Southbank Centre monthly listings August 2023

AUGUST

Welcome to the Southbank Centre

Our summer season of artistic responses to the climate crisis continues throughout August. Alongside thought-provoking performance and talks, Planet Summer includes a wealth of art and exhibitions both inside the Southbank Centre and across our riverside public spaces, including a beautiful new sound work from composer Dan Jones, which brings the sounds of the natural world onto Queen’s Walk. Find all of these installations with the help of our map, which is included in this issue.

And we are thrilled as part of Planet Summer to present an immersive showcase of artworks

created by 80 emerging Black artists in our career acceleration programme, Reframe: The Residency.

The whole season, with its focus on finding hope and optimism, has its roots in the themes of our current Hayward Gallery exhibition, Dear Earth. This illuminating exhibition offers an abundance of perspectives on the climate crisis from artists who span three generations and multiple international perspectives.

Mark Ball Artistic Director

Until Sunday 3 September

Five things to know about Dear Earth

The Hayward Gallery’s summer show explores themes of care, hope, and emotional and spiritual connection with our environment

Through their moving use of video installations, living plants, running water and other media, the 15 artists included in the exhibition highlight the immediacy of the climate crisis for our natural world, and the fact that, for many artists, art and activism are often inseparable. Here are five things to know about this exhibition, part of Planet Summer, our season of programming with a focus on our planet.

‘Caring

is a form of resistance’

Artist Otobong Nkanga’s words were a key inspiration for Dear Earth. Her In Pursuit of Bling series features in the exhibition, examining industrial mining and the true cost of ‘bling’. Humanity’s impact on the environment is also evident in Daiara Tukano’s paintings, tributes to Europe’s lost forests. She belongs to the Yépá Mahsã people (widely known as Tukano) who believe that human beings are equal participants in a dialogue with everything that exists.

Artists are inspired by their deep concern for the environment

Jenny Kendler's sculpture Birds Watching III features the eyes of one hundred bird species facing extinction. This commission is made in collaboration with London Zoo, and once Dear Earth closes, the work will relocate there.

Andrea Bowers’ hanging sculpture Memorial to Arcadia Woodlands Clear-Cut (Green, Violet, and Brown) commemorates her attempt to save a forest in California, which saw her tying herself to an oak tree.

Dear Earth takes you on a voyage from the nearby to cultures across the world

The exhibition traverses the swamps of Louisiana, the depleted Amazonian rainforest and a Namibian mine.

Aluaiy Kaumakan, a member of Taiwan’s Paiwan Nation, creates textile sculptures that are intimately connected to her ancestral culture. After a 2009 typhoon displaced the Indigenous Paiwan community, Kaumakan responded by working with other displaced women to pass on the traditional Paiwan weaving techniques.

Nearer to home, Ackroyd & Harvey’s portraits of London-based activists are grown from grass seed, highlighting the sitters’ dedication to our planet and embodying the four resources that we need to sustain life on Earth: air, seed, soil and water.

Green ideology meets green artworks

The artist Hito Steyerl highlights the carbon footprint of the technological world in her installation Green Screen, combining a LED

screen constructed from bottles and crates, and a living wall of plants. The bioelectrical signals from the plants are converted into sounds and images which are then displayed on the LED wall, where each bottle acts as a single pixel.

The exhibition revisits the work of pioneering environmental artist

Agnes Denes

Agnes Denes has been creating outdoor works that engage with nature since the 1960s. A recurring motif in her work is the pyramid, which the artist sees as representing both ‘the past and the possible future we will invent’. Denes’ The Living Pyramid has become one of the artist’s most iconic works. Recreated for the Hayward Gallery, the five-metre tall pyramid is planted with wildflowers and grasses.

August highlights

Reframe: The Residency Exhibition

This powerful immersive exhibition consists of 13 works by collectives of emerging Black artists in response to the climate crisis, created as part of our career acceleration programme supported by Apple. Combining film, photography, music and sound design, this audiovisual installation offers a unique perspective on the climate emergency, grounded in the cultural backgrounds of our artists. Through stunning visuals and soundscapes presented in a new exhibition space at the Southbank Centre, the exhibition reflects on the urgent need for collective action.

