Celebrating a remarkable year for culture in Croydon

A Christmas Message to Croydon’s Culture Sector from Kristian Aspinall, Director of Culture and Community Safety at Croydon Council

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone across the cultural network. 2025 has been another fantastic year for culture in Croydon, with events ranging from Croydon Pride to Samuel Coleridge-Taylor 150, Culture being placed at the heart of Croydon’s growth plan in May, the launch of the Creative Health report by Public Health in July showcasing how culture and creativity leads to a healthier borough, and the securing of the “Creative People & places” grant for Croydon in October. Since the Borough of Culture ended in 2024, the creative sector has continued to build on that amazing legacy and partnership despite the headwinds we still face in the sector, and that’s down to the close partnership working and dedication from the entire sector.

On a personal note, I wanted to let you know that I will be leaving Croydon at the end of February. It’s been an incredible four years, and I have learnt and experienced so much that I will take with me. Working together we delivered an incredible Borough of Culture, with over half a million people attending events showcasing our incredible diversity and talent, followed by a legacy of cultural events the borough can be proud of. The council will be recruiting a permanent replacement for my role in the New Year, and I know you will embrace that person as warmly as you did me.

Thank you so much for all your help, kind words, honest conversations, and sheer energy and commitment to Croydon and culture.

Kristian Aspinall, Director of Culture and Community Safety