We Are Merton Festival

Monday 5 May 2025

Morden Park, London Road, SM4 5QU

• Gates open: 12:00
• Last entry: 18:30
• All performances end: 20:00

There is no re-entry to the site. 

Larger map of the festival site

• 12:15–19:30 – Flex FM Dance Tent 
  Curated by south-London’s legendary underground station Flex FM, the tent hosts a rolling roster of garage, drum-and-bass and house DJs, bringing pirate-radio energy straight to Morden Park.
• 12:45–13:00 – Spontaneous Combustion (Main Stage) 
  This high-octane youth horn ensemble, nurtured by Merton Music Foundation, mashes jazz-funk riffs, ska rhythms and carnival energy, leaving audiences grinning (and often dancing).
• 13:00–13:45 – Azzures (The Bandstand) 
  Azzures is a Merton based band that have recently supported The Wedding Present, Lydia Lunch, Swell Maps and Miki Berenyi Trio as well as playing their own headline shows. Their music is a blend of influences and in particular focuses on psych, dub, funk and post-punk.
• 13:30–14:00 – Way Wive Wordz (Dr Michelle Yaa Asantewa) – (The Culture Zone) 
  Author, academic and publisher Michelle Yaa Asantewa champions Black history and storytelling through Way Wive Wordz workshops, spoken-word nights and books that amplify under-represented voices.
• 13:45–14:00 – Maddie MacGregor (Main Stage) 
  A rising Merton Music Foundation singer-songwriter whose clear folk-pop vocals and introspective lyrics have featured on BBC Introducing; Maddie fronts several youth-orchestra crossover projects.
• 14:15–14:45 – The Kwe Kwe Group (The Culture Zone) 
  This London collective preserves Guyanese kwe kwe folk traditions through call-and-response vocals, drum patterns and dance, sharing Caribbean heritage with new audiences at festivals, schools and community events.
• 14:30–14:45 – Tian Qiyi (The Bandstand) 
  The experimental duo blend electronica, ambient textures and Chinese instrumentation; their recent single “Red Mist,” featuring Jah Wobble, layers bamboo flutes over trip-hop beats to cinematic effect.
• 15:00–15:45 – Polka Theatre presents Romeo and Juliet (Culture Zone)
  Based in Wimbledon since 1979, Polka is one of only a handful of UK theatres dedicated solely to children. Its inventive productions tour worldwide and put young audiences at the heart of every story.
• 15:00–15:45 – Norman Jay MBE (Dance Tent) 
  A founding father of British club culture, Norman Jay earned an MBE for “services to deejaying.” Co-creator of the Good Times Notting Hill sound-system, he lays down feel-good sets of rare-groove, funk, soul and disco that instantly turn any space into a street party.
• 15:00–15:30 – Team Salut (DJ set) – Main Stage 
  Hit-making producer trio behind Afrobeats smashes for Mr Eazi, Afro B and Yxng Bane, Team Salut’s DJ sets whip amapiano, dancehall, R&B and UK-funky into a joyous, club-ready mix.
• 15:30–16:15 – Jah Wobble (The Bandstand) 
  The deep-dub bass behind Public Image Ltd’s early albums, Jah Wobble has spent four decades fusing post-punk, global rhythms and jazz on acclaimed solo and collaborative releases. His live shows balance hypnotic grooves with storytelling charm.
• 16:15–17:15 – Barrioke (Sean Williamson) – Main Stage 
  Best known as Barry from EastEnders, actor-singer Sean Williamson now fronts “Barrioke,” a tongue-in-cheek live karaoke show where the crowd belts out 1990s and 2000s favourites while Barry supplies the big notes and banter.
• 16:30–17:15 – Artful Dodger (Dance Tent) 
  Southampton producers Mark Hill and Pete Devereux helped ignite the UK-garage boom with timeless hits such as “Re-Rewind” and “Movin’ Too Fast.” Today the duo tour worldwide with a vocal-led DJ set that crams two-step classics, soulful edits and bass-heavy remixes into a high-energy party soundtrack.
• 17:00–17:30 – RAMZ (The Bandstand) 
  Mitcham rapper Ramone Rochester shot to No. 2 in the UK charts with the platinum single “Barking.” Known for melodic hooks and candid south-London storytelling, he has clocked hundreds of millions of streams and a BRIT nomination.
• 18:00–19:00 – ABBA Revival (Main Stage) 
  Frequently voted Europe’s top ABBA tribute, RËVIVAL™ recreates the Swedish super-group with four lead vocalists, a live band, authentic costumes and perfectly choreographed moves, delivering every hit from “Dancing Queen” to “Voulez-Vous” in stadium-sized style.
• 19:00–19:30 – KMT Freedom Teacher (The Bandstand) 
  Rapper, eco-activist and educator KMT uses hip-hop to spark conversations on social justice and food sovereignty. He co-founded May Project Gardens and the “Come We Grow” youth-empowerment series – a collective that fuses music, wellbeing and sustainability for young Londoners. 

