Organisers hope the weekend is a 'fitting tribute" to the palace

Crystal Palace Park is stepping back in time to host a Victorian weekend in honour of the period when the main building was constructed.

Joseph Paxton's famous Crystal Palace opened on the site's top terrace in 1854 but burnt down in 1936.

The weekend will feature Victorian and Edwardian entertainment such as a fun fair, archery and a variety of stalls.

Melvyn Harrison, chairman of the Crystal Palace Foundation which has organised the event at the park, told BBC News Online: "As far as south London is concerned it's a very important park, for many south-east Londoners, it is their back garden.

The fair is on the top terrace where the palace once stood

"People feel very passionately about the park and they care about its future.

"We can't bring the Crystal Palace back but we can do a lot of work on the park to bring it back up to standard.

"I hope the celebration will be a fitting tribute to a remarkable building."

The London Development Agency is currently consulting with the local community on plans for the future of the park.