Councillor Yvette Hopley joined in the party last Sunday for the sixth annual Big Lunch by appearing at many events across Croydon.
It was one of her last appearances as Mayor before the appointment of Councillor Manju Shahul Hameed on June 3.
Bringing back the spirit of the Queen’s Jubilee, roads across the borough were closed and parties were held in the streets, one of the largest being hosted by St Chad’s Church on Whitworth Road, which the former mayor attended.
Tina Hanson, one of the organisers, said: “The event went brilliantly – the sun shone, there was lots to eat and drink with a street party like atmosphere.
“Having the mayor attend made the day extra special.”
Over 300 people attended the party which was inspired by the World Cup with a Rio theme and combined the Big Lunch with a fundraising fete which raised approximately £2300 for the school and church.
On her Facebook page Councillor Hopley said “The church and school joined forces to put on a fabulous street party in Whitworth and Burgoyne Road.
“These community events include young and old in a multitude of events. I really enjoyed the dancing and the lovely outside stalls.”
Other notable events were on Vicarage Road where residents use the annual event to raise money for several cancer charities.
Since being started by the Eden Project, thousands of Big Lunches have taken place in all types of communities across the UK and an estimated 4million people are taking part this year.
Big Lunches cans still be organised until the end of June, for more information and an information pack go to www.thebiglunch.com.
