Racing dads in onesies, cream teas and a pageant for pups roll into New Malden for two weeks of fun.

The Malden Fortnight returns for a 28th year with new events including the Malden Mile race and historic walks through the town.

Jenny Stuart, co-event organiser, said: “One of the most special things about this year is the first event on the programme, the Malden Mile.”

A group of 10 fathers with children at Coombe Hill Infants School will run to raise money for a playground development.

The 10 “Coombe Hill Critters” will be racing in animal onesies on July 6, and their wives will be doing their makeup.

Ali Warner, who is organising the fun run, said: “It is quite comical because the lion is a policeman, who is 6ft 7in, and the one dressed as a butterfly is 6ft 4in and plays rugby.”

Children will be invited to spot the animal at the event, with prizes for the first to spot all the dads in costume.

The Malden Mile will take place at Beverley Park, which will also be hosting a fun day.

Heritage walks will take place on Sunday, July 14, while an Eastern feast will take over the parks and fields as Korean food vendors return to the fair.

The event will culminate in a dog show at Blagdon Road Park.

Ms Stuart said: “A really exciting event is the Funday Sunday. We will have a big family sports day in Beverley Park, all in aid of charity, and big blow-up gladiator challenges.”

The fortnight starts on July 6 and runs until July 21.

Highlights:

New Malden fun run – Beverley Park, July 6, 9am.

Market on the Square – St George’s Square, July 6, 9am to 2pm.

Grand Parade – New Malden High Street, July 6, 2pm.

Funday Sunday – Beverley Park, July 7, noon to 4pm.

HMS Pinafore – Methodist Church, July 10, 7.30pm.

Heritage Walks – Throughout New Malden, July 14, 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Dog Show – Blagdon Road Park, July 21, 1pm.