Merton’s Celebrating Age Festival is just weeks away and residents are being urged to persuade friends and neighbours to join them, get out and enjoy the fun.

The festival, coordinated by Age Concern and partly funded by Merton Council, runs from Tuesday 1 September to Sunday 27 September and is the key event for over 50s in Merton.

With almost 150 events on offer including taster classes in subjects as diverse as tapestry-weaving or digital photography, the international food fair, and outings to places as far as Bognor Regis, Wisley or the Natural History Museum, there really is something for everyone.

Festival co-ordinator Sue Tickner, of Age Concern Merton, said: “This is one time in the year when transport isn’t a problem. With almost all the events offering festival minibuses for those with mobility problems, it’s an opportunity for everyone to do their good deed for the year by encouraging someone house-bound to join in.

“Volunteers on Festival Line have already been inundated with people phoning up to book their places and we are poised to take calls from now until mid-September. There’s still plenty of room – just keep those calls rolling in, so we can start booking second coaches for some of the trips.”

Merton Council’s cabinet member for adult care Services and health Councillor Maurice Groves said: “We are delighted to be working with Age Concern Merton on creating the very best Celebrating Age Festival ever which puts the needs of our older residents first.

“The festival is a chance for people to visit interesting sites, try out new activities, make friends and most importantly have fun.”

To take part in any of the events being organised – or to find out more for a friend or neighbour – just pick up a Celebrating Age 2009 booklet from any of Merton’s libraries or community centres or the civic centre in Morden.

Residents can also call Festival Line on 020 8545 4712 for more information or to book.