A magnificent public art trail was opened as part of Croydon’s Capital of Culture Croydon Stands Tall is one of the festivals where you can go on your own safari and see 60 giraffes across the city.

The celebrations are supported by Crystal Palace Football Club, who have designed their own 2.5-metre tall giraffe, decorated by MurWalls, the same team behind Mural by Wilfried Zaha.

Croydon Stands Tall celebrates the diversity and creative spirit of Croydon while raising funds for Crisis, the national charity fighting homelessness which runs a centre in the heart of Croydon which has already been visited by players from the club.

The South Londonborough has planned a year-long celebration of Croydon’s unique identity, its diverse communities and its rich heritage, culture and creativity.

What is Croydon Stands Tall and who is involved?

Until Friday 27 October, you can see a series of unique giraffes parading through Croydon town centre as part of the Croydon Stands Tall celebrations.

Each of the 30 large giraffe sculptures was designed by an artist and sponsored by a local business.

Schools and community groups from across the borough are also involved, coming together to create 30 small giraffe sculptures that will be displayed in several indoor locations across the city.

Crystal Palace Football Club’s giraffe features several crests from different periods of the club’s history and will find a home in Boxpark in East Croydon.

Matthew Sims, Managing Director of Croydon Town Centre Business Improvement District Ltd, said: “Croydon, a place defined by its people who always stand tall, is home to such a rich and diverse culture. Through our artistic partnership with Wild in Art, the Croydon Stands Tall trail will bring art and culture closer to people, enriching this year’s This is Croydon London Cultural District.

“This August, our streets will come to life with 60 magnificent, uniquely designed giraffe sculptures, from small to giant, creating a vibrant and spectacular experience,” he said.

The large giraffes will be auctioned at the end of the trail to raise money for Crisis Skylight Croydon, while the small giraffes will be returned to their schools and groups.

Over the next 10 weeks, supporters and their families can participate in the entire walk and search for all 60 giraffes. They can also access a free walking map and an app, which will be available soon. They will spot the colorful animals at every turn and receive exciting rewards and information missions along the way.

A smaller, 1.20 metre tall version of the giraffe will be on display in the fan zone at Selhurst Park.

Matthew Sims added: “This free event will unite our community and invite everyone in Croydon – residents, workers and visitors – to share in the joy and celebration of our extraordinary town on a grand scale.”

To mark the end of the trail, Croydon will host a special farewell weekend where all the giraffe sculptures will be displayed together. The club’s sculpture will then be auctioned in aid of national charity Crisis to raise vital funds for the charity’s Croydon Skylight Centre, which provides vital housing, employment, health and wellbeing support to those who need it, helping people leave homelessness behind for good.

“Croydon Stands Tall is a brilliant project that we are proud to support, with our very own giraffe. The art trail is a great way for local residents and families to spend a few hours, but it will also attract visitors to the area as part of the London Borough of Culture celebrations,” said Steve Parish, Chairman of Crystal Palace.

“Our players have visited Crisis Skylight in Croydon before and we hope that the auction at the end of the project will raise a significant amount for their important and valuable work.”