Mitcham will be filled with local pride this summer as Merton welcomes back the prestigious Mitcham Carnival on Saturday 13 June 2009.

Merton’s recently elected Mayor, Councillor Nick Draper, will lead a procession from Figges Marsh to Three Kings Piece starting at 12.30pm.

Carnival revellers taking part in the celebrations will show off their brightly-coloured costumes as well as their dancing and musical talents. Last year’s carnival winner Gorringe Park Primary School, a group of cheerleaders, the Mayor’s winning New Year’s Day Parade float ‘Winter Wonderland in Merton’ and an army band are just a few of those who will be marching behind the mayor in front of thousands of people.

The Mayor will also be judging and announcing the winner of this year’s float competition in the main arena at Three Kings Piece. He will be looking for creative interpretation of the ‘Pride of Mitcham’ theme and will award a cup to the best entry. A horse display team, dance groups, stilt-walkers, the ‘Mitcham mini games’ and a little league football final will ensure the festivities continue late into the afternoon. There will also be a fun fair, refreshments and a variety of stalls for carnival-goers to enjoy.

For the first time in the carnival’s history, there will be a live music stage hosting local bands, headlining with the Blues band ‘Roadhouse’.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for environment and leisure services, Councillor David Simpson said: “This year’s carnival is going to be bigger and better than ever and we want to see families and friends joining in the festivities. There will be plenty of things to do for people of all ages and it’s an ideal fun day out for the whole family. We have lots to be proud of in Mitcham and the carnival gives the opportunity to show off some of what the town has to offer.”