Southbank Centre monthly listings July 2024

Welcome to the Southbank Centre

We’re often called ‘London’s living room’, which speaks to the warm welcome that our visitors find here. Embracing our aim to be one of the most inclusive arts spaces in the world, our summer season You Belong Here amplifies a diverse range of voices and perspectives exploring the very human need for belonging, and creates experiences for all to enjoy. The season takes its inspiration from our illuminating new Hayward Gallery exhibition, Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere, and its name from one of Strachan’s text-based sculptures, written in giant neon letters on the outside of the gallery. In the exhibition – the multifaceted artist’s first mid-career survey – Strachan invites us on a voyage of discovery through hidden histories and forgotten stories.

As part of You Belong Here, we also celebrate an extraordinary group of music’s overlooked pioneers in the new festival Sound Within Sound, based on the book by journalist and broadcaster Kate Molleson. Join us over four days to get familiar with some truly sensational musicians whose works will open your ears and your minds to the possibilities of music.

Mark Ball

Artistic Director

An update on our refurbishment works

We’re delighted to see the foyer spaces on Level 2 of our Grade I-listed Royal Festival Hall bustling with visitors once again following our refurbishment works. Ahead of the hall’s 75th anniversary in 2026, these much-loved spaces have been given a modern refresh that is sensitive to the wonderful heritage of this iconic building, installing our brand new Ballroom Cafe and Festival Bar & Kitchen, as well as a new shop and welcome desk.

The improvements to our foyers reinforce our commitment to being accessible to everybody – an integral part of our history since the introduction of our open foyer policy in 1983, when the Royal Festival Hall began opening its foyers throughout the day.

The Southbank Centre is not only the largest arts centre in the UK, but also holds a special place in the social and cultural life of London as a meeting spot for all. Whether you’re here to see a show, meet friends or simply take some time out, we hope you enjoy your visit.

Elaine Bedell Chief Executive

Tuesday 18 June –

Sunday 1 September

Key things to know about Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere

The Hayward Gallery presents the first midcareer survey dedicated to the work of New Yorkbased

Bahamian artist Tavares Strachan

Featuring neon works, mixed-media installations, large-scale collages, and bronze and ceramic sculptures, There Is Light Somewhere showcases the inventive ways in which Strachan has used his art to celebrate unsung heroes and introduce audiences to overlooked cultural trailblazers. Here are some key things to know about his work.

Strachan has created an encyclopaedia

As a child in the Bahamas, Strachan was introduced to the Encyclopedia Britannica by his grandfather, but he questioned why no one from his own community was represented in its pages. So began a lifelong fascination with lost stories, and a campaign to re-tell them through art. It took Strachan nearly a decade to produce his 3,000 page, leather-bound volume, filled with 17,000 entries on overlooked or neglected people, places and things. He called this monumental project The Encyclopedia of Invisibility, and it is presented within an immersive installation in our exhibition.

He mixes ancient with modern to tell hopeful stories

Strachan draws together unexpected connections that leap across time and space. His bronze sculptures of 20th-century figures like Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey and dub music pioneer King Tubby are made to appear time-worn, bringing to mind artefacts from an ancient civilisation. And there are his ceramic sculptures, which draw parallels between people who lived centuries apart, like the Queen of Sheba and singer Nina Simone. Strachan describes this approach as ‘worldmaking’, and he uses it to manifest powerful stories of resistance and hope for the future.

A conceptual artist, he constantly experiments with physical materials

Powerful ideas about art and science; visibility and invisibility; belonging and displacement are at the heart of Strachan’s work. Yet he is also fascinated by materials, and There Is Light Somewhere showcases an extraordinary range of mediums from paintings, collage and tapestry to ceramic, bronze and neon. Strachan has also pioneered some unique approaches, like encasing glass human figures in tanks filled with mineral oil for a series of ‘invisible’ sculptures; and collecting hair from Bahamian barbershops and flocking it into traditional African hair styles to adorn bronze busts.

Everything happening all at once

Strachan’s approach to artmaking is interdisciplinary. Poetry, food, science, dance and particularly music have served as great sources of inspiration. He credits the early influence of musicians like King Tubby, Bob Marley and the Wailers, and Burning Spear, whose music is universally accessible through its rhythms and basslines, while also being a vehicle for the artists’ personal stories and political messages. Imagery from his many influences can be seen within his work, enriching Strachan’s storytelling.

July highlights

Free Riverside Stage

As part of You Belong Here, we’re collaborating with some of London’s most exciting artists and collectives on our Riverside Stage for free weekend events featuring live music, performance, dance and fashion.

