Echoes and Reminders - 75 Years on from the Festival of Britain
Join a special walking tour exploring the legacy of the 1951 Festival of Britain, as part of Waterloo Festival 2026.
The official guide to the South Bank Exhibition in the 1951 Festival of Britain described St John's Waterloo as the Festival Church "so near as to be almost a part of it, yet a real place apart".
With St John's as our start point, join Lambeth Tour Guide Alison Rae to uncover things that were part of the '51 celebration, and can still be found around Waterloo and the South Bank, whilewhile seeking out reminders of that Summer that have not survived.
The walk also coincides almost exactly with the 75th anniversary of the dedication of the National Theatre foundation stone. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history that helped inspire this year's Waterloo Festival theme - Now I make a leaf of voices.
Why not bring a packed lunch and relax in the St John's churchyard garden after the walk and explore the festival's exhibitions? An outdoor jazz gig will be on until 4pm, with the exhibition spaces at St John's open all afternoon.
Places limited to 15 participants - advance booking essential
Date: Sunday, 12th July
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Starting point: St John's Waterloo, Waterloo Road, London SE1 8TY
This event is held as part of the Waterloo Festival 2026. Explore the full festival programme via: www.stjohnswaterloo.org/wf2026
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Highlights
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- In-person
Refund Policy
Location
St John’s Church, Waterloo
73 Waterloo Road
London SE1 8TY
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