What’s On This Summer

The BFI Southbank marks Disney’s centenary with a major summer season of screenings, talks and singalongs. Look out for screenings of early classic and contemporary favourites from across the eras, and a series of special IMAX screenings at the nearby BFI IMAX. The Making Magic season includes big screen outings for masterpieces from Disney’s early years like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Fantasia (1940) and Cinderella and beloved films from the 1990s such as Beauty and the Beast (1991) and Pochahontas (1995).

When: 6 Jul – 31 Aug 2023

Where: BFI Southbank southbanklondon.com

Bring A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life in this fun and practical workshop for children aged five to eight and their families. Start your day with a peek inside the Globe Theatre to hear about the history of Shakespeare’s London and the theatrical world he created. You’ll then visit one of our rehearsal rooms to take part in an interactive workshop for the whole family. Using a range of activities and games designed to draw out elements of the play’s language, characters and themes, the session will bring you together with other families to discover the joy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Workshops are led by one of the Globe’s highly experienced practitioners who include actors, teachers and directors. Please note that these workshops are designed for children aged five to eight and their grown-ups. Children must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

When: 27 Jul – 26 Aug 2023

Where: The Globe Theatre, main foyer shakespearesglobe.com

A joyful tale of star-crossed aliens. Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler – also seen in the BBC TV animation on Christmas Day. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back?

When: 20 Jul – 3 Sep 2023

Where: Lyric Theatre nimaxtheatres.com

Did you know, 20 years ago Mail Rail, the miniature postal train, transported its last bit of post under the streets of London? This summer, join us for five weeks of hands-on family fun celebrating postal inventions, inspired by Mail Rail! Unleash your inner engineer and find out about innovations from amazing mini-railways to stamps, sorting machines and robot technology.

When: 27 Jul – 26 Aug 2023

Where: The Postal Museum postalmuseum.org

Canary Wharf will host over 50 live acts including music, theatre, dance, comedy and children’s activities. The majority of events are free to attend, and there are activities for all age groups. The festival will also offer a children’s disco and a brand-new comedy tent in Montgomery Square, hosting some of the UK’s top comedians from stage and screen.

When: 26-30 Jul 2023

Where: Canary Wharf canarywharf.com

The Battersea Games will be taking over Battersea Power Station –our biggest summer event yet! We’re inviting you all to take part or spectate in an exciting array of free and ticketed sports and games activities all summer long. Bring it on!

When: 1 Jul – 3 Sep 2023

Where: Battersea Power Station batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Perfect for a day trip outside London, kids can meet their favourite characters from the Paddington stories and search for buried treasure on the grounds of the beautiful Blenheim Palace. Tickets are not included in the entry fee and must be purchased as an add-on.

When: 4 Jul – 3 Sep 2023

Where: Blenheim Palace blenheimpalace.com