Like all the best ideas, last year’s Kidsfest just cannot be held down. It was launched last year as part of Abbeyfest’s 10th anniversary celebrations and the event was so successful and well attended that it has been made a fixture in the Abbeyfest line-up.

Apart from the existing family events at Abbeyfest, the organisers wanted to create a special day solely dedicated to kids, offering something unique and inspirational, accessible to all and most importantly, free!

And the big day is Sunday, when the whole of the Merton Abbey Mills site will be given over to Kidsfest for a day of fun, exciting and innovative things for kids to participate in. These include great hands on workshops in art, crafts, pottery, music, drama, dancing, singing, balloon modelling, DJ skills and drumming. There are soft play and story telling areas, kids archaeological digs, relaxation sessions, fitness with Virgin V Club, rides, face painting and caricaturing.

All these fun things together with visits from AFC Wimbledon and their famous Womble mascot, animals from Deen City Farm, the local firebrigade and police create a superb feeling of community focused entirely on children.

The main stage on the Bandstand at the heart of Merton Abbey Mills will hosted the fantastic Smooth C Team and will be home to some great musical entertainment with performances by children and special guests, talent competitions, giveaways and a few surprises thrown in.

Kidsfest also marks the start of a longer-term project, namely bridging the gap between now and the 2012 London Olympics. Christine Parsloe, Merton Abbey Mills leisure and culture development manager says: “This day will mark the start of four years of cultural and sporting events and activities both within the borough and London-wide as we all celebrate the 2012 Games coming to London including the tennis event at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

“Merton recognises the excellent programme offered by the annual Merton Abbeyfest and is pleased to join with them on this special occasion by particularly celebrating with our young people, families and friends."

Kidsfest, Merton Abbey Mills, Sunday, August 24, 11am-5pm, free, visit kids-fest.co.uk