Thursday 11 July – Monday 26 August

Afrique en Cirque

Roll up, roll up for an indescribable display of acrobatics, artistry and Afro-jazz rhythms in a joyous circus show inspired by daily life in Guinea, filled with colour and energy.

Sound Within Sound

Open your ears to music's lost pioneers at our new four-day festival of sensational musical experiences.

Uncover the lives and works of international musicians who pushed the boundaries of sound at performances in our auditoriums and public spaces, as well as immersive sound installations and free events.

Inspired by the book Sound Within Sound by journalist and BBC Radio 3 broadcaster Kate Molleson, this event series spotlights the lives and works of composers from the 20th century whose work has been overlooked in the main classical canon.

Their bold, rule-breaking, world-awakening music changes the way we think about classical music and the musicians who make it on a global scale, making us question who gets to become part of the canon and who doesn’t – and why.

Thursday 4 – Sunday 7 July

Conversations with Baldwin

Join us to mark the 100th birthday of iconic writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin in a day of three talks exploring his life, works and enduring legacy.

Sunday 21 July

Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms

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

Until Sunday 8 September

Crazy Smooth: In My Body

Bodies become dance battlegrounds in this performance about the highs and lows of ageing in hip-hop, taken from intergenerational dancers’ personal stories.

Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 July

Home

In a touching show brought to life by animated paintings and music, children and their grown-ups are taken on a journey through a fairytale-like world to find a house that feels like home again.

Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 July

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

Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere

Part of You Belong Here

In our new Hayward Gallery exhibition, an artist of lost stories shines a light on unsung trailblazers and hidden histories.

Until Sun 1 Sep; Tue – Fri, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm; Sun, 10am – 6pm (closed Mon); Hayward Gallery; Tickets from £18 (free to Southbank Centre Members & under-12s)

You Belong Here:

Public Art

Part of You Belong Here

Explore spectacular art across our site for free with thoughtprovoking works connected to the theme of this year’s summer season, You Belong Here. Plus, Jeppe Hein’s much-loved Appearing Rooms fountain returns.

Until Sun 1 Sep; Across the site; Free

Naomi Rincón Gallardo: Sonnet of Vermin

Creatures of Mesoamerican

folklore form a surreal choir calling for an end to colonial violence in our free HENI Project Space exhibition.

Until Sun 1 Sep; Tue – Fri & Sun, 10am –6pm; Sat 10am – 8pm; HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery; Free

Suzie Larke: Unseen

Part of Unlimited

Photographer Suzie Larke shares logic-defying work sparking conversations about mental wellbeing.

Until Sun 8 Sep; From 10am; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Simon Roth & Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck: Ground & Sound

Listen to this collection of original audio artworks, exploring themes of wellbeing, regeneration, care and reflection.

Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden & online; Free

Saturday 13

Making Poetry: Opening Event

Part of You Belong Here

Be among the first to see Astra Papachristodoulou’s debut solo exhibition of visual poems.

7.30pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free

From Sunday 14

Making Poetry: Astra Papachristodoulou

Part of You Belong Here Poems exist as sculpture, objects and textiles in Astra Papachristodoulou’s debut solo exhibition.

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

Saturday 20

Tavares Strachan in Conversation with Emma Dabiri

Part of You Belong Here

Hear from artist Tavares Strachan and bestselling author, academic and broadcaster Emma Dabiri, as they discuss the Hayward Gallery’s current exhibition, and belonging.

7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

Tuesday 30

Relaxed Hours: Tavares Strachan

Part of You Belong Here

Take in our current exhibition in a relaxed environment with additional support at our Relaxed Hours event. Includes guided tours, chill-out spaces and creative workshops with artists. 10am – 3pm; Hayward Gallery; Tickets from £18 (For info on bursary places and travel support, contact haywardrelaxedhours@ southbankcentre.co.uk)

Family

Our events are not just for the grown-ups – bring your little ones along to a marvellous musical playground, heartwarming shows and outdoor grooves

Throughout the month

Jeppe Hein's Appearing Rooms

Part of You Belong Here

A summer favourite returns: a playful fountain that shoots jets of water into the air.

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

Saturday 6

The Rig: A Musical Family Playground

Part of Sound Within Sound

Drop in to try your hand at making and playing upcycled instruments in our marvellous, musical playground. For all ages.

