Waterloo Festival

Following a highly successful five-year series of festivals themed around The Legacy of War, the 2016 Waterloo Festival will be focusing on “transformation” – in particular, the transformation of local industry and commerce in the area over the past 200 years, most notably within the hat-making industry.

Did you know, for example, that Hatfields and the surrounding area is steeped in the history of hat-making, with the bowler hat being invented by Thomas and William Bowler in Nelson Square in 1850?

In recognition, this year’s Festival will include an exhibition of hats, an illustrated talk by Royal hatmaker, Rachel Trevor Morgan, an exciting Fascinator-making workshop by a local milliner, and a free Mad Hatter’s Tea Party open to the whole community!

Music is always a highlight of the Waterloo Festival. This year, along with a Gala Concert from the internationally renowned Southbank Sinfonia, with the Bach Magnificat as its centrepiece for which the orchestra will be joined by distinguished choir Vox Musica.

There will also be other events focusing on the local area, including guided walks with Stephen Humphrey, a local historian, and a special Quiz Night set and compered by Matt Brown, Editor at Large of Londonist.