South Bank & Waterloo Sustains Us Garden Party

Organised by local sustainability initiative South Bank & Waterloo Sustains Us, this special event marks the launch of the Reimagining Emma Cons Gardens summer series – a community-led programme celebrating and reimagining this much-loved Waterloo green space ahead of its long-term transformation.

Taking place on Thursday 18 June as part of Clean Air Day, the Sustains Us Garden Party invites visitors to enjoy an afternoon and evening of live music, food, activities and conversations focused on greener living and improving local air quality.

Evening Garden Party | From 5pm

The evening celebration will feature:

• Live music from Morley College Jazz Band and Coin Street Community Singers
• Cake from Konditor and nibbles from Eden Caterers
• A bar hosted by The Old Vic

Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet local organisations helping people travel more sustainably and improve air quality, including:

• Swapfiets – local bike leasing service
• OurBike – cargo bike hire
• Wheels for Wellbeing – supporting accessible cycling
• Sustains Us – practical advice on improving local air quality

Daytime Activities

(separate registration required)

Free Dr Bike with XO Bikes | 11am–2pm
Bring a bike along for a free safety check and minor repairs, supported by WeAreWaterloo.
>Book a spot

Rooted Gardening Club | 1pm–2pm
Get hands-on in the gardens with WeAreWaterloo's gardening club and receive a voucher for lunch at Lower Marsh.
> Book a spot

Trees of Waterloo Guided Walk | 4.30pm–5.30pm
Join Lambeth's Tree Planting Programme Officer for a guided walk exploring some of the trees that help shape Waterloo.
> Book a spot

Wheels for Wellbeing Cycle Buddy Ride | 5pm–7.30pm
A training session and led ride for those interested in becoming a Cycle Buddy and supporting disabled cyclists.
> Book a spot

A Summer of Activities at Emma Cons Gardens

The event marks the start of the Reimagining Emma Cons Gardens summer series, running from 18 June to 17 September. Throughout the summer, the gardens will host live performances, creative workshops, pop-up activities and participatory installations, curated with local partners and residents.

Visitors will also be able to learn more about plans to transform Emma Cons Gardens and help shape the future of this important community space.

Whether it's discovering local sustainability initiatives, enjoying live music, meeting neighbours or simply spending time outdoors, the launch event offers a chance to experience Emma Cons Gardens in a new way.