10.30am – 3.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free (first come, first served)

Friday 12

Rug Rhymes at the National Poetry Library

Hear some of your favourite nursery rhymes and rhyming stories from puppets Federico and Firebird. For ages 0 – 5.

11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £4 (admits one adult and one child)

Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 Home

Part of You Belong Here

Join Anastasiia and her dog Djonnik on a quest to find a new house that they can make their home. Relaxed Performance (RP).

For ages 2 – 7.

11am & 2pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £14

Sunday 14

Up on the Roof Community Day

Part of You Belong Here

Unearth an unexpected pocket of greenery on our rooftop at an afternoon of music and activities for all the family. For all ages.

12 noon; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Friday 19

Just Vibez: The Friday Fete

Part of You Belong Here

Get grooving as the Just Vibez collective brings the sounds and rhythms of Carnival to the Riverside Stage. For all ages.

4pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Wednesday 24 – Sunday 28

Afrique en Cirque

Part of You Belong Here

Roll up, roll up for an indescribable display of acrobatics, artistry and Afro-jazz rhythms.

Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20

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, and no booking fees for Hayward Gallery exhibition tickets.

Classical music

Our programme celebrates the incredible history of classical music. Join us in July to discover pioneering and overlooked composers at our new festival Sound Within Sound

Thursday 4

Ruth Crawford Seeger: Chants for Women's Chorus

Part of Sound Within Sound

Be surrounded by Ruth Crawford Seeger’s captivating chorus of discordant voices.

The Marian Consort

Crawford Seeger 3 Chants for women's chorus

7pm & 9.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Apartment House: Annea Lockwood & José Maceda

Part of Sound Within Sound

The opening concert of the festival features nature-inspired music by Annea Lockwood and José Maceda.

Maceda Music for 5 pianos; Annea Lockwood Jitterbug

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20

Kate Molleson & Annea Lockwood in Conversation

Part of Sound Within Sound

Get to know Sound Within Sound and the book that inspired the quest for music's lost pioneers.

8.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Friday 5

London Sinfonietta: Carrillo & Revueltas

Part of Sound Within Sound

We’re led on a journey through Mexico in striking and surprising works by two of the country’s experimental composers.

Geoffrey Paterson conductor

Juliet Fraser soprano

Ernestine Stoop microtonal harp

Carrillo String Quartet No.1 in E flat; Revueltas Homenaje a Federico García Lorca; Carrillo

Preludio a Colón

7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £25

Maya Dunietz Performs

Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou

Part of Sound Within Sound

The composer’s beautiful piano works transport us to the holy setting where the nun wrote her music, with readings by Kate Molleson.

Maya Dunietz piano

Emahoy Tsegué-Mariam Guèbru Works for piano to be announced

8.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Saturday 6

Siwan Rhys: Ustvolskaya Solo Piano Works

Part of Sound Within Sound

Siwan Rhys approaches the physical limits of piano-playing in Galina Ustvolskaya’s hurtling, ferocious outpouring of frustration and resistance.

Siwan Rhys piano

Ustvolskaya Piano Sonatas Nos.4, 5 & 6

3.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

London Sinfonietta:

Ustvolskaya

Part of Sound Within Sound

Explore the extraordinary, progressive work of a composer who was oppressed but far from silenced by an autocratic regime.

Geoffrey Paterson conductor

Sergej Merkusjev reciter Ustvolskaya Symphony No.3 (Jesus Messiah, Save Us!); Symphony No.2 (True and Eternal Bliss!)

5pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20

Quatuor Bozzini: Crawford Seeger

Part of Sound Within Sound

The quartet revives works by some of 20th-century America’s most forward-thinking musical minds. Programme includes: Crawford Seeger String Quartet 1931

6.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Mozart Requiem

Mozart's choral masterpiece crowns a sublime concert of his greatest works.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Lee Reynolds conductor

Daniel Lebhardt piano

Rhian Lois soprano

Idunnu Münch mezzo-soprano

Anthony Gregory tenor

Edward Grint bass-baritone

London Philharmonic Choir

Mozart Overture, The Magic Flute; Piano Concerto No.21 in C, K.467; Requiem

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £19.50

Deep Listening:

Else Marie Pade

Part of Sound Within Sound

Immerse yourself in the strange and unsettling sonic world of the composer dubbed the ‘Technogranny’.

8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7

nonclassical: Sound

Within Sound DJ Sets

Part of Sound Within Sound

Record label nonclassical takes to our Riverside Terrace stage with specially curated live DJ sets.

