Wandering around town is more exciting this month with artists and activities around every corner across Merton.
Wimbledon’s Autumn Arts Festival celebrates the art on offer in the town during September’s weekends while Merton Arts Trail uses the same celebrate its fifth year and Wimbledon Book Festival prepares to kick into gear in October.
We’ve gone through everything that’s happening until the end of September (more on the Book Fest below and in the coming weeks...) and come up with lots of things you won’t want to miss.
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The arts trail
It’s an obvious one, this. Since 2010 artists and craft makers have been opening their doors to the public to show off their wares. This year, more than 100 are taking part at 60 venues around Merton. To find out who, where and to plan your own route, go to mertonartstrail.org
Get walking
Clearly, you can walk the trail but this year’s programme also includes organised group walks. On the Morris, Liberty and Merton Abbey Mills walk - from 11am to noon on Saturday, September 19 – historian John Hawkes will reveal the history of the mill on a wander around the site. It meets at the Sound Lounge and is free.
Wimbledon Society will lead a walk around the Common while revealing stories about famous stars, artists and architecture. Just turn up to the Fox and Grapes corner of the Common at 2pm on Sunday, September 27.
Buy buy buy
Grab yourself something special at the Arts and Crafts Market on the Piazza in Wimbledon on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20. There will also be workshops and activities and live music. If the weather’s OK, there’ll even be deckchairs.
On the Piazza
The festival is not all about just looking at art, there’s plenty of opportunity to have a go. Adults and older children can try their hand at crafts on the Piazza.
In a shed
The ArtShed on the Piazza will be hosting all kinds of art and workshops throughout September by groups including Polka Theatre, Wimbledon Art Studios, Go Create and Wimbledon Library. It’s even been given a snazzy new paint job. The ArtShed is around the whole time with different sessions on different days. Head to lovewimbledon.org to find out what's there and when.
Chapter House have-a-go
Chapter House hosts block printing with demonstrations and the chance to have a go for free throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20.
Pick up some skills
If it’s glass skills you’re after, you’ll also like special courses at Rosie Taylor’s studio after the celebrations have finished. Learn about jewellery making in glass (£15) from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, October 3, or mosaic glass appliqué techniques (also £15) from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, October 4. E-mail Rod_taylor_@hotmail.co.uk
Meet someone amazing
As well as artists to chat to, there are more mythical beasts wandering about town on September 26 and 27. Children’s book character The Gruffalo will be in Wimbledon ahead of the Book Fest launch, while Polka Theatre will be in the ArtShed celebrating Beauty and the Beast.
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