All lineups are subject to change. 

Main stage 

• DJ’s Miss L.A & Sollie performing between acts across the day
• 12:45 - 13:15 Spontaneous Combustion
• 13:15 - 13:30 Welcome from the Mayor
• 13:45 - 14:15 Maddie MacGregor
• 14:30 - 15:00 Merton at 60 film
• 15:00 - 15:45 Team Salut (DJ Set)
• 16:15 - 17:30 Barrioke
• 18:00 - 19:15 ABBA Revival 

Bandstand 

• DJ KMT Freedom Teacher playing between acts across the day
• 12:45 - 13:00 Mayor Bandstand re-furb
• 13:00 - 14:00 Azzures
• 14:30 - 15:15 Tian Qiyi
• 15:30 - 16:30 Jah Wobble
• 17:00 - 17:45 RAMZ
• 17.55 - 18.15 DJFN
• 18.20 - 19.00 Tej and the Dhollies

Dance tent

• 12:15 - 13:00 DJ EMS
• 13:00 - 15:00 Danny Blaze & Leanne Louise
• 15:00 - 16:00 Norman Jay
• 16:00 - 16:30 DJ Carloss & Nicky D
• 16:30 - 17:30 Artful Dodger
• 17:30 - 18:30 DJ Carloss & Nicky D
• 18:30 - 19:45 JJ Selector 

Culture stage

• 12:30 - 13:35 Polka: Romeo & Juliet
• 13:50 - 14:20 Way Wive Words
• 14:25 - 14:50 Guyana Kew Kwe Group
• 15:00 - 16:05 Polka: Romeo & Juliet
• 16:15 - 16:45 Elvis by Request
• 17:00 - 17:30 Dylan Kirk & The Killers
• 17:45 - 18:15 Vintage Rock N Roll
• 18:25 - 18:45 Karolinka Polish Dance Company
• 18:50 - 19:10 Arthur Smith
• 19.15 - 19.35 Sachin Kumarendran 

Community stage 

• 12:30-13:00 Magic Frostie - Singalong live
• 13:00-13:20 Jessica Stevens
• 13:30-14:00 Boss Acting
• 14:00-14:30 Magic frostie - Puppet show
• 14:40-15:00 Songs of Sheeran
• 15:05-15:35 Elite Dancers Accademy
• 15:35-16:05 Magic Frostie - Magic Show
• 16:40-17:00 Everley Others Party Duo
• 17:00-17:30 Arte Pura Caporia
• 17:30-18:00 Magic Frostie - Singalong Live 

How do I get tickets? 

Book online below

We Are Merton Festival Tickets (See Tickets website)

Tickets cost £15 (adult) and £5 (child aged 5–15). Under-5s go free.

Will there be tickets on the gate?

No. There is no box office at the festival. Tickets can be purchased online via See Tickets up to and during the event, subject to availability.