Sat 6 Jul, 2pm – 6pm; Sun 7 Jul, 3pm – 7pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Sunday 7

Annea Lockwood:

A Sound Map of the Housatonic River

Part of Sound Within Sound

Follow the composer’s winding journey from river to sea, mapping sounds of waterways, at our free installation.

2pm & 4.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Quatuor Bozzini & Rhodri Davies: Occam

Part of Sound Within Sound

The flowing sounds of waterways form the inspiration for the ethereal music of Éliane Radigue.

Rhodri Davies harp

Hélène Breschand harp

Quatuor Bozzini

Éliane Radigue OCCAM 1 for harp; OCCAM XIV for harp; OCCAM

RIVER XX for harp duo; OCCAM

DELTA XV for string quartet

4pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20

Saturday 27

Maestros in Fusion

Experience a fusion of classical and jazz music from some of India’s best musicians.

Shankar Mahadevan vocals

Zakir Hussain tabla

7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £35

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.

Sound Within Sound multi-buy: with our festival multi-buy offer, you can book three or more Sound Within Sound events to save 25%. Check individual event pages on our website for further details.

Children aged 7+ are welcome at most Southbank Centre classical concerts, except where indicated.

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

Gigs

Whatever you’re into, join us for gigs showcasing sensational sounds from across the globe, including free events on our Riverside Stage

Thursday 11, 18 & 25

Baked Bean’s Terrace Takeover

Part of You Belong Here

The eclectic, dynamic and diverse group of DJs with learning disabilities lays on three Thursday evenings of laid-back beats and bangers on our terrace.

6pm – 10pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Friday 12

SOUNDS LiKE CHAOS: Bring the Noise

Part of You Belong Here

The radical youth arts collective brings the noise to our Riverside Stage with a South London DJ takeover.

5.30pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Saturday 13

SOUNDS LiKE CHAOS: All Routes Lead In

Part of You Belong Here

On our terrace, the youth arts collective introduces a kaleidoscope of colourful workshops and music. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

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

Friday 19

Simmer Down

Get ready to feel the reggae rhythm at this free monthly daytime dance that'll get you grooving. For all ages.

1.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Just Vibez: The Friday Fete

Part of You Belong Here

Get grooving as the Just Vibez collective brings the sounds and rhythms of Carnival to the Riverside Stage. For all ages.

4pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Saturday 20

JAZZ RE:FEST 2024

Part of You Belong Here

Pioneering grassroots jazz organisation Jazz re:freshed presents the 11th edition of JAZZ RE:FEST festival, on two stages across an afternoon.

From 1pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2 & The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Thursday 25 futuretense: Cherrie B + twst

Dive into a heady blend of hyperpop and electronic music with two singer-songwriters on the rise.

6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Friday 26

AZEEMA: Our House Party

Part of You Belong Here

Celebrate the sound of global transcultural identities from London to Africa, Asia and beyond.

5.30pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Saturday 27

AZEEMA: Our Open House

Part of You Belong Here

Come together for a celebration of culture and unity through music, conversation and performances.

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

Sunday 28

AZEEMA: A Home From Home

Part of You Belong Here

Explore community and connection through, sound and conversation at AZEEMA’s closing weekend event.

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

Performance & dance

Musical classics, street dance battles and dazzling acrobatics: discover international performance here in our venues

Saturday 13

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel: A Concert

Climb aboard for a night of magic and music in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless classic.

For ages 12+. Under-4s not permitted.

Cast includes:

Jamie Muscato Billy Bigelow

Christine Allado Julie Jordan

Rebecca Caine Nettie Fowler

7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25

Saturday 13 & Sunday 14

Home

Part of You Belong Here

Join Anastasiia and her dog Djonnik on a quest to find a new house that they can make their home. Relaxed Performance (RP).

For ages 2 – 7.

11am & 2pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £14

Thursday 18 – Saturday 20

Crazy Smooth: In My Body

Part of You Belong Here

This street dance performance dissects the trials of ageing through dancers’ personal stories.

Audio Description and Touch Tour available: Fri 19 Jul. For ages 8+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20

Sunday 21

The Dance Exchange

Part of You Belong Here

Dust off your best moves for a day of workshops and performances of international street dance. For all ages.

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

Wednesday 24 – Sunday 28

Afrique en Cirque

Part of You Belong Here

Roll up, roll up for an indescribable display of acrobatics, artistry and Afro-jazz rhythms.

Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20

From Wednesday 31

Frankie Goes to Bollywood

Part of You Belong Here

Expect dazzling dance, epic songs and sweeping romance in this new musical about Bollywood’s lure. Captioned: Sat 3 Aug, 2.30pm. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Thu 8 Aug, 2.30pm. Audio Description available: Thu 15 Aug, 2.30pm. For ages 8+.

Until Sun 18 Aug; Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15 Sun 11 Aug: Post-show talk following the 2.30pm performance

Literature & talks

We’re the home of literature and spoken word events in the UK, and our programme brims with today’s bestselling authors, rising literary stars and award-winning poetry

Wednesday 3

European Poetry

Festival: Norwegian Poetry

Hear new work by British and Norwegian poets in the UK’s biggest celebration of continental poetry.

8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Thursday 4

Kate Molleson & Annea Lockwood in Conversation

Part of Sound Within Sound

Get to know Sound Within Sound and the book that inspired the quest for music's lost pioneers.

8.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Thursday 4 & Friday 5

An Evening with David Sedaris

One of America’s most celebrated satirists and humour writers returns to our Royal Festival Hall. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Fri 5 Jul.

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £40

Saturday 6

Poetry Workshop: To Break and Build

Examine poetry’s role in animating the unknown and forgotten, from past to future, and body to body, in an online workshop led by poet Tim Tim Cheng. For ages 18+.

11am; Online events; Tickets from £5

Wednesday 10

Special Edition: Transgressive Poetics

Join us for a reading and conversation focused on desire and defiance from two exciting new poets.

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

Thursday 11

David Olusoga: Black British History and Belonging

Part of You Belong Here

The BAFTA-winning historian and film-maker charts the story of Black British history. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

Friday 12

Rug Rhymes at the National Poetry Library

Hear some of your favourite nursery rhymes and rhyming stories from puppets Federico and Firebird. For ages 0 – 5.

11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £4 (admits one adult and one child)

Saturday 13

The Poetry Takeaway

Part of You Belong Here

Form a queue at the Poetry Takeaway Burger Van to order a bespoke wrapped poem to take away.

12 noon – 5pm; Queen's Walk; Free

Making Poetry: Opening Event

Part of You Belong Here

Be among the first to see Astra Papachristodoulou’s debut solo exhibition of visual poems.

7.30pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Strong Like Us: Kelechi Okafor & Friends

Part of You Belong Here

The author and friends talk strength, Black womanhood and advocating for the inner child in us all. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Sunday 14

Sathnam Sanghera: Empireworld

Part of You Belong Here

The journalist and author traces the legacies of the British empire around the world. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).

2.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

From Sunday 14

Making Poetry: Astra Papachristodoulou

Part of You Belong Here

Poems exist as sculpture, objects and textiles in Astra Papachristodoulou’s debut solo exhibition.

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

Wednesday 17

A Gavin Selerie Celebration

Discover the creative world and dynamic work of one of the most skilful writers of the long poem.

8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Thursday 18

Out-Spoken: July

Our monthly session presents the best in live poetry and music, hosted by poet Joelle Taylor.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

Saturday 20

You Belong Here: British Identity

Part of You Belong Here

A panel of writers, including Xiaolu Guo and Tomiwa Owolade, engage with Britain's past, wrestle with its present and offer us alternatives for the future.

2pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Tavares Strachan in Conversation with Emma Dabiri

Part of You Belong Here

Hear from artist Tavares Strachan and bestselling author, academic and broadcaster Emma Dabiri, as they discuss the Hayward Gallery’s current exhibition, and belonging.

7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

Sunday 21

Conversations with Baldwin: Another Country

Part of You Belong Here

Join authors to explore Baldwin's beautiful and multi-layered novel about love and finding oneself.

12 noon; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Notes of a Native Son: Baldwin and Artists’ Roles

Part of You Belong Here

Dive into a reading and discussion examining artistry, activism and the role of the artist through the lens of celebrated US writer James Baldwin.

3pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Conversations with Baldwin: Baldwin and Fashion

Part of You Belong Here

Join artists, writers, and fashionistas for a discussion about how we fashion identities. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Thursday 25

James Comey: Westport

Former head of the FBI James Comey presents his gripping new legal thriller, Westport.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £30

Sunday 28

Out-Spoken Masterclass: July

Unlock new tips and tricks for writing poetry, and put them into practice in this workshop.

1pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25

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. Ages 16+ are welcome at most Southbank Centre literature events and talks, except where indicated.

