Croydon’s Music Scene Gets a Boost: Seven New Gigs Coming Your Way

We’re announcing seven projects to be awarded funding through our Gigs Grants programme, which champions live music events in the town centre.

These grants help local creatives deliver high-quality events, celebrate Croydon’s rich musical heritage, and keep our night-time economy thriving during the winter months.

The season kicks off in festive style on 1 December with Club Soda’s Soda Beat: Christmas Cracker at Stanley Arts. Following the success of the Next Big Thing showcase, the event sees over 40 learning-disabled artists take the stage, from DJs to bands, take to the stage. Expect an evening of music, inclusivity, and pure Christmas cheer.

On 11 December, White Hut Studios launches Stage One at The Front Room. This new quarterly platform will showcase seven emerging artists from Croydon’s vibrant talent pipeline, spanning Afrobeats, RnB, and more, promising a night of top-tier live music.

As the year draws to a close, Croydon FM brings us Culture Sessions at Truth Bar LDN. This free event will spotlight Croydon DJs, producers, and MCs, broadcasting live on Croydon FM and streaming online for fans everywhere. The evening aims to recreate the iconic Boiler Room-style event, bringing the electric atmosphere to the online world.

The new year starts with a bang on 24 January, when The Synth Shed returns with Factory Setting at The Front Room. This immersive electronic music night features legendary producer Howie B alongside local talent, performing in a unique 360° setup that puts audiences at the heart of the action.

Later, on 24 January and 7 February, Beats & Eats brings two free-entry gigs to The Events Rooms and The Oval Tavern. These family-friendly nights will showcase local bands, rappers, and DJs, building on their acclaimed Love Cronx EP project and keeping Croydon’s music scene buzzing.

On 30 January, Stanley Arts hosts Panda Power Live, an inclusive showcase of emerging and underrepresented voices – from indie-rock bands to singer-songwriters – celebrating Croydon’s diversity and creativity in South Norwood.

Finally, Subrang Arts present an evening dedicated to Indian classical music at Stanley Arts. The evening features virtuosic performances of instruments from Kashmir including the bamboo flute (Bansuri) and the tabla.

These events will create paid opportunities for local artists, bring communities together and showcase the incredible diversity of Croydon’s music scene.