Wednesday 19 July – Sunday 27 August

Also this month...

Planet Summer

Get inspired at our multi-artform season of events, brimming with talks, performances, art, music and family events that respond to the climate emergency.

Until Sunday 3 September

Colson Whitehead: Crook Manifesto

Been waiting patiently for the follow-up to Colson Whitehead’s gripping 2021 novel Harlem Shuffle? Hear all about it from the author himself.

Thursday 17 August

The SpongeBob Musical

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway? It's SpongeBob SquarePants, in an all-singing, alldancing, dynamic stage show!

Wednesday 26 July – Sunday 27 August

MELTWATER

Crashing ice and rain, evocative Indian vocals and instrumentation, and footage of melting glaciers come together in a thoughtprovoking performance.

Wednesday 23 August

Livia Rita: Dystopian Wetlands

The emerging avant-pop artist and alpine witch is joined by creatural dancers and a band for two intimate live shows.

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 August

REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground

Come and play together in a space built entirely out of waste materials for under-11s and their families, repurposed for fun by The Herd Theatre.

Until Sunday 3 September

Art & exhibitions

From internationally acclaimed artists at the Hayward Gallery to free displays and outdoor installations, art and exhibitions can be found all around our site

Throughout the month Dear Earth

Part of Planet Summer

This pioneering group show explores artistic responses to the climate emergency.

Until Sun 3 Sep; Wed – Fri, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm; Sun, 10am – 6pm (closed Mon & Tue); Hayward Gallery; Standard £15 Wed – Fri, £16 Sat & Sun; Hayward Gallery

supporter* £16.50 Wed – Fri, £17.60 Sat & Sun

Asim Waqif: वेणु [Venu]

Asim Waqif’s striking bamboo installation is the third Bagri Foundation Commission. The large-scale structure’s organic form explores themes of urban space, ecology and community.

Daily; Hayward Gallery Terrace, Level 2; Free Denman+Gould

with Maeve Polkinhorn:

Haven

Part of Planet Summer

An artist-created pocket garden transforms an urban space into a wildflower-rich sanctuary for wildlife.

Daily; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

kennardphillipps: Christina's World

Part of Planet Summer

One of our outdoor artworks is a haunting take on Andrew Wyeth's American landscape painting.

Daily; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Lucy McLauchlan: Raising the Flag

Part of Planet Summer

Flags around the Royal Festival Hall mark the rising water levels of the Thames in a call to action.

Daily; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Ed Hall: Hazelnuts do not grow on a dead planet

Part of Planet Summer

Three striking climate-themed works by artist and banner-maker Ed Hall adorn our buildings.

Daily; Royal Festival Hall Wall, Queen Elizabeth Hall Side; Free

Union Jill

Part of Planet Summer

Its origins are unknown, but this take on the Union Jack often appeared at environment-related protests.

Daily; Royal Festival Hall Roof; Free

Fefe Talavera: El Camino

Part of Planet Summer

Two six-metre-tall fantastical beasts, created in the Mexican folk art tradition of Alebrijes, overlook our terrace.

Daily; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms

Part of Planet Summer

A summer favourite returns. By shooting jets of water into the air, the fountain creates rooms that disappear as quickly as they emerge.

Wed – Sun, 10am – 9pm (subject to weather conditions and maintenance), closed Mon & Tues; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Occupied Archives: Recording Road Protest

Part of Planet Summer

Our archive display unearths artefacts from the anti-road protest movement of the early 1990s.

Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am –11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Dan Jones: The Conversation

Part of Planet Summer

Imagine an urban space given back to nature with this threedimensional sound piece by composer Dan Jones.

Daily; Queen’s Walk; Free

John Gerrard: Surrender (Flag) 2023

Part of Planet Summer

John Gerrard’s spectacular video artwork depicts a white flag – a symbol of surrender – formed from plumes of water vapour evaporating in a desert landscape.

Daily; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free

Poets in Vogue

Uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear at our free exhibition. For ages 16+.