Free events

There’s lots to see and do for free at the Southbank Centre, including spectacular art around our site and outdoor stage takeovers as part of summer season You Belong Here

Throughout the month

You Belong Here: Public Art

Part of You Belong Here

Explore spectacular art across our site for free with thoughtprovoking works connected to the theme of this year’s summer season, You Belong Here

Until Sun 1 Sep; Across the site; Free

Naomi Rincón Gallardo: Sonnet of Vermin

Creatures of Mesoamerican folklore form a surreal choir calling for an end to colonial violence in our free HENI Project Space exhibition.

Until Sun 1 Sep; Tue – Fri & Sun, 10am –6pm; Sat 10am – 8pm; HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery; Free

Jeppe Hein's Appearing Rooms

Part of You Belong Here

A summer favourite returns: a playful fountain that shoots jets of water into the air.

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

Suzie Larke: Unseen

Part of Unlimited

Photographer Suzie Larke shares logic-defying work sparking conversations about mental wellbeing.

Until Sun 8 Sep; From 10am; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Simon Roth & Johanna

Tagada Hoffbeck: Ground & Sound

Listen to this collection of original audio artworks, exploring themes of wellbeing, regeneration, care and reflection.

Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden & online; Free

Wednesday 3 Southbank Centre Youth Voices

Aged 10 – 18 and curious about singing? Join our group to discover the joy of singing together.

5pm; Various venues; Free (email emergingartists@southbankcentre.co.uk to sign up)

European Poetry Festival: Norwegian Poetry

Hear new work by British and Norwegian poets in the UK’s biggest celebration of continental poetry. For ages 16+.

8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Thursday 4

Ruth Crawford Seeger: Chants for Women's Chorus

Part of Sound Within Sound

Be surrounded by Ruth Crawford Seeger’s captivating chorus of discordant voices.

The Marian Consort Crawford Seeger 3 Chants for women's chorus

7pm & 9.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Kate Molleson & Annea Lockwood in Conversation

Part of Sound Within Sound

Get to know Sound Within Sound and the book that inspired the quest for music's lost pioneers.

8.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Saturday 6

The Rig: A Musical Family Playground

Part of Sound Within Sound

Drop in to try your hand at making and playing upcycled instruments in our marvellous, musical playground. For all ages.

10.30am – 3.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free (first come, first served)

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7

nonclassical: Sound

Within Sound DJ Sets

Part of Sound Within Sound

Record label nonclassical takes to our Riverside Terrace stage with specially curated live DJ sets.

Sat 6 Jul, 2pm – 6pm; Sun 7 Jul, 3pm – 7pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Sunday 7

Annea Lockwood:

A Sound Map of the Housatonic River

Part of Sound Within Sound

Follow the composer’s winding journey from river to sea, mapping sounds of waterways, at our free installation.

2pm & 4.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Thursday 11, 18 & 25

Baked Bean’s Terrace Takeover

Part of You Belong Here

The eclectic, dynamic and diverse group of DJs with learning disabilities lays on three Thursday evenings of laid-back beats and bangers on our terrace.

6pm – 10pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Friday 12

SOUNDS LiKE CHAOS: Bring the Noise

Part of You Belong Here

The radical youth arts collective brings the noise to our Riverside Stage with a South London DJ takeover.

5.30pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Saturday 13

The Poetry Takeaway

Part of You Belong Here

Form a queue at the Poetry

Takeaway Burger Van to order a bespoke wrapped poem to take away.

12 noon – 5pm; Queen's Walk; Free

SOUNDS LiKE CHAOS: All Routes Lead In

Part of You Belong Here

On our terrace, the youth arts collective introduces a kaleidoscope of colourful workshops and music. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

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

Making Poetry:

Opening Event

Part of You Belong Here

Be among the first to see Astra Papachristodoulou’s debut solo exhibition of visual poems.

7.30pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Sunday 14

Up on the Roof

Community Day

Part of You Belong Here

Unearth an unexpected pocket of greenery on our rooftop at an afternoon of music and activities for all the family. For all ages.

12 noon; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

SOUNDS LiKE CHAOS: Routes Home

Part of You Belong Here

Wind down on Sunday with zine-making and art workshops designed by the radical youth arts collective. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

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

From Sunday 14

Making Poetry: Astra Papachristodoulou

Part of You Belong Here

Poems exist as sculpture, objects and textiles in Astra Papachristodoulou’s debut solo exhibition.

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

Monday 15

Primary Schools

Takeover: Tavares Strachan

Primary schools are invited to visit our exhibition and take part in peer-led activities.

10.30am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Wednesday 17

A Gavin Selerie Celebration

Discover the creative world and dynamic work of one of the most skilful writers of the long poem. For ages 16+.

