What we were asked to do?
The 6th annual Croydon Food & Music Festival attracted 12,000 visitors to the Restaurant Quarter in the borough's South End on June 25, 2017. Organised on behalf of the South Croydon Business Association, it is the biggest event for foodies and music lovers in Croydon, the fastest growing local economy in the UK. White Label were first asked to stage the event by the SCBA in 2012. They wanted a positive, feel-good event centring on Croydon's popular Restaurant Quarter. The resulting festival proved an almost instant success and White Label has continued to work with the SCBA, developing and growing the event year upon year.
How we did it
On behalf of the South Croydon Business Association, the White Label Events Team cover all the organisational details of staging such a major event. This involves behind-the scenes elements such as the road closure and security for the one-day event, as well as booking and project management of the food and drinks retailers, applying for event licences, and of course, obtaining the event sponsorship. We also organise and book the front-end fun, which includes the food stalls who cook and serve cuisine from around the globe, the alfresco dining tables set along the street, as well as the street performers and entertainment for children, and all the bands, soloists and DJs performing sets across the live music stages. The food and drink retailers in 2017 all recorded record sales and praised the smooth organisation of the event. White Label also achieved wide-ranging press and social media coverage to promote and raise the profile of the festival.
What people said
Peter Bagatti, SCBA committee member: "It's one of the biggest festivals Croydon has ever seen – it was a fantastic day."
Robert Reid, Jam 'N' Jerk (food retailer): "The festival was really excellent – White Label have been brilliant as always. In terms of administration, getting things organised and keeping us informed of what's going on, they are first class. Without them we wouldn't be here – they are a brilliant team."
To find out more about the Food Festival and our other work with the Croydon Restaurant Quarter, visit the website. www.croydonawards.co.uk
