As you may know the premier arts venue in Croydon is in danger of closing down!
‘FAIRFIELD, HEART OF CROYDON’
A petition has been set up so that local people can voice their strong objections, already this petition has over 6,000 signatures which is incredible and clearly shows the strength of opinion! (you can sign this petition here)
Organisers intend to hand over the petition to Croydon Council in April, when they will be asking for a debate on the issue.
It is still possible that we can make a difference and convince the council to overturn their decision to close the Faifield Halls and consider a phased development, with operational ownership remaining independent, with Fairfield (Croydon) Limited delivering the best for Croydon.
Thank you for all your support.
It is important that we continue to raise the profile of the campaign, both locally and nationally, and there is an opportunity to get involved with a special ‘flash’ performance outside the Fairfield Halls on Saturday 13th February which will send a message to the Council and show the strength of our community.
Croydon Symphony Orchestra will be performing ‘Jerusalem’ and a special song of protest ‘Fairfield, Heart of Croydon’ (sung to the melody of ‘Land of Hope and Glory’) outside the Fairfield Halls, Croydon.
Although this is meant to be fun – organisers hope that will help to show their deep concern for both the future of Fairfield and community arts in Croydon by staging this performance. This campaign has no affiliation to any political party.
If the Council get their way, Croydon will lose it’s ONLY viable music and arts venue for an unspecified period – not only is that a loss of live events coming to the Borough, but a lost opportunity for school children to engage and perform at the venue and will impact a large number of other community projects that utilise the venue.
We will be filming the event and sharing it on our social media. Please bring along your own cameras and smart phones, to record the event and share these on Facebook and Twitter. The event will last approximately 30 Minutes.
People are asked to bring warm clothes and percussion instruments, but please do not bring placards or flags.
Feel free to print out the words of both songs, go along on Saturday and join in 😀
‘FAIRFIELD, HEART OF CROYDON’
Sung to Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance March no. 1 (Land of Hope and Glory)
Councillors of Croydon, Hear our urgent plea,
Listen to our worries, Which we tell to thee.
Soon to close for ages? Plans on us imposed!
Fairfield is OUR venue, HOME for all our shows,
Fairfield is OUR venue, HOME for all our shows.
Built through gen’rous giving, Halls that all enjoy,
Stage for diverse talents, Locals do employ,
Young and old are welcome, This is understood,
Fairfield is OUR halls and Made for COMMON good,
Fairfield is OUR halls and Made for COMMON good.
Stewards of our future, Mark our valid views,
Care for local culture, We have much to lose.
Let us help you fashion, Plans we CAN believe,
Fairfield, HEART OF CROYDON, Halls for ALL our needs,
Fairfield, HEART OF CROYDON, Halls for ALL our needs.
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-our-fairfield-halls-1
https://www.facebook.com/saveourfairfieldhalls
http://www.saveourfairfield.org