Morden Park, VAT Cultural Exemption For Festival Event

Public Notice: Intention to Apply VAT Cultural Exemption

London Borough of Merton Council hereby gives notice of its intention to treat admission charges for Start of the Line Festival, taking place on 20th June 2026 at Morden Park, as exempt from VAT under Group 13 (Cultural Services) of Schedule 9 to the Value Added Tax Act 1994.

This notice is issued to inform local commercial operators who supply comparable cultural admissions that the Council proposes to apply the cultural exemption to admission fees for this event.

Representations/objections:

Any person or organisation that considers they may be adversely affected by this proposal (for example, through a potential distortion of competition) may submit written representations or objections by 5pm on Saturday 20 December 2025.

Please send responses to:

Email: tara.hobson@merton.gov.uk

Post: London Borough of Merton, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, SM4 5DX

All representations received by the deadline will be considered. Where relevant objections are made, the Council will refer the matter to HM Revenue & Customs for determination before implementing the exemption.

Event details

• Event: Start of the Line Festival

• Nature of event: family arts festival with live music, theatre and workshops

• Dates/times: 20 June 2026 12:00 – 21:00hrs

• Venue: Morden Park

Dated: 20/11/2025

Signed: Tara Hobson, Creative Producer

For and on behalf of London Borough of Merton