydon Town Hall.

Other events include a talk by local historian and writer Ray Wheeler, a flower fairies walk, events for young Croydoners to get involved with, concerts, film screenings, and a Tudor dance. Sherlock Holmes even gets a look in; can you deduce how the master sleuth is connected to the area?

Croydon Heritage Festival takes place 20-28 June. Some events are free, others are chargeable, and some require booking. See individual event for details. Browse the full events calendar.