5 days Ago
The borough is celebrating its milestone with its biggest ever community event, the We Are Merton Festival, on May 5. The event will take place at Morden Park from midday to 8pm. The free tickets were initially offered to Merton residents through social media and the council’s e-newsletter.
Now, general release tickets are available for what promises to be a memorable day for families, music fans, and visitors of all ages. The festival will feature a variety of musical acts and entertainment. Headlining the event are garage DJ duo Artful Dodger, ABBA tribute band Abba Revival, and Barrioke, led by Shaun Williams, aka EastEnders’ Barry.
Other performers include DJ Norman Jay MBE, post-punk icon Jah Wobble, and Merton-born rapper RAMZ. Artful Dodger will headline the event (Image: Merton Council) David and Alistair of Artful Dodger said: "We can’t wait to bring the party to Morden Park and celebrate Merton’s 60th. "It’s going to be a special day for the area, let’s make it one to remember.
" RAMZ said: "Many know I grew up in Mitcham, a town that is close to my heart. "I went to primary, secondary and sixth form in this area so performing at Merton’s biggest music and culture event is a chance for me to connect with everyone in the borough who has seen my journey. "I will always love and support my town and the borough that I’m from and I encourage people to get together and make this community beautiful.
" The festival will also feature global street food and drink stalls, funfair attractions, and interactive activities including craft corners and games. Polka Theatre in Wimbledon will bring its award-winning production of Romeo & Juliet to the festival. A spokesperson for the theatre said: "As a much-loved and very proud Merton institution, Polka Theatre is delighted to bring our award-winning production of Romeo & Juliet to the festival, a hip-hop musical made with local artists, Beats & Elements.
"Relocating Shakespeare’s classic tale to Mitcham, Shakespeare's most famous story is re-told through rap, rhythms, and beautiful harmonies. "It's 'Romeo and Juliet', but as you've never heard it before." Councillor Ross Garrod, leader of Merton Council, said: "We couldn’t be more excited to bring the borough’s biggest-ever festival to Morden Park, with incredible acts like Artful Dodger and Europe’s top ABBA tribute band.
"This is the highlight of our We Are Merton at 60 celebrations, not just showcasing our local talent and vibrant culture, but also looking ahead to a brighter future with planting of lavender and wildflowers across the borough, creating new pocket parks, and starting our three-year Cultural Impact Award programme. "We hope everyone will join us on May 5 to celebrate our wonderful community spirit and show the world what a warm, welcoming place Merton is to live, work, and visit." The festival is the grand finale of a five-week programme celebrating Merton’s 60 years, with community events taking place throughout April and early May.
Festival tickets are now available to purchase from See Tickets, priced at £15 for adults (16+) and £5 for children. For further information on the festival and the full line-up of events, visit merton.gov.
uk/60..
