Merton is set to celebrate London’s annual Peace Week with a packed programme of events for all the family.
London’s annual Peace Week returns, with Merton set to steal the show.
Although September has arrived in all its autumnal glory, Merton residents can make the most of the last rays of sunshine.
This year, Merton Council have pulled out all the stops to ensure that, what has long been a small-scale community celebration slightly overshadowed by higher-profile events in more central boroughs, will be a seven-day festival.
The theme this year is unity, and between September 21 – 27, a series of events to celebrate diversity, equality and social harmony will be taking place.
The event will be launched on Monday September 21 at 12.30pm at the Wimbledon Piazza.
Merton Council cabinet member for community safety and engagement, Councillor Henry Nelless, said: “This year’s peace week promises to be a fantastic series of events with something for everyone.
“Around 85% of people in the borough already agree that Merton is an area where people from different backgrounds get on. However we remain fully committed to doing everything we can to make sure everyone feels their community works well together and that they can live in peace and safety.”
Activities taking place as part of peace week include a puppet-show on peace created by refugees, a volunteering day in the park and UN talks on interfaith and intercultural initiatives.
The national STOP campaign, designed to put a stop to gang culture, which has received support from Channel 4, run by young designer and activist Alex Rose, will visit the South Wimbledon Youth Centre on Thursday.
As part of the finale weekend a fun day will be held at Mitcham Fair Green on Saturday, September 26 from 1-4pm.
Entertainers from different cultures will perform on stage and activities such as face painting will be provided for all of the family.
On Sunday September 27, local faith and community groups will offer a chance to reflect and recover from the week’s festivities, with a special event at the Merton Civic centre.
To find out more about Merton’s peace week events visit, www.merton.gov.uk/weekofpeace .
