SoWN News August 2026
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
As summer continues, there is still plenty happening across South Bank and Waterloo with opportunities to get involved, celebrate our local community and help shape the future of the neighbourhood. Remember that the next South Bank and Waterloo Neighbours Forum is on Thursday 8 October at 6pm - location to be confirmed. We look forward to seeing you there.
Inside this issue:
London Eye Community Chest opening on 7 September
Have your say in the WeAreWaterloo survey
The Grand Ladies of Waterloo: A Walking Tour 10 September
Local events:
Gabriel's Wharf Arts Festival - 5 and 19 September
South Bank and Waterloo Eco Fest - 13 September
Southbank Centre 75th anniversary programme
Emma Cons Gardens Summer Events
Lower Marsh Lates 2026: Your Ultimate 90s Cinema Experience
Lower Marsh Free National Theatre Live Shakespeare Season
Spotlight on... Lucien Topolski of Topolski Studio
London Eye Community Chest
We are delighted to announce that the next round of the London Eye Community Chest will be launched on Monday 7 September.
Grants of up to £10,000 will be available for projects that help build community and support community resilience in the SoWN area.
The total fund available is £70,000 and full details will be available from 7 September by going to the London Eye Community Chest page (under 'Grants') at www.sowneighbours.org.
Have your say in the WeAreWaterloo survey
Your local Business Improvement District (BID) WeAreWaterloo is currently gathering ideas to shape a vibrant, welcoming Saturday Market offer for Lower Marsh.
Whether you live down the road, run a local business or just love visiting the area, your feedback is incredibly valuable.
By filling in this quick survey that takes less than 5 minutes, you have the chance to win a £50 Greensmiths gift card. Your feedback will help inform their plans to create a great atmosphere and protect what makes Lower Marsh such a special place.
For those who would rather provide anecdotal feedback, they will be gathering views on Thursday 20th August on Lower Marsh Market from 11-3pm, and Reimagining Emma Cons in the evening from 5-8pm.
The Grand Ladies of Waterloo: A Walking Tour
Ever wondered who Emma Cons was to have the gardens named for her in the heart of Waterloo? How the Old Vic became The Grand Lady of theatre outside the West End? Did you know Lilian Baylis probably shaped how you and Britain spend their spare time more than anyone else in Britain yet isn’t a household name? Meet the aunt and niece who changed London's theatres, housing, politics and today’s Waterloo. Learn how coffee, kippers and cremations made it all possible…
Your tour guide Nikky Catto is a former Waterloo resident and Lambeth Tour Guide. She discovered by accident her career has been shaped by Emma and Lilian’s incredible legacy and would love to show you a new view of Waterloo via their fascinating lives. This walk is up to 2 hours long as we have a little Lambeth Heritage Month bonus in store thanks to the Emma Cons Gardens Trust.
Thursday 10th September, 2 to 4pm
Meet at Emma Cons Gardens, second stop is the The Old Vic and the tour concludes at Lambeth North tube station.
Local Events
Gabriel's Wharf Arts Festival
Join Coin Street on Saturday 5th and Saturday 19th September for two free days of music, creativity and community to celebrate the Wharf’s contribution to the South Bank’s vibrant cultural story since the 1956 Festival of Britain.
Enjoy a packed programme of live music, swing dance, family-friendly activities, shopping, plus food and drink, with something for all ages to discover and enjoy.
Entry is free, no booking required. Find out more here.
South Bank and Waterloo Eco Fest
Remember to join the South Bank and Waterloo Eco Fest on Sunday 13 September - a free community celebration of sustainability, creativity and family fun in the heart of London. Building on the Wonderful Waterloo and South Bank Fun Day in 2025, this year’s event explores how we can create a more circular neighbourhood. Get ready to swap, share, upcycle and repair!
There'll be activities to enjoy for all ages with hands-on workshops, inspiring stalls and live performances.
See the event page to register here and keep an eye out for the release of the full programme closer to the date. See you there!
Southbank Centre 75th anniversary programme
Emma Cons Gardens Summer events
The Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary programme is packed year-round with events that explore the future, celebrate youth culture, embrace arts’ relationship with technology and open up the site as a joyful, welcoming space for everyone.
Various dates and times.
Visit the website for more information.
A free summer-long programme of inspiring community events to transform the Emma Cons Gardens into a vibrant destination for creativity, wellbeing, and connection in the heart of Waterloo.
Date: Thursday evenings until 17 September 2026
Visit the website for more information.
Lower Marsh Lates 2026: Your Ultimate 90s Cinema Experience
Lower Marsh Free National Theatre Live Shakespeare Season
Lower Marsh Lates returns with FREE 90s films on the big screen, live performances, and exclusive food and drinks deals on an iconic and historic market street – all wrapping up beneath the glow of a ‘Waterloo Sunset’.
Final dates:
WeAreWaterloo BID, in partnership with Lambeth Council and National Theatre Live, is bringing free outdoor theatre screenings to Lower Marsh this summer as part of the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets programme.
The first screening will take place on Saturday 25 July (5-8pm) with a free showing of Hamlet.
Book here.
Spotlight on... Lucien Topolski of Topolski Studio
What’s your role in the South Bank and Waterloo area?
I have taken on the role of keeping alive and active the legacy of my grandfather, Feliks Topolski RA. As one of the first cultural residents on the South Bank, establishing his studio here in 1953 after having completed his Commission for the Festival of Britain in 1951, Topolski saw the area change from a bomb damaged ruin into London's cultural centre. From his old studio we now run artist residencies, drawing classes, and have an active public programme, supported this year by the National Archives. Come down to one of our Open Studio Fridays! Details are on our Instagram. @topolskistudio or on our website www.topolski.org
What’s your favourite thing to do around the neighbourhood?
I love coming to the Topolski Studio for life drawing every Wednesday. It's a really fun and welcoming environment with a lovely community of artists of all skill levels. I also love mudlarking on the riverbank at low tide... hoping to find a golden Saxon helmet!
What song, book and luxury item would you take with you to a deserted island?
Song: Elvis Presley - Love Me
Book: War and Peace
Luxury item: One of those head scratcher things that feel incredible on the crown of your head!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
If you want to focus on reading something properly, don't sit comfortably.
Who do you nominate for a SoWN spotlight?
Alice Angus, our artist in residence
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