Shoppers and neighbours are gearing up for a bigger, bolder Merton Pride on 5 September , a day of music, marches and community at Morden Hall Park and Merton Abbey Mills that promises inclusion, family-friendly fun and headline drag from a RuPaul’s Drag Race star. Here’s what to know and why it matters locally.

Essential Takeaways

  • Date and venues: Merton Pride takes place on 5 September across Morden Hall Park and Merton Abbey Mills, starting at 10am.
  • Parade and schedule: A Pride Fair opens the day, with a 2pm march along the River Wandle to Merton Abbey Mills and evening Pride Fest performances.
  • Headline act: Kate Butch from RuPaul’s Drag Race will headline the Pride Show and join a meet-and-greet.
  • Community backing: Supported by more than 50 volunteers, sponsors and partners, including Pride in London’s Unity Fund and Wandle as a proud sponsor.
  • Activities on offer: Health advice stalls, face painting, dance sessions and a runway-walking workshop with New Wimbledon Theatre , plenty of family-friendly and wellbeing-focused things to do.

A bigger Pride for Merton , what’s new this year?

Merton Pride is returning bigger than last year, with organisers aiming to build on the event that drew more than 1,000 people. Expect a livelier, more polished festival atmosphere, with the layout split between the leafy setting of Morden Hall Park and the riverside charm of Merton Abbey Mills. The mix feels deliberately inclusive , somewhere between a community fair and an evening gigs programme , so there’s something for families as well as queer night-owls.

The day in practical terms , timings, route and family bits

The day launches at 10am with the Pride Fair at Morden Hall Park where you’ll find health advice, face painting and dance taster sessions. At 2pm the march sets off, following the River Wandle to Merton Abbey Mills where the main Pride Fest runs into the evening. If you’re taking children, pack layers and a picnic; the park is green and calm, but the route is also easy to follow if you want to stroll with a buggy or a group.

Why the community backing matters

This isn’t just a one-off show , organisers say Merton Pride has grown into a civic movement that keeps community groups working together all year. Pride in London is supporting the event through its Unity Fund, and local organisations like Wandle and Merton Abbey Mills are on board as sponsors and hosts. That mix of grassroots volunteers and institutional support helps the day feel both celebratory and sustainable, and it means more outreach and wellbeing resources on site.

Who’s performing and why it’s a draw

One of the headline draws this year is Kate Butch from RuPaul’s Drag Race, who’ll headline the Pride Show and meet fans. That kind of name brings national buzz but the programme also showcases local performers and community groups, keeping the balance between headline sparkle and local talent. If you want a selfie or a chat, plan for meet-and-greet times and arrive early for the best spots near the stage.

How to make the most of your visit

Arrive early to catch the Pride Fair and any workshops, bring contactless payment if you plan to buy food or merch, and check transport options , the two venues are walkable along the Wandle but public transport will be busier than usual. Volunteers and event staff will be on hand; if you need first aid or quiet space, look for the wellbeing stall. Finally, wear comfortable shoes , you’ll be on grass and along towpaths for much of the day.

It's a small change that can make every weekend in Merton feel more inclusive and lively.

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