Merton’s 2014 Celebrating Age Festival, for residents over the age of 50, launched its programme of events at the Wimbledon Piazza this week.

Local singing groups including Fusion Multicultural Society and the Wimbledon Guild showed off their musical talents whilst festival volunteers handed out brochures packed full of information and events to members of the public.

This year’s Celebrating Age Festival runs from 8-28 September. The festival supported by Merton Council and run by Age UK Merton offers residents over 50 the chance to enjoy more than 100 exciting events and interesting workshops across the borough. People attending this year can look forward to zumba, walks, talks, coffee mornings, bowls taster sessions and art exhibitions. There will also be an exhibition of WW1 unsung heroes at Raynes Park Library as part of the centenary memorial.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, said “This year’s festival promises to be another success with so many fun activities lined up. The festival, now in its twelfth year, is an important event for our over 50s to meet others, socialise and learn new things.”

Age UK Merton’s chief executive, Charmaine Bennett, said: “Merton’s Celebrating Age Festival is our most exciting event of the year. We are delighted to be hosting it on behalf of so many local organisations and we are thrilled about this year’s programme. We are sure there is something for everyone. There are just three more weeks left to book and some events are already filling up, so get in contact with us today to book your place.”

Brochures are available at different places all over Merton, including libraries, community centres, leisure centres, the Civic Centre in Morden and Age UK Merton in Mitcham.

To book an activity or for more information call the festival line on 020 3328 0329 or visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/celebratingage

ENDS