Annual Osun River Ritual Festival 10th Anniversary
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Annual Osun River Ritual with a day of culture, music, community and reflection beside the River Wandle at Morden Hall Park.
- Booking essential
Join us for the 10th Anniversary Annual Osun River Ritual Festival, a vibrant cultural and community celebration honouring Yeye Osun, the Yoruba Orisa associated with rivers, abundance, joy, love and renewal.
Taking place beside the River Wandle this special anniversary event brings together music, drumming, dance, storytelling, ceremony, food and community. The festival is organised by local cultural practitioner Dr Michelle Asantewa and partners, who have been leading the Annual Osun River Ritual in Merton for the past decade.
The day begins with an optional community walk to the ritual site:
Option 1: Meet outside Marks & Spencer/Sainsbury's, 1 Merton High Street, Colliers Wood, SW19 1DD at 10am. The group will set off at approximately 10.15am and walk along the Wandle to Morden Hall Park.
Option 2: Meet at Morden Underground Station at 10.30am and walk to the park via the Green Lane pedestrian entrance.
Option 3: Meet directly at the ritual site behind the Natural Play Area at 11am.
Throughout the day, visitors can experience traditional drumming, music, spoken word, community performances and the annual river blessing ceremony. There will also be opportunities to enjoy food from visiting vendors and support the event organisers through merchandise purchases
The festival welcomes people from all backgrounds who are interested in learning about African cultural traditions, community wellbeing and the importance of caring for our rivers and natural environments.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| All (+ ticket fees) | £5.00 |
The basics
- Booking number
Call Book online only
- Accessibility
The event takes place outdoors on grass and park pathways. Some areas may be uneven underfoot.
- Meeting point
Meet outside M&S/Sainsbury's Colliers Wood at 10am, or at Morden Underground Station at 10.30am. Visitors may also join directly at the ritual site behind the Natural Play Area at 11am.
- Suitability for children
Suitable for all ages
- What to bring and wear
Weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable footwear and water. Visitors may wish to bring cash or card for food stalls and merchandise.
Upcoming events
Henry the Heron's Riverbank Self-Led Trail
For our river-themed summer, celebrate the river Wandle and learn about the river's inhabitants with some active play parts.
Bug Hunting with Abi Young, Sun 21 June, 10am-12pm
This Pride Month, join queer ecologist and nature educator Abi Young (they/them) for a hands-on session exploring meadow sweeping with bug nets and bee identification in the beautiful rose garden.
Free Guided History Tours on Selected Sundays
Join our knowledgeable tour guides for a leisurely stroll around Morden Hall Park, you’re sure to learn something new.
Park Explorers for under 5s term time on Mondays
Our Park Explorers group is for children aged 2-5 years old and their parents/carers. Together we learn about the natural world around us, with a different outdoor theme each week.