In 2023 the community celebrated the everyday inventions and creativity of South Norwood with a family-friendly all-day takeover of Station Road. Station Road was closed for the day so that local businesses, community groups and artists could come together to celebrate the spirit of invention and the diversity of South Norwood’s heritage.

20 artists and groups showcased their talents and invited everyone else to get involved – from legendary punk pop group Frank Chickens to local comic creator Martin Eden. The day took inspiration from historic local inventor and philanthropist William Stanley and was staged in the shadow of William Stanley’s Clocktower.

This was the culmination of the three year Inventing South Norwood project, funded by Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zones Programme, and a part of This is Croydon, The Mayor of London’s, London Borough of Culture 2023.

The day celebrated the lives of local people and the integral role the high street plays in their daily lives as a home of creativity and everyday invention. Station Road came to life in September with performances, interactive art, a community feast and go kart racing, helping to revitalise South Norwood as a home of cultural creativity for the 21st century.

Collectively designed by Stanley Arts, local producers and members of the Inventing South Norwood Steering Group, the Carnival of Invention provided an inclusive, fun and forward-thinking day of free activities for the whole community to enjoy.