Tue, 12 noon – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 12 noon –8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 5

British Sign Language

Tours: Dear Earth

Part of Planet Summer

Learn more about the artists, ideas and techniques in our Hayward Gallery exhibition with a BSL tour by artist Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq.

6.30pm; Hayward Gallery; £6 (includes tour and entry to exhibition)

Until Wednesday 9

Paul Pulford: Precious Stones

Part of Planet Summer

Visit our roof garden to find a new art installation responding to the challenges gardeners face because of climate change.

Wed – Sun, from 12 noon; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13

Red Rope

Part of Planet Summer

Float through an underwater paradise of dynamic projections for a profound reminder of the beauty and fragility of our oceans. Suitable for all ages.

12 noon – 6pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Craft a Coral Reef

Part of Planet Summer

Use recycled materials in this drop-in workshop to craft coral creations, guided by artists and facilitators from IMPACT Theatre. For ages 4+.

12 noon – 4pm; Green Side Foyer, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Until Sunday 13

Ackroyd & Harvey: Poems for Our Planet

Part of Planet Summer

This living, growing artwork platforms the voices of people from all over the country through their poetry.

Daily; Riverside, Level 1; Free

Wednesday 23

Members-Only Hours: Dear Earth

Part of Planet Summer

Enjoy this pioneering group show of artistic responses to the climate emergency in a Members-only slot.

6pm; Hayward Gallery; Free to Members

Until Sunday 27

Reframe: The Residency Exhibition

Part of Planet Summer

Experience the powerful responses of 80 emerging Black artists to climate change in an immersive exhibition.

Wed – Fri, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm; Sun, 10am – 6pm (closed Mon & Tue); Reframe Studios, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed

The Artists Food Stall

Part of Planet Summer

Grab a treat and the chance to have conversations around food, art and sustainability at artisthosted stalls at our weekend food market.

Until Sun 27 Aug; Open Fri – Sun, check website for times; Southbank Centre Food Market, Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road; Free

From Monday 28 Of All the People in All the World: UK

Part of Planet Summer

Two tonnes of rice. One grain equals one person. A beautifully simple equation for a beautifully simple performance installation by Stan’s Cafe. For all ages.

Until 2 Sep; Mon & Wed – Fri, 12 noon – 8pm (Tue until 6pm); Sat, 11am – 8pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons. * Supporter tickets include a voluntary donation of at least 10% of the standard admission charge, to support the Southbank Centre’s work. If you buy a supporter ticket and make a Gift Aid declaration, we can claim the tax paid on the full ticket price, not just the donation.

GOLDENJUBILEEFOOTBRIDGE

Spot art linked to the themes of our summer season, which draws together responses to the climate crisis

UNTIL SUN 3 SEP

1 Denman+Gould with Maeve Polkinhorn, Haven, 2023

2 Jeppe Hein, Appearing Rooms, 2004

3 Fefe Talavera, El Camino, 2022

4 Ed Hall, Hazelnuts do not grow on a dead planet, 2023

5 Unknown artist, Union Jill

6 Dan Jones, The Conversation, 2023

7 Ackroyd & Harvey, Poems for Our Planet, 2023 (21 Jul – 13 Aug)

8 The Artists Food Stall (weekends only)

9 kennardphillipps, Christina’s World, 2015

10 John Gerrard, Surrender (Flag) 2023

11 Gideon Mendel, Jeff and Tracey Waters, Staines-UponThames, Surrey, UK, February 2014

12 Adrian Fisk and Gideon Mendel, Occupied Archives: Recording Road Protest

13 Simon Roth and Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck, Ground & Sound, 2023 (from 12 Jul)

14 Lucy McLauchlan, Raising the Flag, 2023 (from 10 Jul)

15 Paul Pulford, Precious Stones, 2023

16 Reframe: The Residency Exhibition (19 Jul – 27 Aug)

17 SUGi, Natura Nostra Forest, 2023

More free art

18 Souad Abdelrassoul, Me You And The Journey, 2022

19 Klaus Weber, Thinking Fountains, 2021

20 Asim Waqif, वेणु [Venu], 2023 (from 20 Jul)

Throughout the month

Family

Sunday 6

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13

Sunday 20

Playground

REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled

Part of Planet Summer

Part installation, part adventure playground, REPLAY is a space built entirely out of waste materials, repurposed for fun. This is a Relaxed event. Sensory

Adapted and Early Years sessions are available. For ages 0 – 11.

