The Champions church family - RCCG House of Champions and Champions Christian Assembly parishes - set up 2 street parties, one at Oasis Academy in Shirley Croydon and another at Community Hall New Addington Croydon.

 

With African dancing and cultural delicacies on offer, local people began to sing along to gospel songs whilst some danced to African gospel music.  One of the organisers commented that: "People came over and began chatting whilst sharing in our food and snacks. 

 

"Our Pastor said the Grace and this led into an improvised open air praise and worship session followed with prayers. We enjoyed every bit of the opportunity to openly sing and dance. We gave away souvenirs in form of Jubilee pens and the New testaments with our worship times and venue embedded in the bibles. They were well accepted."

 

"I loved hearing 'this is fun', 'can I join in your African dance?',' 'this stall is the busiest offering free snacks, tea and drinks to all that passed by', 'your outfits are very colourful'. Various people from the community came over to join us, from shop workers to the territorial army - all colours, races and religions. Lots of chats took place between people that have just met face to face for the first time. Those that had been alone were suddenly welcome and had company."