Seven giant inflatable artworks will turn Croydon town centre into an open-air gallery this Bank Holiday weekend.
The Unexpected Croydon art trail will run from August 27 to August 31, inviting residents and visitors to explore installations across the town centre.
The free walking trail is designed to give families and people of all ages a way to discover Croydon. Giant tentacles will reach from Fairfield Halls, while large sunflowers, a shoal of colourful fish and a giant paintbrush will appear at other sites.
Familiar buildings and landmarks will form part of the display, with the sculptures placed on rooftops and emerging from buildings.
The works were created by artist duo Filthy Luker and their inflatable design studio, Designs in Air.
The installations will also be lit after dark, allowing people to follow the trail during an evening walk.
The public art event is free.
Croydon BID chief executive Matthew Sims said: “Unexpected Croydon is our playful rebellion against the everyday, turning the town centre into a larger-than-life open-air gallery filled with colour and creativity.
"Our high streets need an injection of energy, and these spectacular artworks give people a reason to look up, smile and experience Croydon differently.
"Best of all, the trail is completely free, offering families and visitors of all ages a joyful escape to experience something different.”
The seven installations will be located at Centrale Shopping Centre and North End, both on North End; Croydon Town Hall in Katharine Street; Fairfield Halls in Park Lane; LSBU Croydon Campus at Electric House, Wellesley Road; Ruskin Square Car Park in Dingwall Road; and The Green Dragon in High Street.
The sculptures will be placed across the town centre, giving visitors a route between different parts of Croydon.
They will be visible from streets and public spaces during the day, with lighting providing a different view after dark.
Designs in Air co-founder Pete Hamilton and co-founder Luke Egan said: “Our main motive is to make the world a more surreal and colourful place as a kind of vendetta against the mundane, concrete world we live in.
"With the ability to blow up giant objects almost anywhere, the installations work as beautiful shock tactics, grabbing the public’s attention.
"We love to spice up the daily grind and disrupt city skylines with some artful light-hearted anarchy.”
Croydon Business Improvement District has commissioned the event in collaboration with Designs in Air.
The studio’s inflatable sculptures have appeared at events and exhibitions worldwide.
Visitors can walk between the sites and view all seven installations over the Bank Holiday weekend.
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