Until Sun 3 Sep; Various times; Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £6.50 (every adult and child needs a ticket)

Jeppe Hein’s

Appearing Rooms

Part of Planet Summer

A summer favourite returns. By shooting jets of water into the air, the fountain creates rooms that disappear as quickly as they emerge.

Wed – Sun, 10am – 9pm (subject to weather conditions and maintenance), closed Mon & Tues; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Bird Rave

Part of Planet Summer

Create your own plumage headpiece, learn some rave moves and go bird-spotting around the Southbank Centre in this interactive performance. For all ages.

1pm – 6pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Saturday 12

Just Vibez & ZooNation: Hip-Hop 50th Birthday

Party

Part of Planet Summer

Love hip-hop? This line-up packs in DJs, MCs, beatboxers, dance workshops and a steel band. For all ages, adults after 9pm.

2pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Red Rope

Part of Planet Summer

Float through an underwater paradise of dynamic projections for a profound reminder of the beauty and fragility of our oceans. Suitable for all ages.

12 noon – 6pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Craft a Coral Reef

Part of Planet Summer

Use recycled materials in this drop-in workshop to craft coral creations, guided by artists and facilitators from IMPACT Theatre. For ages 4+.

12 noon – 4pm; Green Side Foyer, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

The Marvellous Myth

Hunter Ceilidh

Part of Planet Summer

Dust off your maps and jetpacks to visit Scotland's most famous loch and a fantastical live ceilidh. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 5+.

1pm – 4pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Until Sunday 27

The SpongeBob Musical

Part of Planet Summer

Plunge into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants at an all-singing, all-dancing stage show! Wed 16 Aug, 2pm: Relaxed Performance. Sat 19 Aug, 2pm: British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). Sat 26 Aug, 2pm: Audio Description available. For ages 6+.

2pm, 3pm & 7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £22.50 – £99

Our events are not just for the grown-ups – bring the little ones along for eco-themed play, a splash in our fountain and dynamic stage shows

Performance & comedy

Undersea musicals, bird-spotting raves and enchanting shows: discover international artists and up-and-coming names here in our venues

Sunday 6

Bird Rave

Part of Planet Summer

Create your own plumage headpiece, learn some rave moves and go bird-spotting in this interactive performance. For all ages.

1pm – 6pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20

Livia Rita: Dystopian

Wetlands

Part of Planet Summer

Weaving spells with tender melodies and earthy beats, Livia Rita is an avant-pop artist and alpine witch. For ages 12+.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £18

Sunday 20

The Marvellous Myth

Hunter Ceilidh

Part of Planet Summer

Dust off your maps to visit Scotland's most famous loch and a live ceilidh. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 5+.

1pm – 4pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Saturday 26

Africa in Fashion:

Styling Tomorrow

Part of Planet Summer

Take your place for a fashion show with a focus on sustainability and upcycling. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

7pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Until Sunday 27

The SpongeBob Musical

Part of Planet Summer

Plunge into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants at an all-singing, all-dancing stage show! Wed 16 Aug, 2pm: Relaxed Performance. Sat 19 Aug, 2pm: British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). Sat 26 Aug, 2pm: Audio

Description available. For ages 6+.

2pm, 3pm & 7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £22.50 – £99

From Monday 28

Of All the People in All the World: UK

Part of Planet Summer

Two tonnes of rice. One grain equals one person. A beautifully simple equation for a beautifully simple performance installation by Stan’s Cafe. For all ages.

Until 2 Sep; Mon & Wed – Fri, 12 noon – 8pm (Tue until 6pm); Sat, 11am – 8pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Throughout the month

Poets in Vogue

Uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear at our free exhibition. For ages 16+.

Tue, 12 noon – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 12 noon –8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Literature & talks

Wednesday 2

Where Else: International Hong Kong Poetry

Come along to a showcase of established and emerging poets with Hong Kong connections. For ages 16+.

