Morden Park's Start of the Line Festival Announces Star-Studded Summer Line-Up
London's vibrant festival scene is set to expand with the debut of the Start of the Line Festival at Morden Park this summer. Organised by Merton Council, this one-day outdoor celebration promises to deliver exceptional value and entertainment for all ages, positioning itself as a must-attend event in the capital's cultural calendar.
Affordable Family Entertainment Comes to South London
The festival will take place on Saturday, June 20, with tickets priced at just £20 per person, while children under 12 can attend completely free of charge. Early bird tickets are available for £15 until February 14, making this one of London's most accessible summer events. Merton Council proudly describes the festival as "the best value day-festival in London", aiming to attract visitors from across the borough and beyond.
Legendary Headliners and Local Talent Take Centre Stage
The main stage will be headlined by iconic soul collective Soul II Soul, renowned for their timeless classics "Keep On Movin'" and "Back to Life". They'll be joined by noughties pop sensations The Hoosiers and rising indie rock artist Billy Nomates, creating a diverse musical experience that spans generations and genres.
Local talent features prominently throughout the festival programme. The Mitcham Dreamer Stage will showcase RAMZ, a celebrated local rapper and songwriter who will also serve as MC for the event. Meanwhile, musician Jah Wobble, who maintains strong connections to South London, will perform alongside special guests, highlighting the area's rich musical heritage.
Interactive Experiences and Family-Friendly Activities
Beyond the musical performances, the festival offers numerous interactive opportunities for attendees to unleash their creativity. Festival-goers can participate in:
- Hip Hop Karaoke sessions
- Beat Boxing Workshops
- Various dance classes
- Creative arts activities
Families will particularly appreciate the dedicated Polka Playden children's zone, delivered by the award-winning Polka Theatre. This carefully curated space ensures younger visitors have engaging, age-appropriate entertainment throughout the day.
Council Pride and Cultural Investment
Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change, expressed enthusiasm about showcasing Merton's cultural offerings: "We're so proud of our corner of Southwest London, and we want more people to discover the brilliance and beauty of our borough that lies at the start of the Northern line. As well as bringing a raft of new visitors to see our world class headliners, the day will also celebrate what our residents already know: that Merton is full of talent, creativity and potential."
The festival has been made possible through funding from the Mayor of London's Cultural Impact Award, part of the Borough of Culture programme. Merton Council has matched this investment, demonstrating their commitment to cultural development. This initiative forms part of a wider collaboration between three London boroughs - Merton, Barnet, and the Royal Borough of Greenwich - who are working together on key elements of their respective cultural programmes throughout 2026.
The Start of the Line Festival represents a significant addition to London's summer events, combining legendary musical acts with community engagement and affordable family entertainment. With its diverse line-up and interactive elements, the festival promises to become a highlight of South London's cultural calendar while showcasing the creative talent that thrives within the borough of Merton.
