Update for 2023
The Plumstead Make Merry event will not run for 2023, but we hope to be back for 2024.
The committee has made the tough decision that we are unable to run the Plumstead Make Merry in 2023. This decision has not been made lightly. The Make Merry is a volunteer event and putting it on requires lots of work behind the scenes throughout the year. From liaising with local performers and entertainers, community groups, local charities, planning and coordinating infrastructure, managing volunteers, working with local businesses both big and small and conducting fundraising all of this work is undertaken by volunteers.
Due to rising costs and personal commitments many of our volunteer committee members are unable to give up as much time for organising as more of their time is needing to be spent on paid work. Over the past few years the number of people volunteering for the committee has gone down significantly. This has put an increased strain on those who remain. Additionally, like many things at the moment, the costs of putting on the event itself has gone up so even more fundraising and new ways of working are needed. The Make Merry is important for the community as a rare event that brings together local families, businesses and artists and performers. We are hopeful that the event will be able to run in 2024, though to do this it needs more people who are able to share some of the responsibility of planning to make it happen.
The current members of the committee aim to revamp the organisation for 2024 and ensure its longevity. Time is needed to do this properly, pausing the event itself for 2023 provides more of an opportunity to ensure the future of the Make Merry from 2024 onwards.
If you’d like to help us plan for 2024 please let us know here: Volunteer with us
The Plumstead Make Merry is the longest-running community festival in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, it all started in 1975. The festival is entirely by volunteers who are passionate about the local area, and funded through the generosity our supporters and dedicated fundraising efforts.
Each year, thousands of people come along to enjoy a packed day of music, arts and activities that celebrate the history of the area and its diverse community. With up to 100 different stalls from local groups and businesses, there is plenty on offer including food and activities for all the family.
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Photographs on this page are by courtesy of Chris Mansfield, Deborah O’Boyle, Jan Evelyn-Wilson, and members of our official photographers from the Aperture Woolwich Photographic Society: Bill Jordan, Gary Shaw, Jagdip Kang, M W Pinsent, Mick Jones, Paul Parkinson, and Rahil Ahmad.
With thanks to our sponsors for 2022:
And our community sponsors:
Plumstead Make Merry 