Roll up, roll up! Croydon Harvest featuring The Walnut Fair returns this October, transforming the town centre for an autumn extravaganza.
Following it’s huge popularity in 2024, Croydon Harvest is back with a feast of entertainment — think folk dance, music, storytelling, and enough craft and face-painting fun to keep even the busiest little squirrels happy.
Inspired by harvest traditions from across the globe and rooted in Croydon’s own rich history — yes, The Walnut Fair has been a thing since 1314! — this centuries-old fair is brought back to life with puppetry, performances, and plenty of surprises peeking from behind every pumpkin.
Expect theatrical thrills, handmade crafts, and a whole heap of fun.
Lead image: Luke Brown Company’s Walk of the Dandelion. Credit Mike B Designs
The History of The Walnut Fair
The Walnut Fair is an annual tradition which took place in Croydon Town Centre, starting in 1314.
By 1644, travellers flocked from the East End and beyond to buy walnuts by the hundreds. Customs of the October fair also included a variety of entertainment such as travelling theatre and circus, and popular goods sold included oysters and gingerbread.
The fair attracted large crowds to the Fair Fields, until it was finally closed down in 1868 for being too bawdy!
Read more about the fascinating history of The Walnut Fair in this article by Will Noble for Londonist: Croydon Edit.
