Croydon’s rooftop beach is back for a third year, but this time it is for adults too.
Costa Del Croydon is a free community event on top of Centrale Shopping Centre’s car park and includes a beach, a splash zone, fairground attractions and food and drink.
But, for the first time, it is offering Beach Club nights for adults on Thursdays, which will feature different themed experiences combining live entertainment and interactive activities.
@grahammoody1 Croydon’s rooftop beach Costa del Croydon is back for a third year so I went to check it out for @LondonersNews #costadelcroydon#costadelcroydonrholidays #fyp ♬ Happy Summer Groove – Gummy MusicLab
“There’s a lack of nighttime economy in Croydon,” said Dominique Stagg, marketing, events and PR manager for the Croydon Estate.
“Costa Del Croydon was built on the basis of there being a lack of offerings for families, to give them something to do in the summer if they don’t have the affordability to go and travel to a beach or go into London.
“The adult nights worked on a similar premise in that there’s not anything for adults to do in Croydon at night.
“There’s also not a lot you can do as an adult for free. We’re in a cost-of-living crisis, so if we’re doing something great and fun for kids, why can’t we do it for adults as well?”
The club nights will showcase emerging Croydon artists and other creative talent through a partnership with the Croydon Creative Enterprise Zone.
Each week will have a different theme and there will be headline performances from DJ Luck & MC Neat, dancehall act Supa Nytro, and Croydon Pride hosts Sophia Stardust and Tiana Biscuit, who will lead a lip-sync drag battle.
There will also be activities such as sip-and-paint, pottery painting and music bingo.
The adult nights aren’t the only new addition, with a changing room added following feedback and new food vendors too, including Happy Crumb Bakery, which is based on Surrey Street.
Daily activities for children are still on offer, including performances from Croydon Steel Orchestra, dance classes, music workshops and much more.
“People who are local to Croydon, a lot of them live in high-rise flats,” added Stagg.
“They don’t have access to outside space, so we wanted to bring something into the town centre you wouldn’t necessarily see in a town centre.
“It’s something affordable for families over the summer holidays. It costs a lot when you’ve got a family and you’ve got six weeks to keep them entertained.
“It’s never been done before. People appreciate it and it’s something different and unique.”
Tickets are free and released every week for booking, but limited walk-ins are available.
The beach, splash zone and some other games are free, but activities such as the dodgems, trampoline and hook-a-duck do cost, as does the food and drink.
Costa Del Croydon runs until August 31. For more information, visit https://centraleandwhitgift.co.uk/summer-digital-brochure-2026/
Feature image taken by Graham Moody
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