AUGUST
Welcome to the Southbank Centre
Our riverside location comes alive in July and August, with events spilling out of our halls into the open air as we celebrate summer. This year, our summer programming is tied together by a message of welcome taken directly from a large-scale neon artwork in the current Hayward Gallery exhibition, Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere. This exhibition of ‘encyclopaedic art that sizzles with life’ (The Guardian) is the first mid-career survey of the
New York-based Bahamian artist, whose eyeopening works uncover hidden histories and reveal untold stories.
With the title You Belong Here, the summer season builds on the Southbank Centre’s belief in welcoming all to take part in arts and culture with a wonderfully diverse programme of theatre, dance, literature and free events. This year, we’ve collaborated with some of
London’s most exciting collectives to curate our free events on the Riverside Stage. Come along for live music, DJs, performances and workshops, every weekend up until the August bank holiday, when our outdoor stage events come to a close with a weekend-long celebration of the power of singing.
Mark Ball Artistic Director, Southbank Centre
Until Monday 26 August
Free outdoor fun on our Riverside Stage
Take a trip down to our Riverside Terrace, which pops with fabulous free entertainment as part of our summer season You Belong Here
Our outdoor stage is the place to be this summer, with back-to-back packed weekends of family activities, live music and workshops for everyone to enjoy, curated in collaboration with local community organisations, and centred around the theme of belonging. Boogie on down to beats from emerging artists and London-based collectives, and find your happy place with soundscapes, singing, workshops, dancing and poetry every weekend from mid-July until the August bank holiday. Here’s what’s happening this month.
Sister Midnight’s Terrace Takeover
Thu 1, Thu 8, Thu 15 & Thu 22 Aug
Join us on Thursday evenings for eclectic music and beats from south-east London’s finest emerging DJs, brought together by the Sister Midnight collective. Have a boogie to the likes of DJs Last Nubian and Kamar, and shake off the working week – Thursday’s the new Friday!
FLAWA
Fri 2 – Sun 4 Aug
Dance your way into a Latin-flavoured weekend of family-friendly performances, sustainable
fashion, live music and late-night dancing, which transforms our Riverside Terrace with a diverse celebration of women and non-binary artists from the Latin American community.
Counterpoints Arts
Fri 9 – Sun 11 Aug
Come together for three soul-filling days of community beats and activities, curated in partnership with arts and migration charity Counterpoints Arts. Find your groove with us in events featuring live music, communal singing, dancing and poetry.
ESEA unseen
Fri 16 – Sun 18 Aug
Take a wander through stories and musical traditions from East and South East Asia with ESEA unseen. Their curated weekend includes guided walks, storytelling, processions and performances from musicians, DJs and artists from the ESEA diaspora.
Sing Out the Summer
Sat 24 – Mon 26 Aug
As our wonderful summer season approaches
its finale, join us for open-air concerts spanning the bank holiday weekend, with community and professional choirs bringing our Riverside Stage events to a harmonious close.
After all that singing, dancing and non-stop fun, there’s a welcome cool-off spot at hand: our much-loved Appearing Rooms fountain created by artist Jeppe Hein is perfect for a refreshing splash before your next activity.
Until early September, our site is home to an array of artwork and installations on the theme of belonging, so don’t miss out on finding your favourites while you’re here – check out our map, included in this issue, for details.
You Belong Here runs until Sunday 8 September, with spectacular and thought-provoking performance, art, conversations, music and family fun taking place around our site.
For the full line-up, head to our website
August highlights
Also this month...
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
Naomi Rincón Gallardo: Sonnet of Vermin Creatures of Mesoamerican folklore form a surreal choir calling for an end to colonial violence in our latest free HENI Project Space exhibition.
Until Sunday 1 September
Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere
Our current Hayward Gallery exhibition is the first mid-career survey dedicated to the work of New York-based Bahamian artist Tavares Strachan.
Encounter hidden figures, a ship floating on the London skyline and a walk-in encyclopaedia of lost pioneers in this vivid and exuberantly inventive exhibition.
There Is Light Somewhere highlights Strachan's innovative approach to celebrating unsung explorers and cultural pioneers, whose stories have often been overlooked due to bias. In shining a light on these hidden histories, the artist highlights our shared yearning for belonging and recognition.
Until Sunday 1 September
Find out more about the exhibition on our website
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
dhaqan collective: House of Weaving Songs
Step inside a Somali home in our roof garden and experience a multisensory tribute to Somali heritage in the face of climate collapse.
Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 August
Tomorrow's Warriors Extraordinary Summer Showcase
Catch live music from the talented artists of Tomorrow’s Warriors, featuring some of the finest young jazz musicians on London’s bubbling scene right now.
Sunday 11 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
Free events
There's lots to see and do for free at the Southbank Centre, including spectacular outdoor artworks and free Riverside Stage parties as part of our summer season
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 8 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. By shooting jets of water into the air, the fountain creates rooms that disappear as quickly as they emerge.
