Merton's Mayor To Light Queen's Beacon

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Jubilee events in and around Wimbledon

Merton's Diamond Jubilee Beacon will be lit on Monday (June 4) at a free community event in Morden Park.

The official beacon will be lit by the Mayor of Merton, David Williams, at 10.15pm along with all the registered local authority beacons across the country.

The family day out, organised by Merton borough council, will run from 4pm until 10.30pm near the bandstand and behind Morden Park Pool.

The event will include a family funfair, food, drinks and ice cream. Residents are welcome to bring a picnic, and can also enjoy live music by local artists, headlined by surfer guitarists The Bikini Beach Band.

Councillor David Williams said: "We look forward to our residents coming along as part of our borough's celebrations. The long weekend will give us all a chance to enjoy being with our families and friends, while celebrating all that Merton has to offer."

Merton Council cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper said: "There will be 2,012 beacons lit for the Queen across the UK, and it's up to us in Merton to make sure ours is one of the most memorable. Come and have fun!"

Earlier in the day on Monday (June 4) there will be live music on Wimbledon's town centre Piazza, including dance and children's music workshop as well as adult music from live performers over lunchtime. The event runs from 11am-4pm. The Piazza will also host a Jubilee-themed children's craft workshop on the Piazza on Wednesday (June 6).

There are also at least 62 street parties taking place in Merton over the weekend, with 30 plannned for Wimbledon - including a "Big Lunch" at Sunnyside in Wimbledon from 12 noon-3pm on Saturday (June 2).

Also on Saturday, there's a Diamond Jubilee Celebration at West Barnes Library between noon and 4pm. There's something for all ages including food and refreshments from the 1950s, quizzes, prizes, songs from the era sung by the Tuesday Rendezvous Choir, children's fancy dress, a book sale and Coronation Day memories.

Events on Sunday (June 3) include the "Rutsfest" in Poplar Road, Wimbledon, from noon to 8.30pm and a "Big Lunch" at Deen City Farm, South Wimbledon, from 11am to 3pm. 

The Mayor invites the community to a Diamond Jubilee Service on Sunday. It takes place at 6.30pm at St Mary's Parish Church, 30 St Mary's Road, Wimbledon.

Throughout the weekend there is a Flower Festival in St Mary's Church in Church Path, Merton Park, with teas at St Mary's Vicarage on Saturday and a Re-enactment of the Coronation Service at 10am on Sunday.

However, there are no tickets remaining for the Merton Park "Big Jubilee Lunch" planned for Sunday (June 3) in the glebe field behind St Mary's Church.

May 30, 2012