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History of Fairfield Halls

As the name might suggest, Fairfield stands on the site of a field that was used for a fair for five and a half centuries. It was a very famous fair. In fact it was so famous that it attracted every ne'er-do-well from miles around. The sober Victorian burghers of Croydon eventually decided to ban the fair in 1866. This was because they thought the fair had become far too riotous, and quite likely they thought that enjoyment was morally wrong too.

 

In 1866 the land was bought by the Brighton Railway Company and as late as 1933 the site was used for sidings and workshops.

FAIRFIELD CIVIC CENTRE
THE WINNING DESIGN THAT NEVER HAPPENED!

A more morally acceptable use of the land was planned and a competition was held to design a new civic centre. A winner was announced and a grand prize of £500 handed over. This was a relatively cheap way of getting some leading architects to do a lot of work for a small amount of money, and undoubtedly they wouldn't fall for it these days.

 

Unfortunately the public of Croydon, who probably favoured the dog track idea, did not share its council’s enthusiasm for the centre and in 1938 the plans were shelved ‘having regard for the international situation’. Indeed ‘spin’ was around even then. As a result work didn’t start on Fairfield until the 1960s.

FAIRFIELD QUEEN MOTHER 1962
HRH THE QUEEN MOTHER SIGNS OUR VISITOR'S BOOK NOV 1962

The Fairfield Fair Croydon
THE FAIR ON THE FAIR FIELD, CROYDON

There was a rumour that the site may revert back to a place of dubious entertainments, this time to be developed as a greyhound stadium. Ever ones to ensure that the population should not get to enjoy the seedier side of life too much, Croydon Corporation acted swiftly once more by buying up the land to ensure the stadium wouldn't happen.

FAIRFIELD CONSTRUCTION 1962
THE CONCERT HALL UNDER CONSTRUCTION JAN 1962

The Queen Mother opened Fairfield on Friday 2nd November 1962. She then attended the inaugural concert which was given by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Malcom Sergeant, with the soloist being one Yehudi Menhuin.

 

Since then, and for four decades, our audiences have continued to enjoy the sound of classical music in Fairfield's famous Concert Hall.

 

Described as the finest acoustic concert hall in the South East, Fairfield has resonated (perfectly, of course) to a huge range of performers each bringing their own unique magic and their own particular audience.  All eager to share the special experience that is the essence of a live classical performance.

 

From soloists to symphonies, the Concert Hall brings out the best in both performers and audiences who come from far and wide, reflecting the richest variety of people imaginable.

 

This variety is further enhanced by the fact that our audiences have come to expect the unexpected from Fairfield.  The huge range and scope of programmes put on means that a vast number of differing people and tastes are catered for.  We are a well-loved venue in the classical music world and a much needed arts venue for the people of Croydon and the rest of Surrey. We hope you enjoy our venue as much as we value its history.

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