The biggest community events in New Addington have merged for a fun-filled weekend in June – but organisers still need your help.

The New Addington carnival is returning after seven years' absence and it will be joined by the multicultural event People's Day, which has been a growing success for the last two years.

Fun activities will include handmade foods from different countries, performances by gymnasts, a football tournament, paintballing and traditional woodcarving.

The New Addington People's Carnival has also been awarded a £3,000 grant from Grassroots – a government initiative to support communities.

Carnival committee chairman Kirsty Pearce said: "It's fantastic news and eases the pressure a little.

"Now we can make more plans, starting with joining with People's Day."

The grant puts the committee more than halfway towards the £5,000 target it needs to gain charity status.

If this is obtained, the committee will not have to fork out for costly road closures as charities are exempt from paying these fees.

To raise the money, members are hoping to hold a fundraising event to boost money and are currently looking for a suitable hall at a reasonable price.

But in the meantime they want people to donate.

There are collection boxes in Bloomin' Lovely florist's and The Warehouse store in Central Parade.

Kirsty added: "We've got a donations envelope which should be delivered to every household.

"The more money we can get, the better the carnival will be."

People's Day will be held between 12 and 4pm on Saturday, June 19, offering tasty dishes from Ghana and West Africa, the Caribbean and India – all free of charge. There will also be cultural performances.

The carnival will be held over the weekend of June 19 and 20, with a range of information stalls, from NHS Croydon to members of the New Addington Transition Town team, which wants to make the estate more eco-friendly. There will also be a fair on Milne Park.

New Addington Little League is hosting a football tournament on the Saturday morning, and Allstarz Gymnastics Club will also be performing.

A wood carver will work live with competitions for the audience to guess how long it takes him to create various objects. Two of his larger creations will also be included as prizes in the raffle.

Tony Andrews, owner of Robbie Dee's Roadshow is providing a stage and PA sound system. He will charge the committee just a small fee to cover his costs.

And the Excalibur Unit – a charity for members of the armed forces – has organised a paintballing tent.

E-mail the committee on napc2010@blueyonder.co.uk