8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Friday 19

Simmer Down

Get ready to feel the reggae rhythm at this free monthly daytime dance that'll get you grooving. For all ages.

1.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Just Vibez: The Friday Fete

Part of You Belong Here

Get grooving as the Just Vibez collective brings the sounds and rhythms of Carnival to the Riverside Stage. For all ages.

4pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Saturday 20

JAZZ RE:FEST 2024

Part of You Belong Here

Pioneering grassroots jazz organisation Jazz re:freshed presents the 11th edition of JAZZ RE:FEST festival, on two stages across an afternoon.

From 1pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2 & The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Sunday 21

The Dance Exchange

Part of You Belong Here

Dust off your best moves for a day of workshops and performances of international street dance. For all ages.

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

Tuesday 23

Taster Sessions with Grounded Ecotherapy

If you’re local and seeking a supportive recovery programme, discover the benefits of ecotherapy here. For ages 18+ only.

11am; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free (only by referral, contact artsandwellbeing@southbankcentre.co.uk for more info)

Thursday 25

futuretense:

Cherrie B + twst

Dive into a heady blend of hyperpop and electronic music with two singer-songwriters on the rise.

6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Friday 26

AZEEMA: Our House Party

Part of You Belong Here

Celebrate the sound of global transcultural identities from London to Africa, Asia and beyond.

5.30pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Saturday 27

AZEEMA: Our Open House

Part of You Belong Here

Come together for a celebration of culture and unity through music, conversation and performances.

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

Sunday 28

AZEEMA: A Home From Home

Part of You Belong Here

Explore community and connection through play, sound and conversation at AZEEMA’s closing weekend event.

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

Upcoming highlights

Unlimited

Celebrating the artistic vision and creativity of disabled artists, the biennial festival Unlimited is back for 2024. The programme features a stellar line-up of performers and companies exploring themes from the profound to the satirical, including gaslighting, mental health, parenthood, loss, (im)mortality – and surviving the apocalypse.

Elif Shafak: There Are Rivers in the Sky

Join us on the publication day of the new novel from the Booker Prize-shortlisted author of 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World

Thursday 8 August

Sing Out the Summer

A weekend-long celebration of singing together wraps up events on our Riverside Stage this summer as part of our You Belong Here season.

Saturday 24 – Monday 26 August

As ever, the festival boasts some of the UK and Europe's most exciting new work, showcasing outstanding dance, performance, comedy, music, poetry and visual art by disabled artists.

Wednesday 4 – Sunday 8 September

Also coming soon

Frankie Goes to Bollywood

Expect dazzling dance, epic songs and sweeping romance in this new musical drawing on real stories of British women navigating the glitzy world of Bollywood.

Wednesday 31 July – Sunday 18 August

Matt Haig: The Life Impossible

The beloved author of The Midnight Library and How to Stop Time shares his beautifully wrought new novel of wild adventure and deep transformation.

Friday 30 August

Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase

A joyful, energetic spectacle of young people dancing and playing steel pans, brass, woodwind and drums, in a free event celebrating music and connection.

Friday 23 August

Classical Music: Autumn/ Winter 2024/25

A new year of classical music begins, filled with thrilling performances that capture the endlessly inventive world of this vital art form.

September 2024 – January 2025

Eat & explore

Unwind in our new cafe and bar

If you’ve visited our lively site lately, you might have noticed some exciting changes that have taken place as part of our recent refurbishment of the Royal Festival Hall’s Level 2 foyer spaces.

Our new Festival Bar & Kitchen is a vibrant meeting place, ideal for unwinding with a refreshing drink on the riverside, or tucking into a delicious pre-show pizza. With its glass doors opening onto the Riverside Terrace, it’s the perfect spot to bask in the sun after work or relax before diving into our cultural offerings. Meanwhile, if you’re after a light bite or tasty lunch, our Ballroom Cafe takes the biscuit (and the cake). Its new location facing The Clore Ballroom makes it a

buzzing spot for a midday recharge or welcome pause in a busy day of exhibitions, shows and summer fun. You’ll find all your favourites in our revamped cafe, including fresh, seasonal salads and sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, soups and dishes of the day.

If you time it right, you’ll also be able to catch one of our regular free events that take place on The Clore Ballroom, adding a cherry on top of whichever tasty treat tickles your fancy.

