Lambeth Council kicked off the ‘Lower Marsh Summer Saturday’ programme of events, street improvements and outdoor dining on July 25.
The summer street will feature:
- Two more free film screenings on August 29 and September 26
- Extended outdoor seating for the street’s many bustling bars, restaurants and street food stalls
- Refreshed planting, street decorations and lighting
The summer programme will draw more people to enjoy one of London’s most historic market streets, which has hosted market trade since the early 19th century.
Lambeth Council was one of only four London Boroughs to secure £100,000 from the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets Fund in partnership with WeAreWaterloo Business Improvement District, our delivery partner.
Lambeth is also the only borough to secure the maximum funding two years in a row. This will benefit dozens of businesses across Lower Marsh – a thriving largely pedestrianised street, tucked behind the iconic Waterloo station with a growing outdoor dining reputation.
Councillor Michael Chessum, Lambeth Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Cost of Living and Empowered Communities, said:
“Waterloo is one of London’s cultural capitals and we’re so excited to welcome more visitors this summer with the extra seating and activities planned for Lower Marsh. We want to open our streets up to people and think differently about how these spaces can be used. Anyone who has visited the area when the market is trading will have seen for themselves the massive economic and social benefits that car-free streets bring.”
WeAreWaterloo’s Chief Executive, Kate Poulter, said:
“Lower Marsh is already a thriving and much-loved destination in Waterloo, and this funding will help our hospitality businesses make even more of the opportunity created by the Saturday road closure.
By introducing additional outdoor seating, enhancing the street with lighting, bunting and planting, and bringing free cultural screenings to the area, we will support local businesses, welcome more visitors, and encourage people to stay and enjoy everything Lower Marsh has to offer.”
London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons, said:
“I am delighted that Summer Streets is back for a second year, bringing al fresco dining, live music and events to streets right across our capital. London’s incredible culture and creativity can bring out the very best in our high streets and public spaces, and this fund gives boroughs and businesses the tools to make that happen. I can’t wait to see Londoners and visitors enjoy everything on offer this summer, as we build a better London for everyone.”
The summer activity builds on existing car-free periods on Lower Marsh, which is pedestrianised during market hours on weekday lunchtimes, evenings and, as of June 2026, is newly closed to traffic on Saturdays from 9am to 9pm so people and businesses can enjoy outdoor weekends on the street.
Information about the upcoming film screenings and events can be found on WeAreWaterloo’s Eventbrite page.
The Summer Streets programme also supports the borough’s ambition to provide more night time events in public spaces, as part of its Night Time Economy Strategy.
