March
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or a proud ally, everyone is welcome to join the celebration! Dress loud, shine bright, bring your friends and family — and let’s show the world what Merton’s all about!
START: 2pm, Morden Hall Park
END: Merton Abbey Mills
Take part in London’s greenest Pride March, following the beautiful River Wandle – one of our area’s greatest natural assets – from Morden Hall Park to Merton Abbey Mills.
What to expect
- Dozens of LGBTQ+ and local groups, charities and organisations will be marching, bringing colour, music and energy to the parade as we take the Pride celebrations from Morden Hall Park to Merton Abbey Mills.
- Hundreds of individuals, friends and families will be joining us too. Simply sign up on the day and collect your marching wristband.
- If walking isn’t for you, cheer us on from the sidelines! Dedicated spectator areas will be available in Morden Hall Park and outside Deen City Farm, around halfway along the route.
How to join the march
Everyone is welcome, and taking part is completely FREE.
To join the march, you will need to collect a marching wristband on Saturday 5th September. Wristbands will be available during the Pride Fair at Morden Hall Park, from 10am–2pm. Our volunteers will direct you to the dedicated march sign-up stall.
Numbers are capped this year, so we recommend arriving early to secure your place.
Where and when does the march start?
The parade will begin lining up beside the White Bridge in Morden Hall Park from 1:30pm, ready for a 2pm start.
You will be directed to a particular section of the parade according to the colour of your wristband. Please follow the directions of our volunteer marshals, who will be there to keep everyone safe and the parade moving smoothly.
The front of the parade will set off at 2pm sharp, with the rear expected to be moving by around 2:30pm.
About the route
Distance: Approximately 1 mile
Walking time: Allow around 1 hour from start to finish
Terrain: Mostly flat, with a short section of gentle slopes
Surface:Mostly tarmac, with some unsurfaced paths within Morden Hall Park
The route follows the River Wandle from Morden Hall Park, past Deen City Farm, before finishing at Merton Abbey Mills, where the Pride celebrations continue until 10pm.
Please wear suitable footwear, particularly if there has been rain, as some sections within Morden Hall Park may be muddy.
Health and safety
Your safety is our priority. The march will be supported by trained volunteer marshals and professional operatives. We have worked closely with Merton’s Safety Advisory Group, the police and security professionals to help make Merton Pride safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
We strongly encourage you to bring drinking water with you. Drinking-water taps are available at Morden Hall Park.
If you need to leave the march before the end, you can exit at Deen City Farm, where toilets and drinking water are also available.
Please listen to our marshals and follow their instructions throughout the march.
Photography and filming
Photographers, videographers and other media creatives will be capturing the colour and excitement of Merton Pride. By joining the march, you are therefore likely to appear in photographs or video footage.
If you, your children or anyone you are accompanying would prefer not to appear in Merton Plus photography, social media or publicity, please let us know when collecting your wristband. You will be invited to join a dedicated section of the parade, and Merton Plus will not use visual media featuring people within this zone.
Accessibility – need an arm or a leg?
Our dedicated Accessibility Champions will be on hand to accompany anyone who needs a little extra help getting around or completing the route.
Please speak to one of our volunteers on the day if you would like assistance.
Not marching? Cheer us on!
If marching isn’t for you, we’d still love you to be part of the atmosphere.
Get ahead of the parade and cheer it on from our dedicated spectator area outside Deen City Farm (SW19 2RR). From there, it is only around a six-minute walk to Merton Abbey Mills, where the celebrations begin at 3pm and continue until 10pm.
Alternatively, stay at the Pride Fair in Morden Hall Park and watch the march set off in all its glory!
What should I wear?
Whatever makes you feel fabulous!
Colours, glitter, drag, Pride flags, your favourite outfit – or simply whatever makes you feel comfortable. Express yourself and celebrate Pride your way.
<We just ask everyone to maintain at least swimwear-level coverage and to wear sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for the route.
We also warmly welcome Pride flags, banners, placards and signs – anything that expresses love, Pride and solidarity with Merton’s LGBTQ+ community.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome along the route, but please consider whether your dog will be comfortable in a busy parade with crowds, music and noise.
Dogs must remain on short leads at all times.
