Thousands of people are set to flock to Thornton Heath this weekend to be entertained by artists from the world of rap, hip hop and reggae who will take to the main stage along with a troop of vibrant costumed dancers. 

Thornton Heath Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary on Sunday and will see a fun packed day ahead wth the return of some old favourites as well as some new acts offering up some of the best local talent to enjoy.

Starting at mid-day and finishing at 6pm the High Street will be shut off to cards to make way for fairground rides, face painting, food, drink and other stalls.

Here The Chronicle provides a mini guide of what to look forward to but for full details and timings buy a programme on the day and support the festival.

The festival is a locally run not-for- profit event organised by a committee of charitable minded local business people originally the Thornton Heath Business Partnership along with local representatives and volunteers.

Funds generated are used for Thornton Heath’s Christmas lights or ploughed back into each following year’s festival.

Festival vice-chair Councillor Callton Young said: “Reaching this milestone is a tribute to the efforts of volunteers like Tony Rowland, councillor Pat Clouder, Alderman Adrian Dennis, Karen Barnett and a small group of others like me.”

The stage will carry live performances throughout the afternoon with DJ Cassy M, the MC for the day.

*Alternative hip hop artist GTSolo, who grew up in Thornton Heath and still lives in Croydon, has been praised for his unique creation and sound of music not only as a lyricist but also a producer.

*Born and raised the boroughTubby Boy is a 25-year-old multi award winning rapper who is not stranger to the stage, having performed and showcased his musical talent for  a number of years beginning in secondary school and local borough taken shows.

*Skillosophi brings all that is positive and uplifting to South London’s live Reggae music scene. Chosen to play the Jamaica Day Celebration in Brixton 2010, featuring the Jamaican Athletics Team, Skillosophi proved such a hit that Asafa Powell and other members of the squad got up on stage and jammed with the band.

*R and B artist Felicity Thiner from Thornton Heath is a dynamic versatile singer and song writer with a lovely soulful jazzy tone. Her material is reflects life’s trials and tribulations.

*Reggae singer and songwriter Suzie Jay started out singing gospel music in church when she was around 12-year’s- old and her early singing career involved working with various garage, reggae and house bands. She was fortunate enough to perform at the Royal Albert Hall.

*Singer Ben Brown, is set to entertain the Festival audience with a variety of songs from the sixties right through to current hits, soul, pop, and Motown.

*Kingdom Kid, performs a unique brand of gospel, hip hop and rap.

*Reggae star Dan I is building a fast growing fan base with his inimitable style and has been welcomed multiple times to the festival.

*Kimberley SK (pictured top), is a popular festival returnee. The reggae and R and B artist, performed at the Royal Wedding celebration covered live by BBC London Radio, and was 2nd Place Winner in Croydon With Talent 2015. She is a firm favourite in Thornton Heath having turned on the Christmas lights.

She will be joined on the main sage with other favoured acts from last year, soca band: One The Band and Triniboi Joocie, (pictured in the main picture) whose calypso influenced music is a real h it with festival stalwarts.

*This year’s dance acts include: Notting Hill carnival regulars the costume clad Flagz Mas Band; Croydon based Aim High Academy,

Image Duo are made up of Sean MJ Russell and Ronell Coward from South Norwood who are a Michael Jackson and street dance duo with a unique twist. Both have individual styles of dance which is collaborated to give a electrifying performance so WATCH OUT!

For more information visit: www.thorntonheathfestival.com 

*Jack Charalambou owner of The Barbers Store Hair and Beauty on the High Street was one of the founding members of the festival along with the current chairman Tony Rowland. 

Jack is no longer involved due to health reasons but still loves the festival attending every year and enjoys the dancing.

He said: “It is brilliant. It brings people together and has gone from strength to strength.”

Jack who has run a hair salon in Thornton Heath since 1976 admits he didn’t think it would still be going 10 year’s later.

He has particular praise for Peter Lewis who was the original DJ.

Jack recalls the first event was ‘hectic’ as they had to borrow scaffolding to build a stage on the morning of the festival.

He added: “It has got bigger with more people coming and more stalls which it makes it more interesting.”