The annual celebration of arts, heritage and community makes a return between the 14th and the 17th July 2023.

The theme of this year’s celebrations is circus, drawing inspiration from a variety of local sources. Our neighbourhood in the heart of London is regarded as the birthplace of the modern circus, thanks to the inventor and equestrian Philip Astley (1742 – 1814). Together with his wife, they founded Astley’s Amphitheatre and held the first public show in the spring of 1768. Moreover, this is also the first year the Festival and St John’s are partnering up with the Waterloo Carnival, an annual intergenerational parade of colour, costume and dance that takes over Lower Marsh and brings together local community organisations. Lastly, a circus brings together a varied group of talented artists and entertainers. Our Festival will continue to showcase and celebrate the diversity of our community and artists in the newly refurbished home at St John’s.

If you would like to know more about the Waterloo’s circus and entertainment heritage, read below. On this page, you can also have a browse through the programme. Save the dates in your diary. We look forward to having you with us!

If you would like to be part of the Festival, as an audience member or a volunteer, or have any other questions for us, do kindly get in touch with us at outreach@stjohnswaterloo.org or head to our contact page and leave us a message.