Who's lighting up Waterloo this Christmas?

The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams will join Kevin Spacey, artistic director of the Old Vic, in Waterloo on Thursday 1 December at 5pm for the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Dr Williams, who is the leader of the Church of England and who is also a local Lambeth resident, will speak about the meaning of Christmas and how "it is a reminder of why people matter”. He will be followed by Kevin Spacey, who will switch on the Christmas lights.

Fun for younger audiences begin at 3.00pm when the Waterloo Green Trust start their children's party on Millennium Green, Baylis Road. Father Christmas has been invited and children are looking forward to a bouncy castle and activities including cake decorating and competitions.

A variety of community groups will also be holding a number of stalls, laden with information and goodies. The Old Vic is holding Aladdin-themed panto workshops for Waterloo schools Joanna (Lambeth) and Friars (Southwark). A Christmas tree has been provided on Emma Cons Gardens by the Norwegian Embassy.

At 4.50 Morley College's 'Can't Sing' Choir will be leading carol singing on Emma Cons Gardens, Waterloo Road.

After the lights are switched on at 5.30, there will be late night shopping till 7pm throughout Waterloo to demonstrate the variety of Christmas shopping that can be done locally. Festive refreshments from CubanaBar/Restaurant, 48 Lower Marsh will add to the Christmas cheer.

Council Leader Peter Truesdale said: "The borough's high streets have benefited from a £200,000 boost from the Lambeth Council Opportunities Fund this year. We have worked with business community to make sure that the Waterloo Christmas lights are the best they've ever been and we are grateful for the support from the Waterloo Quarter Business Alliance, who have also contributed."

The North Lambeth Town Centre Office is working in partnership with Waterloo Green Trust, Waterloo Quarter Business Alliance, the Old Vic and Lower Marsh People to make the event fun for everyone.