Something unexpected has taken over Croydon

From 12th to 18th August, discover the wacky installations that have taken over eight buildings across Croydon. From a striking lizard to a giant beanstalk – you’ll have to see it to believe it!

The eight giant installations that have taken over familiar buildings across Croydon, have been designed to attract people of all ages back into our high street for a week of entertainment, fun and vibrancy.

Croydon BID, working with pioneering design company Designs In Air, bring you Unexpected Croydon – an inflatable 3D street art gallery, featuring a series of ‘unexpected’ sights which will leave visitors saying – “surely, I did not just see that!”

Local residents, workers and visitors alike can expect shock, awe, and excitement of gigantic proportions at the following locations:

Paintbrush – Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, CR9 1DG
Rocket – AMP house, Dingwall Rd, East Croydon, CR0 2LX
Lizard – Ruskin Square Car Park, Dingwall Rd, East Croydon, CR0 2NB
Monster fingers – LSBU Campus, 3 Wellesley Rd, Croydon, CR0 2NW
Eyeballs – Barclays Bank, High Street, North End, CR9 1SX
Pencil – High Street, North End
Beanstalk – Croydon Town Hall, Katharine St, CR0 1NX
Tentacles – Optivo, Grosvenor House, 125 High St, Croydon, CR0 9XP

If that wasn’t enough, Unexpected Croydon trailblazers could be in with a chance to WIN a £100 BOXPARK gift card. All they need to do is share their event pictures or selfies on Instagram and tag @checkoutcroydon and #UnexpectedCroydon.

Our high streets need something different. They need creativity, innovation, and a reimagining. Unexpected Croydon brings together a host of incredible art installations, bringing to life key parts of our town centre to attract people with a free trail that will enthrall all ages at a time when we need a little light relief.

Matthew Sims, Chief Executive of Croydon BID

Luke Egan and Pete Hamilton Aka Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas are the inspirational artists behind Designs in Air. Their surreal sculptures have been impressing folks from around the world at major events and exhibitions such as the 2012 Olympics, The Eden Project and Cirque du Soleil.

Our main motive is to make the world a more surreal and colourful place.

Our sculptures are often site specific and instantly transform everyday scenes into strange new ones. We hope to get people to look up from their feet and phones and raise a chuckle or at least an eyebrow! Our sculptures can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, and although our designs are highly technical, it’s not high art, but it is high UP art! The great thing is everyone gets to see our work for free.

Luke Egan, Director and Designer at Designs in Air

The eight inflatable sculptures will be in situ for you to discover until 18th August.

Further information about Unexpected Croydon will be published on Check Out Croydon.