What proof of address is accepted for free resident tickets?

Accepted forms include:

• Utility bills
• Council tax statements
• Bank statements
• Official letters showing your name and Merton address (e.g. from Merton Council)

All documents must be dated within the last three months.

Can I return tickets for a refund?

Tickets cannot be refunded. 

If you cannot access your ticket please contact see tickets customer service for assistance: See Tickets - Customer Service

Where is the festival and how do I enter the site?

• Location: Morden Park, London Road, SM4 5QU
• Gate A: Enter via London Road near the registry office
• Gate B: Enter via Hillcross Avenue and Lower Morden Lane (follow event signage)
• Additional pedestrian entrance beside Epsom Road

How do I get there by public transport? 

• Tube: Northern Line to Morden (10-minute walk)
• Buses: 80, 93, 118, 154, 157, 470
• Cycling: Secure cycle parking available inside the park 

Before you travel, check the TFL Journey Planner, as Bank Holiday schedules may mean reduced public transport services. 

Where can I park?

There is no on-site parking, except for Blue Badge holders. Parking nearby is very limited, so public transport is advised. 
Blue Badge holders can pre-book their space by emailing: events@merton.gov.uk 

What can I bring?

You can bring: 

• Empty reusable bottles
• Picnic blankets
• Folding chairs

You cannot bring: 

• Alcohol
• Food and drinks purchased outside of the festival except for baby food and water
• Glass
• Weapons
• Large umbrellas
• BBQs
• Dangerous items
• Dogs (except registered assistance dogs)

All bags will be searched on entry. 

Is alcohol available on-site?

Yes. Licensed bars serve beer, wine, and cocktails under Challenge 25 rules. 
No outside alcohol is allowed and will be confiscated by security. 

What food options are there? 

A wide range of street food, including vegan, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options: 

• Chick ‘n’ Sours – Next Level Fried Chicken
• Hermanos Taco House – Mexican cuisine with a twist
• LIL WATAN – Authentic Lebanese street food
• Made of Dough – Champion Wood-Fired Pizza
• Naked Chips – Fresh, hand-cut chips
• Nanny Bill’s Burgers – Hand-pressed beef burgers
• Smashing Plates – Greek sourdough pitta
• Los Churros Amigos – Churros with melted Belgian chocolate
• COFFEE Copper | Penny Box – Speciality coffee and more 

Is the site accessible? 

Accessibility features include: 

• Viewing platform by the main stage
• BSL interpreters will be at the Main Stage and Culture Zone
• RevoLOOtion Changing Spaces (accessible toilets)
• Limited Blue Badge parking (pre-book via events@merton.gov.uk)
• Free entry for essential carers with proof
• Registered assistance dogs welcome 

What if it rains? 

The event will go ahead unless conditions become unsafe. Bring appropriate clothing. There are several covered areas, including large marquees and tents. 

Is the festival cash-free? 

Card payments are preferred. Some traders may accept cash. 
There are no ATMs on-site. 

Is the festival family-friendly? 

Absolutely! Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult (18+). There will be activities for all ages including Polka Theatre performances, funfair rides, and interactive workshops. 

Can I bring my dog? 

Only registered assistance dogs are permitted within the festival perimeter. 

What security measures are in place? 

• Licensed security officers
• Police liaison team
• Bag checks
• Clearly marked help points
• On-site medical tent 

How is litter managed? 

• Extra bins and recycling stations available
• Attendees are expected to dispose of their own waste
• Rolling litter sweeps and full clean-up after the event
• Residents can use the on-the-day reporting phone line provided in their letter 

Official photographers and videographers will be capturing the event. By entering the festival, you consent to appear in event media. If you do not wish for yourself or your family to be featured, or you see your image used and want it to be removed email: communications@merton.gov.uk You can also speak to the photographer on the day so they can avoid you.

Message Merton Council on Facebook or Instagram, or email events@merton.gov.uk and communications@merton.gov.uk