Wimbledon Shorts is an international film festival dedicated to showcasing new and innovative work in short form film and video from around the world.

The films range from 10 seconds to 15 minutes long, by first-time directors or established filmmakers whatever the genre – it can be funny, serious, real, fantastic, experimental, drama, documentary or animation.

The festival is in its 15th year and this year has been like no other with over 300 submissions from 21 different countries. A panel of experienced film industry judges will cut those down to the 15 best which will be screened at the awards night at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon. The screening will be followed by a ceremony where eight awards will be given out including an audience choice award.

Thursday 10 October - Sunday 13 October

Recommended for ages 4-8

6-year-old Manny is bursting with excitement at the thought of preparing a welcome home dinner for his dad Tony, who’s been away. Together with his mum - professional chef Valeria - his granny Abuela Alma, and his superhero companion Mighty Mujer, he’s planning to cook a family meal of arepas, guacamole, and a delicious Brigadeiro dessert.

Abuela, however, would rather Manny go and play with his toys than help in the kitchen – she thinks it’s ‘a woman’s place’. Manny feels differently - Why can’t he cook and learn to be a professional chef, or a superhero when he grows up? Or both?

But when his mum has to get a missing ingredient and his abuela falls asleep, a mishap puts the whole dinner on the line. Manny will have to be resourceful and take on the challenge to put things right with the help of Mighty Mujer – and the audience!

Join us for this award-nominated musical that invites children and their families to sing, dance, and cook with a Latin American family.

Approximately 55 minutes

Tickets from £14*
(Group and multi-buy offers available)
*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings. T&Cs apply.

Friday 11 October - Sunday 20 October

Recommended for ages 5-8

Join Luna and her Dad for an adventure among the library shelves in this exciting new musical for families.

Luna looks forward to one special day… Library Day! It’s the day when she discovers magic among the library shelves, from dinosaurs to mummies, from unexplained mysteries to monsters and magic. But for Luna, Library Day is also a chance to spend time with Dad, making it all the more special.

Based on the critically acclaimed book by Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and illustrator Fiona Lumbers, join Luna and Dad as they discover magic and mystery, laughter and sadness and, through the power of stories, even start to mend their own history.

Adapted for the stage by award-winning poet and author Joseph Coelho, with music and lyrics by family favourite David Gibb, Luna Loves Library Day is the perfect treat for children and their families.

Approximately 1 hour

Tickets from £10*
(Group and multi-buy offers available)
*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings. T&Cs apply.

Saturday 19 October - Sunday 24 November.

Recommended for ages 6-18 months

A playful discovery of shapes, sounds and textures.

What question would you want your baby to answer? What would you like them to ask you? In a world full of astonishing unknowns and surprising possibilities, how do you find the right answers or questions?

This playful and interactive new show is full of shapes, sounds, textures and words exploring different ways to connect and understand each other. Inspired by heartfelt conversations with new parents, this humorous production explores the multiple ways we communicate, ensuring that no one is left out.

At the end of the performance there is a stay and play session where audiences can enter the sensory landscape of the production.

Approximately 45 minutes (including a stay and play)

Access performances
British Sign Language Interpreted (BSL): Saturday 9 November 11.45am

Tickets from £11*
(Group offers available)
*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings. T&Cs apply.

Friday 25 October - Sunday 3 November

Recommended for ages 4-8

Noi lives with his Dad and six cats by the sea…

One summer, while his Dad was busy at work, Noi rescued a little whale that washed up on the beach. A friendship began that changed their lives forever.

The following winter his Dad takes one last trip in his fishing boat. Noi is alone once more and longs to see his friend again. He waits and watches, watches and waits…

Will it take another storm to bring them back together?

Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming stories of loneliness, love and courage are brought to life as one magical piece of theatre from the team behind ‘Grandad’s Island’.

Based on the award-winning books 'The Storm Whale' and 'The Storm Whale in Winter' by Benji Davies.

Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (including interval)

Tickets from £10*
(Group and multi-buy offers available)
*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings. T&Cs apply.

Wednesday 30 October - Sunday 3 November

Recommended for ages 6-12

A joyful, kaleidoscopic family show about change, why change happens – and how to deal with it.

The world has ever so slightly shifted. Things are... different, skewed, off kilter and no one else has noticed. Time feels strange and no one day is the same. Wait. Was that an actual zebra crossing the zebra crossing?

Join us for this fast-moving and physical adventure about the chaos of the last few years – allowing young people to take stock and share their hopes for the future.

Created by award-winning theatre company Rhum + Clay, made in consultation with a child psychologist and children across London.

Approximately 50 minutes

Tickets from £14*
(Group and multi-buy offers available)
*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings. T&Cs apply.

Come and join Bach to Baby this Half Term for a specially designed programme of classical music for the whole family to enjoy together.

Get ready for a glittering array of seasonal firecrackers that will set your heart alight. From Vivaldi's iconic Four Seasons Autumn concerto and Bartok's raucous Romanian Dances to Handel's magnificent Royal Fireworks, our virtuosic violinist and playful pianist will bring you a feast of aural delights to get the whole family oohing and aahing!

Bach to Baby is the acclaimed concert series for the whole family to enjoy together.
Featuring outstanding musicians and exhilarating performances in inspiring venues right on your doorstep - no concert is complete without crying, feeding, dancing and nappy changing.

Sign up for e-updates on all the Bach to Baby concerts in your area: http://www.bachtobaby.com/eupdates

Musical Fireworks Displays 2024

Morden Park, Saturday 2 November and Wimbledon Park, Tuesday 5 November
Our ever popular shows are back for 2024. Expect two dazzling musical fireworks shows at each venue.

Plus, stop by our street food village and sample our mouth-watering selection of food and drink. Funfair also on site.

Running order 2024:

6:15pm - Gates and funfair open
6:45pm - First fireworks show (more suitable for young children)
8.30pm - Second fireworks show
Plus funfair, refreshments and bar
10.00pm - Funfair closes

Please note no sparklers, fireworks, dogs or alcohol are to be brought into the venue.

Be part of our FOURTH Big Sleep Out at AFC Wimbledon!

Whether you are a Dons Local Action Group volunteer; an AFC Wimbledon fan; a local sports club or a local resident, you are invited to join the Big Sleep Out 4 and get sponsored to sleep at the AFC Wimbledon stadium, in support of Dons Local Action Group.

We are also invite individuals and also teams of up to 10 from local organisations, companies, sports clubs, schools etc.

There is a fundraising target is £150 for each participant, though this is a target and not a requirement.

We are requesting participants to purchase a ticket to participate, at £20 per head (including breakfast) to cover the costs of running the event.

DETAILS: We will be emailing participants with further details closer to the date.
Breakfast will be available from 6am the following morning.
We will have first aiders on site all night.
Tea, coffee and snacks are available during the night.

Bring warm clothes, a thick sleeping bag, anything else you need and a positive attitude!

THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK!

Come along to Merton’s free cost-of-living event to access the advice and support you need with your finances including bills, debt, and benefits, as well as energy saving, employment, wellbeing and more. It’s Saturday 16 November, 10.30am–1.30pm at Mitcham Library.

Every household that attends will receive a £10 supermarket voucher.