Merton’s older food enthusiasts will have an opportunity to sample some of the tastiest flavours of the world this Friday, 26 September at an international food fair to mark the final day of Merton’s Celebrating Age Festival.

The fair will take place from 10am to 2pm in The Hub at the Mitcham Football Grounds, and will feature Chinese, Caribbean and Goan food, local cakes, a sausage sizzle, and displays about groups taking part on the day and services for over 50s.

A number of groups representing Merton’s older community will help to keep visitors entertained on the day with song and dance performances including belly dancing, line dancing and traditional Chinese dancing.

Festival coordinator Sue Tickner says: “The international food fair is a fantastic opportunity for members of the older community to get together and share in the delights of cuisine and entertainment from around the world. It’s a celebration of age and diversity and the type of community that makes Merton what it is.

“The festival has certainly ‘grown up’ this year. One of the main strengths has been the involvement of the Festival Friends volunteer group. We’ve had a lot more feedback from participants and the volunteers which gives us a better idea of the kinds of activities and outings we’ll have on offer for next year’s festival.”

Councillor Linda Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Care and Health says: ‘The Celebrating Age Festival is our biggest annual event in celebration of Merton’s older community and this year the festival has really taken flight.

“The international food fair is an opportunity for Merton’s over 50’s to make a real song and dance about the fantastic older community we have in Merton and to mark the completion of another successful Celebrating Age Festival in Merton.”