Each year, South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us, a local programme dedicated to creating a fairer, greener neighbourhood, brings the community together for a vibrant afternoon in the gardens at St John’s Waterloo. It’s a chance to celebrate the fantastic local initiatives helping to build a more sustainable future.

This year on Sunday 13 Sep, 2-5pm, the festival explores the theme of circularity, with a focus on recycling, reuse and more mindful consumption. Discover simple, creative and practical ways we can all contribute to a more circular South Bank and Waterloo.

There’ll be something for everyone, with hands-on activities, inspiring stalls, live entertainment and lots of opportunities to swap, share, repair and upcycle.

Get involved with the Clothes Swap by bringing along quality pre-loved items, or head to Waterloo Library’s Book Swap to give your well-loved reads a new home. You can also bring clean clothes that need mending or altering along to Kundakala, where you can learn new repair skills and have a go yourself. There’s also the chance to try low-waste planting with Bankside Open Spaces Trust.

For younger visitors, there’s a children’s art trail through the St John’s wildflower garden, alongside face painting and family-friendly arts and crafts. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy a jam session from Saul Eisenberg’s Junk Orchestra, have a go at community jazz dancing and keep an eye out for plenty of prizes and surprises along the way.