8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £7

and spoken word events

Thursday 17

Colson Whitehead: Crook Manifesto

New York, 1971. The author introduces Crook Manifesto, the highly anticipated sequel to Harlem Shuffle. For ages 16+.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15

Saturday 26

Africa in Fashion:

Threads on Global Sustainability

Part of Planet Summer

Discuss what’s wrong with the global fashion industry and how it can be changed. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

5.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 5

Tomorrow's Warriors

Presents Summer Runnings

Get ready for a showcase featuring seven live bands and an end-ofsession jam from some of the best young jazz musicians around, all from Tomorrow’s Warriors' talent development programme.

2pm – 6pm; Riverside Terrace; Free

Music

Saturday 12

Just Vibez & ZooNation: Hip-Hop 50th Birthday Party

Part of Planet Summer

Love hip-hop? This line-up packs in DJs, MCs, beatboxers, dance workshops and a steel band. For all ages, adults after 9pm.

2pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Friday 18

Kinetika Bloco

Summer Showcase

Hear the beat of the British carnival sound at the spirited culmination of Kinetika Bloco’s summer school.

7pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20

Livia Rita: Dystopian Wetlands

Part of Planet Summer

Weaving spells with tender melodies and earthy beats, Livia Rita is an avant-pop artist and alpine witch. For ages 12+.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £18

Wednesday 23 MELTWATER

Part of Planet Summer

Examine the diversity of sound in a haunting composition focusing on the melting of a polar ice cap. This event is a Relaxed Performance (RP).

Supriya Nagarajan vocals

Karin de Fleyt flute

Lucy Nolan harp

Simon Limbrick marimba

Duncan Chapman electronics

Supriya Nagarajan Meltwater

7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15

MEMBERS GET

Presale tickets

Get the first chance to book with priority booking.

Eye-popping art

See it all with a whole year of free entry to the Hayward Gallery.

Knockout views

Take in the Thames from your own Members’ Lounge.

Delicious discounts

Membership Page

Treat yourself with up to 20% off in our shops and restaurants.

Free events

There's lots to see and do for free at the Southbank Centre, including climate-themed outdoor artworks, green crafting and a deep-dive into fashion

Throughout the month

Asim Waqif:

वेणु [Venu]

Asim Waqif’s striking bamboo installation is the third Bagri Foundation Commission. The large-scale structure’s organic form explores themes of urban space, ecology and community.

Daily; Hayward Gallery Terrace, Level 2; Free

Denman+Gould with Maeve Polkinhorn: Haven

Part of Planet Summer

An artist-created pocket garden transforms an urban space into a wildflower-rich sanctuary for wildlife.

Daily; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

kennardphillipps: Christina's World

Part of Planet Summer

One of our outdoor artworks is a haunting take on Andrew Wyeth's American landscape painting.

Daily; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Lucy McLauchlan: Raising the Flag

Part of Planet Summer

Flags around the Royal Festival Hall mark the rising water levels of the Thames in a call to action.

Daily; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Ed Hall: Hazelnuts do not grow on a dead planet

Part of Planet Summer

Three striking climate-themed works by artist and banner-maker Ed Hall adorn our buildings.

Daily; Royal Festival Hall Wall, Queen Elizabeth Hall Side; Free

Union Jill

Part of Planet Summer

Its origins are unknown, but this take on the Union Jack often appeared at environment-related protests.

Daily; Royal Festival Hall Roof; Free

Fefe Talavera: El Camino

Part of Planet Summer

Two six-metre-tall fantastical beasts, created in the Mexican folk art tradition of Alebrijes, overlook our terrace.

Daily; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms

Part of Planet Summer

A summer favourite returns. By shooting jets of water into the air, the fountain creates rooms that disappear as quickly as they emerge.

Wed – Sun, 10am – 9pm (subject to weather conditions and maintenance), closed Mon & Tues; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Occupied Archives: Recording Road Protest

Part of Planet Summer

Our archive display unearths artefacts from the anti-road protest movement of the early 1990s.

Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am –11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Dan Jones: The Conversation

Part of Planet Summer

Imagine an urban space given back to nature with this threedimensional sound piece by composer Dan Jones.

Daily; Queen’s Walk; Free

John Gerrard: Surrender (Flag) 2023

Part of Planet Summer

John Gerrard’s spectacular video artwork depicts a white flag – a symbol of surrender – formed from plumes of water vapour evaporating in a desert landscape.

Daily; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free

Poets in Vogue

Uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear at our free exhibition. For ages 16+.

Tue, 12 noon – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 12 noon –8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 5

Tomorrow's Warriors

Presents Summer Runnings

Get ready for a showcase featuring seven live bands and an end-ofsession jam from some of the best young jazz musicians around, all from Tomorrow’s Warriors' talent development programme.

2pm – 6pm; Riverside Terrace; Free

Sunday 6 Bird Rave

Part of Planet Summer

Create your own plumage headpiece, learn some rave moves and go bird-spotting around the Southbank Centre in this interactive performance.

1pm – 6pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Until Wednesday 9

Paul Pulford: Precious Stones

Part of Planet Summer

Visit our roof garden to find a new art installation responding to the challenges gardeners face because of climate change.

Wed – Sun, from 12 noon; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Saturday 12

Just Vibez & ZooNation: Hip-Hop 50th Birthday Party

Part of Planet Summer

Love hip-hop? This line-up packs in DJs, MCs, beatboxers, dance workshops and a steel band. For all ages, adults after 9pm.

2pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13

Red Rope

Part of Planet Summer

Float through an underwater paradise of dynamic projections for a profound reminder of the beauty and fragility of our oceans. Suitable for all ages.

12 noon – 6pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Craft a Coral Reef

Part of Planet Summer

Use recycled materials in this drop-in workshop to craft coral creations, guided by artists and facilitators from IMPACT Theatre. For ages 4+.

12 noon – 4pm; Green Side Foyer, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Until Sunday 13

Ackroyd & Harvey:

Poems for Our Planet

Part of Planet Summer

This living, growing artwork platforms the voices of people from all over the country through their poetry.

Daily; Riverside, Level 1; Free

Friday 18

Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase

Hear the beat of the British carnival sound at the spirited culmination of Kinetika Bloco’s summer school.

7pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Sunday 20

The Marvellous Myth

Hunter Ceilidh

Dust off your maps and jetpacks to visit Scotland's most famous loch and a fantastical live ceilidh. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 5+.

1pm – 4pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Until Sunday 27

Reframe: The Residency Exhibition

Part of Planet Summer

Experience the powerful responses of 80 emerging Black artists to climate change in an immersive exhibition.

Wed – Fri, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm; Sun, 10am – 6pm (closed Mon & Tue); Reframe Studios, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed

The Artists Food Stall

Part of Planet Summer

Grab a treat and the chance to have conversations around food, art and sustainability at artisthosted stalls at our weekend food market.

Open Fri – Sun, check website for times; Southbank Centre Food Market, Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road; Free

Saturday 26

Africa in Fashion: Tailor Re-Made

Part of Planet Summer

Upcycle and rework your wellloved items in a crafty workshop with Anita Quansah. For ages 7+.

3pm & 4.15pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Africa in Fashion: Threads on Global Sustainability

Part of Planet Summer

Discuss what’s wrong with the global fashion industry and how it can be changed. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

5.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Africa in Fashion: Styling Tomorrow

Part of Planet Summer

Take your place for a fashion show that features designers with a focus on sustainability and upcycling. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

7pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

From Monday 28

Of All the People in All the World: UK

Part of Planet Summer

Two tonnes of rice. One grain equals one person. A beautifully simple equation for a beautifully simple performance installation by Stan’s Cafe. For all ages.

Until 2 Sep; Mon & Wed – Fri, 12 noon – 8pm (Tue until 6pm); Sat, 11am – 8pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Upcoming highlights

Classical Music: Autumn/Winter 2023/24

As the new classical year begins in September, join us for a programme that captures powerful human experiences, showcasing celebrated works from the past as well as brand new stories.

It all begins with our Opening Weekend, when we’re joined by many of our Resident Orchestras and Resident Artists – we hope to see you there.

