Merton Pride Makes a Triumphant Return
Merton Pride made a successful return on Saturday 5 September, following its inaugural event in 2025. Organised by Merton Plus, the borough’s volunteer-led LGBTQ+ community group, the event was funded and supported by Labour-run Merton Council’s Civic Pride Fund, Pride in London, and a host of local community partners and champions.
The celebrations began with the Pride Fair in Morden Hall Park, where the Mayor of Merton, Cllr Shuile Syeda, made a appearance on the New Wimbledon Theatre catwalk.
Around 500 people took part in the parade along the Wandle Trail, which culminated at Merton Abbey Mills for an afternoon and evening of live entertainment and community celebrations.
Lavender Fields councillor Harry Platts remains a key member of the volunteer team behind Merton Pride and a trustee of Merton Plus, the LGBTQ+ community group which organises the event. He was joined by Cllrs Phillips, Kaweesa and Neaverson, who all volunteered their time to help ensure the event ran safely and smoothly, as well as Labour Action Team member Andy Copeland, who volunteered as Deputy Site Lead at the morning Pride Fair.
It was fantastic to see so many other friends and Labour councillors supporting Merton Pride, including Council Leader Cllr Ross Garrod, Deputy Leader Cllr Stringer, and Cllrs Budner, Whelton and Daniel, who proudly carried the Merton Labour banner in the Pride Parade, and Cllr Manly who performed alongside local drag queens.
Merton Pride once again demonstrated the strength, diversity and community spirit of our borough – and Labour’s continued support for Merton’s LGBTQ+ community.