Discover all the places that you can eat and drink around the Southbank Centre on our website. southbankcentre.co.uk/foodanddrink

Cut some shapes in our new range

Attention culture lovers, brutalism buffs and trendsetters: there's a bold new collection in town, and it’s making waves (and zigzags) in our shop. Introducing Block Scene, an exclusive Southbank Centre-inspired design by British designer and printmaker Paul Farrell, celebrating the unique architecture of our buildings.

Farrell has taken the iconic shapes of our structures and transformed them into vibrant blocks of colour that make playful – and distinctly Southbank Centre – patterns and prints. Dive into the collection’s fun shapes and you'll spot nods to the striking features of our buildings, including the glass pyramids on the roof of the Hayward Gallery, the unmissable yellow

staircase outside the Queen Elizabeth Hall, and the domed roof of the Royal Festival Hall. The range includes mugs, coasters, glasses and tea towels to bring a pop of colour into your home, plus umbrellas, reusable coffee cups and tote bags so you can take our quirky building blocks with you throughout the day.

And with a range of clothes for both adults and children, you can wear your love of the Southbank Centre loud and proud on your sleeve – and right down to your socks! You can find the new range in our brand new Royal Festival Hall shop and online. shop.southbankcentre.co.uk

About the Southbank Centre

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.

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 our on-site bars and cafes – including our newly refurbished Festival Bar & Kitchen and Ballroom Cafe on Level 2 of the Royal Festival Hall, and the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, now open for the summer – and visit our shops for products inspired by our great cultural experiences, iconic buildings and central London location. Find more to explore onsite at Beany Green, Comptoir Libanais, Côte Brasserie, Foyles, Giraffe, Honest Burgers, La Gamba, Las Iguanas, Ping Pong, Pret, Strada, Skylon, 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. On Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road, the market is open Fri – Sun & bank holidays. Check our website for opening times.

Join us

Become a Member and never miss a moment. Join for presales to all of our events, free entry to the Hayward Gallery, access to our Members’ Lounge and a discount on selected retailers and restaurants. Our Supporters Circles enjoy all of the benefits of Membership, as well as getting closer to the artists with invitations to rehearsals, openings and more. Check our website for more details.

southbankcentre.co.uk/join

Environmental sustainability

Environmental sustainability is hugely important to the Southbank Centre and is one of our strategic priorities, and we’re already making progress towards our aim of being a net zero carbon organisation by 2040. For further information, see our website. southbankcentre.co.uk/sustainability

How to book tickets

Online

By phone

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, and no booking fees for Hayward Gallery exhibition tickets.

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

To receive publications in alternative formats, and for further information, email accesslist@southbankcentre.co.uk or phone 020 3879 9555. An audio version of this publication is available online at soundcloud.com/southbankcentreaudio

Stay in the know

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On the cover

As part of our summer season You Belong Here, historian and film-maker David Olusoga charts the story of Black British history in conversation with Nesrine Malik on Thursday 11 July.

Image credits

On the cover: David Olusoga © Karen Robinson

Inside cover: Tavares Strachan, Inner Elder (Nina Simone as Queen of Sheba), 2023. Courtesy the artist. Photo by Jonty Wilde.

This month's highlights: Sound Within Sound: Siwan Rhys © Ticia Yourkevitch; Free Riverside Stage: Just Vibez: The Friday Fete © courtesy Just Vibez; Conversations with Baldwin © Allan Warren; Crazy Smooth: In My Body © Jerick Collantes; Afrique en Cirque © Peter Graham; Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms © Victor Frankowski; Home © Hans Boddeke

Header images: Art & exhibitions: Naomi Rincón Gallardo, Sonnet of Vermin, 2022 © Naomi Rincón Gallardo. Photo: Gesner Melchor; Family: The Rig: A Musical Family Playground © Clare Greenaway; Classical music: Rhodri Davies © Warren Orchard; Gigs: JAZZ RE:FEST 2024 © courtesy the artist; Performance & dance: Crazy Smooth: In My Body © Jerick Collantes; Literature & talks: Making Poetry: Astra Papachristodoulou © courtesy the artist; Free events: AZEEMA: A Home from Home © courtesy the artist

Upcoming highlights: Unlimited: Stopgap Dance Company: Lived Fiction © Christopher Parkes; Elif Shafak © Zeynel Abidin; Frankie Goes to Bollywood © Michael Wharley; Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase © Pete Woodhead; British Gospel Arts Choir © Pete Woodhead; Matt Haig © Kan Lailey; Paraorchestra © Paul Blakemore

Eat & explore: Ballroom Cafe © Adam Luszniak; Paul Farrell © Arnaud Mbaki