September 2023 – January 2024

Also coming soon

Nicholas Daley Presents Woven Rhythms

The fashion designer treats us to a day-long takeover, drawing on the interlinking cultures of jazz, reggae and electronic music.

Friday 15 September

Cultural Assembly: Together We Act

Wrap up our summer season at a town hall asking what future we want to create in the face of the climate crisis.

Sunday 3 September

Honey Dijon Presents Honeyverse

The pioneering DJ and producer curates a takeover drawing inspiration from her roots in the Black Queer community.

Saturday 9 & Saturday 16 September

Brian Eno & Baltic Sea Philharmonic

Ships is a new live concert with Brian Eno, Baltic Sea Philharmonic and Kristjan Järvi, commissioned by La Biennale di Venezia.

Monday 30 October

Naomi Klein: Doppelganger

The No Logo author introduces her new book: a guide for our unsettling age, inviting us to view our reflection in the looking glass.

Sunday 24 September

Zoe's Peculiar Journey Through Time

Hurtle into a time-travelling adventure for ages six and over, featuring puppetry and exploring themes of friendship and the environment.

Friday 1 – Sunday 3 September

Eat & explore

Cold drinks for summer days

We all know that the Southbank Centre is the perfect place to while away a summer’s day – or a long, warm evening – whether you’re here to get misty-eyed over the spectacular views of London’s skyline, take a stroll along the balmy riverside or pop into our halls for unbeatable cultural experiences.

All that can be thirsty work. Fear not, our summer pop-ups are here to provide. Jimmy's BBQ Club returns to the riverside with its riviera-style outdoor seating, and an even bigger focus on locally sourced, seasonal and home-grown ingredients. Pull up a deckchair with a holiday read and a glass of something cold, catch up with friends over al fresco drinks, or book a table for a leisurely six-course meal with your own tabletop BBQ, where chefs share their tips for your feast.

Natura Nostra Forest

Look down from Waterloo Bridge at our buildings, and what do you see? Iconic architecture, definitely. Crowds enjoying summer on the Thames riverside, absolutely. But now you can also spot something that might seem a bit out of place: a forest. As part of our Planet Summer season, which platforms artistic responses to the climate emergency, we’ve made a permanent, leafy addition to our site in a collaboration between the Southbank Centre, Moët & Chandon and urban rewilding organisation SUGi. Covering an area of 130 metres square, the Natura Nostra Forest includes an astounding 390 trees, and it’s here to stay. Yes, the trees are quite mini right now (the above is a

A new addition to our line-up is the Thirsty Farrier, mixing summertime cocktails and innovative creations at their vintage horsebox bar, parked up on Queen’s Walk. The two brothers behind the company are passionate about flavours, fun and sustainability. Try their cocktail of the month or a twist on classics like the espresso martini with chocolate and salted caramel, plus fruity numbers like the mango and strawberry mojito. Yum.

So pick up some refreshment for a wander – you can find plenty of delicious bites to fuel your summer fun from our other pop-ups, too.

Until Sunday 17 September; Queen’s Walk; Monday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm

visualisation of the forest after ten years), but as the forest grows it will create a green haven at the foot of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, encouraging wildlife to visit and nature to thrive in our own backyard. And over the first 20 years of growth, it will sequester an estimated 405 kilos of carbon per year.

Want to know more? It’s been planted using the Miyawaki method, which allows for quick planting and easy upkeep. It also includes only native species – in this case, 24 of them, including hazel, crab apple and dog rose. So get down there, see how many you can count and take a breath of fresh forest air.

Find the Natura Nostra Forest behind the Queen Elizabeth Hall, facing Waterloo Bridge

Waterloo Bridge

About us

London Eye

Royal Festival Hall BelvedereRd YorkRd

Hayward Gallery

Getting here

By train

The nearest stations are: Waterloo Waterloo East

Charing Cross Blackfriars

By tube

Waterloo (200 metres)

Embankment (600 metres)

By bus

Routes 1, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, N1, N68, N171, N343 and X68 stop on Waterloo Bridge (a two-minute walk away)

Routes 76, 77, 211, 381, 507 and N381 stop on York Road (a five-minute walk away)

IMAX

London Waterloo East

How to book tickets

Online

southbankcentre.co.uk*

Waterloo

We’re the largest arts centre in the UK and one of the nation's top visitor attractions, showcasing the world’s most exciting artists at our venues in the heart of London. We’re here to present great cultural experiences that bring people together, and open up the arts to everyone.

