Hundreds of residents were out enjoying a free activity-packed day in Cottenham Park on Saturday 10 July.

Celebrating the Cultural Olympiad, visitors to the cultural extravaganza were able to try out arts and crafts and test their volleyball, tennis and football skills.

With an Inflatable goal provided by Tooting and Mitcham Hub, children practised their football shooting skills; Richmond Volleyball provided volleyball nets and coaching.

Visitors also created smoothies using pedal power using a special bike provided by Blendavenda.

MyRaynesPark Festival provided parachute games and a magician wandered the park enticing people with magic tricks.

People of all ages took part in the Merton mini-games and an interactive installation called Colourscape, which allowed visitors the chance to journey through the giant inflatable tunnels in all their multi-sensory glory.

Performances by Merton Concert Band, Raynes Park Community Gospel Choir and Joe Wilkes rocked the stage. There was also an electrifying performance from Beeja Dance Company. Local artist Marianne Zeck created an interactive art installation in the park.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for community and culture, Cllr Martin Whelton said, ” I would like to thank all the organisations involved in making the event a success and who helped put this free event on for the local community. It was great to see so many people participating in the various activities on offer and helped make the day a success. The cultural Olympiad allows us to bring sport and art together, but also allow residents the opportunity to participate in various sporting and cultural activities ,along with promoting health and fitness.”

Notes

Colourscape is a brightly coloured dome housing bubbled corridors and rooms where visitors can experience music and performing.