The Southbank Centre is made up of the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, National Poetry Library and Arts Council Collection. We're also one of London’s favourite meeting spots, with lots of free events and places to relax, eat and shop next to the Thames.

Waterloo Station

We hope that you enjoy your visit – and if you need any information or help, please ask a member of staff.

While you're here

Eating, drinking and shopping? Take in the views over food and drinks at the Riverside Terrace Cafe, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, and visit our shops for products inspired by our great cultural experiences, iconic buildings and central London location. And around our site you can find more to explore, with Beany Green, Côte Brasserie, Foyles, Giraffe, Honest Burger, La Gamba, Las Iguanas, Le Pain Quotidien, Ping Pong, Pret, Strada, Skylon, Topolski, wagamama and Wahaca.

Southbank Centre Food Market

With a huge choice of street food and drinks from around the globe, the Southbank Centre Food Market is a must-visit.

Fri, 12 noon – 9pm; Sat, 11am – 9pm; Sun & bank holiday Mon, 12 noon – 6pm; Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road

Access

The Southbank Centre is accessible to all and level access is available to all of our venues. For further information and details of accessible events, see our website. southbankcentre.co.uk/access

An audio version of this publication is available online. soundcloud.com/southbankcentreaudio

Membership

Become a Member and get the first chance to book for go-downin-history gigs, sublime symphonies and blockbuster literature events. Members also get a discount on selected retailers and restaurants; check our website for more details. southbankcentre.co.uk/membership

Supporters Circles

Enjoy all the benefits of Membership as well as getting closer to the artists with invitations to rehearsals, openings and more. southbankcentre.co.uk/join

Name a seat

Starting from £100, dedicate a seat in one of our concert halls to your favourite person. southbankcentre.co.uk/nameaseat

Listings correct at time of going to press (2023).

The Southbank Centre is a registered charity no. 298909

By phone

020 3879 9555*

For information about concessions, see southbankcentre.co.uk

*Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons. Booking fees for Hayward Gallery exhibition tickets: £3 online, £3.50 over the phone.

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On the cover

The SpongeBob Musical © Sella Door

Image credits

Inside cover: Installation view of Jenny Kendler, Dear Earth (21 Jun – 3 Sep 2023).

Photo: Mark Blower. Courtesy the Hayward Gallery.

This month's highlights: Reframe: The Residency Exhibition © Linda Nylind; Colson Whitehead © Michael Lionstar; The SpongeBob Musical © Sella Door; Livia Rita © courtesy of Livia Rita; REPLAY © Arnaud Mbaki

Header images: Art & exhibitions: Richard Mosse, Oil Spill on Kichwa Territory III Block 192, Rio Tigre, Loreto, 2023 © Richard Mosse, 2023. Courtesy of the artist, Jack Shainman Gallery and carlier | gebauer; Family: Just Vibez & ZooNation:

Hip-Hop 50th Birthday Party © Johan Persson; Performance & comedy: Livia Rita © qinfuyao; Literature & talks: Poets in Vogue, A fabric-adaptation of a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks © Pete Woodhead; Music: MELTWATER; Free events: Denman+Gould with Maeve Polkinhorn: Haven © Courtesy of the artist.

Upcoming highlights: Classical Music: Patricia Kopatchinskaja © Alexandra Muravyeva; Nicholas Daley © Pete Woodhead; Cultural Assembly © Talia Woodin; Brian Eno © Cecily Eno; Naomi Klein © Rob Trendiak; Zoe's Peculiar Journey

Through Time © Susanne Hassler-Smith

Eat & explore: The Thirsty Farrier © Arnaud Mbaki; Natura Nostra Forest © image courtesy of SUGi

or phone 020 3879 9555

Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room