Until Sun 8 Sep; 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
Majazz Project: Palestinian Sound Archive
Part of You Belong Here
Discover a project showcasing the richness and diversity of Palestinian and Arab musical heritage.
Sat 27 Jul – Fri 1 Nov; Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am – 11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
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
Thursday 1, 8, 15 & 22
Sister Midnight's Terrace Takeover
Part of You Belong Here
Join us on the terrace for eclectic music and beats from south-east London’s finest emerging DJs. For all ages.
6pm – 10pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Friday 2
FLAWA: Latinas Presente
Part of You Belong Here
Kick off a glorious weekend of Latin American artists with classic and new sounds from the Global South. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
5.30pm – 10pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Saturday 3
FLAWA: LatinXtravaganza
Part of You Belong Here
Dive into family-friendly performances and late-night dancing to celebrate the London Latinx community. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
2pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Sunday 4
FLAWA: ¡Aquí Estamos!
We Are Here!
Part of You Belong Here
Come and dance to the rhythm of the drums, closing a fantastic weekend of Latin American artistry with live music, DJs and more.
1pm – 6pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Thursday 8 – Sunday 11
dhaqan collective: House of Weaving Songs
Part of You Belong Here
Step inside a Somali home in our roof garden and experience a multisensory tribute to Somali heritage in the face of climate collapse. For all ages.
From 12 noon; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free
Relaxed Hours: House of Weaving Songs
Part of You Belong Here
Experience this multisensory tribute to Somali heritage in a relaxed environment with additional support. For all ages.
From 11am; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed
Friday 9
Counterpoints Arts: Our HeartBeats
Part of You Belong Here
Feel the community beat at a free outdoor event platforming young refugee DJs, with DJ Kensaye. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
5.30pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Saturday 10
Counterpoints Arts: We Move with Joy
Part of You Belong Here
Come together for activities to make us move and reflect on our beautiful city as home. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
2pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Sunday 11
Counterpoints Arts: Acting with Love & Solidarity
Part of You Belong Here
We invite you to spend an afternoon around food, communal singing and poetry.
1pm – 6pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Chineke! Junior Orchestra Summer Concert
Join the junior orchestra for a concert showcasing the results of their week-long rehearsal course. For ages 7+.
2.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Tomorrow's Warriors Extraordinary Summer Showcase
Part of You Belong Here
Catch live music from some of the finest young jazz musicians on London’s bubbling scene. For all ages.
5.30pm – 9pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 16
ESEA unseen: Chance Encounters
Part of You Belong Here
Move along to ambient and street smart sonic sounds with DJs and British artists from the ESEA diaspora. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
5.30pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Saturday 17
ESEA unseen: Happenstance
Part of You Belong Here
Singing bowl soundscapes, participatory processions and performances make up a packed day-long event. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
5.30pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Sunday 18
ESEA unseen: Fabulation
Part of You Belong Here
Open your imagination with guided walks, workshops and storytelling with traditional instruments. For all ages.
2pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Friday 23
Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase
Part of You Belong Here
Join us for a joyful, energetic spectacle of dancing, steel pans, brass, woodwind and drums.
7pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 24
Sing Out the Summer:
Saturday
Part of You Belong Here
Join community and professional choirs on our Riverside Terrace to close out our summer season over three days of singing. For all ages.
1pm – 10pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 25
Sing Out the Summer:
Sunday
Part of You Belong Here
Community and professional choirs take to our Riverside Terrace to wrap up our summer season. For all ages.
1pm – 10pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Monday 26
Sing Out the Summer:
Monday
Part of You Belong Here
Join us as community and professional choirs bring our summer season to a harmonious close. For all ages.
12 noon – 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 29
Members-Only Hours: Tavares Strachan
Part of You Belong Here
Enjoy our latest Hayward Gallery exhibition away from the crowds in this Members-only slot.
6pm – 8pm; Hayward Gallery; Free
Kavi Pujara, Bhukan Singh and Gurmeet Kaur, 2021
Hank Willis Thomas, Tomorrow, The United States of Africa, 2023
Tavares Strachan, Inflatable Marsha/ Leopard with Galaxy Pot, 2024
Tavares Strachan, Ruin of a Giant (Marcus Garvey), 2023
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
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 8 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 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
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
Majazz Project: Palestinian Sound Archive
Part of You Belong Here
Discover a project showcasing the richness and diversity of Palestinian and Arab musical heritage.
Sat 27 Jul – Fri 1 Nov; Mon & Tue, 10am
– 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am – 11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 3
Hidden Histories & Archives
Part of You Belong Here
Inspired by Tavares Strachan’s exhibition, a panel of writers and curators, including Lisa Anderson, Dr Aleema Gray and Hammad Nasar, discuss bringing hidden histories to light.
2pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8
Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 dhaqan collective: House of Weaving Songs
Part of You Belong Here
Step inside a Somali home in our roof garden and experience a multisensory tribute to Somali heritage in the face of climate collapse. For all ages.
From 12 noon; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free
Relaxed Hours: House of Weaving Songs
Part of You Belong Here
Experience this multisensory tribute to Somali heritage in a relaxed environment with additional support. For all ages.
From 11am; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed
Thursday 29
Members-Only Hours:
Tavares Strachan
Part of You Belong Here
Enjoy our latest Hayward Gallery exhibition away from the crowds in this Members-only slot.
6pm – 8pm; Hayward Gallery; Free (for Members only)
Gigs
Join us to hear sensational sounds from across the globe, including free events on our Riverside Stage with some of London’s most exciting artists and collectives
Thursday 1, 8, 15 & 22
Sister Midnight's Terrace Takeover
Part of You Belong Here
Join us on the terrace for eclectic music and beats from south-east London’s finest emerging DJs. For all ages.
6pm – 10pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Friday 2
FLAWA: Latinas Presente
Part of You Belong Here
Kick off a glorious weekend of Latin American artists with classic and new sounds from the Global South. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
5.30pm – 10pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Sunday 4
FLAWA: ¡Aquí Estamos! We Are Here!
Part of You Belong Here
Come and dance to the rhythm of the drums, closing a fantastic weekend of Latin American artistry with live music, DJs and more.
1pm – 6pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Friday 9
Counterpoints Arts: Our HeartBeats
Part of You Belong Here
Feel the community beat at a free outdoor event platforming young refugee DJs, with DJ Kensaye. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
5.30pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Sunday 11
Tomorrow's Warriors
Extraordinary Summer Showcase
Part of You Belong Here
Catch live music from some of the finest young jazz musicians on London’s bubbling scene. For all ages.
5.30pm – 9pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 16
ESEA unseen: Chance Encounters
Part of You Belong Here
Move along to ambient and street smart sonic sounds with DJs and British artists from the ESEA diaspora. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
5.30pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Friday 23
Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase
Part of You Belong Here
Join us for a joyful, energetic spectacle of dancing, steel pans, brass, woodwind and drums.
7pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 24
Sing Out the Summer: Saturday
Part of You Belong Here
Join community and professional choirs on our Riverside Terrace to close out our summer season over three days of singing. For all ages.
1pm – 10pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 25
Sing Out the Summer: Sunday
Part of You Belong Here
Community and professional choirs take to our Riverside Terrace to wrap up our summer season. For all ages.
1pm – 10pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Monday 26
Sing Out the Summer: Monday
Part of You Belong Here
Join us as community and professional choirs bring our summer season to a harmonious close. For all ages.
12 noon – 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden © Lia Vittone Photography
Family
Our events are not just for the grown-ups – bring your little ones along for a splash in our playful fountain and energy-packed performances from young musicians
Throughout the month
Jeppe Hein's
Appearing Rooms
Part of You Belong Here
A summer favourite returns. By shooting jets of water into the air, the fountain creates rooms that disappear as quickly as they emerge.
Until Sun 8 Sep; Wed – Sun, 10am – 9pm (subject to weather conditions and maintenance), closed Mon & Tue; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Sunday 11
Tomorrow's Warriors
Extraordinary Summer Showcase
Part of You Belong Here
Catch live music from some of the finest young jazz musicians on London’s bubbling scene. For all ages.
5.30pm – 9pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 23
Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase
Part of You Belong Here
Join us for a joyful, energetic spectacle of dancing, steel pans, brass, woodwind and drums.
7pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 24
Sing Out the Summer:
Saturday
Part of You Belong Here
Join community and professional choirs on our Riverside Terrace to close out our summer season over three days of singing. For all ages.
1pm – 10pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 25
Sing Out the Summer:
Sunday
Part of You Belong Here
Community and professional choirs take to our Riverside Terrace to wrap up our summer season. For all ages.
1pm – 10pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Monday 26
Sing Out the Summer:
Monday
Part of You Belong Here
Join us as community and professional choirs bring our summer season to a harmonious close. For all ages.
12 noon – 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Performance & dance
Discover sparkling stories of heroes and villains; plus free movement workshops, participatory processions and more on our Riverside Terrace
Until Sunday 18
Frankie Goes to Bollywood
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+.
From Wed 31 Jul; Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15 Sun 11 Aug: Post-show talk following the 2.30pm performance
Saturday 3 FLAWA: LatinXtravaganza
Part of You Belong Here
Dive into family-friendly performances and late-night dancing to celebrate the London Latinx community. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
2pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Saturday 10 Counterpoints Arts: We Move with Joy Part of You Belong Here
Come together for activities to make us move and reflect on our beautiful city as home. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
2pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Saturday 17
ESEA unseen: Happenstance
Part of You Belong Here
Singing bowl soundscapes, participatory processions and performances make up a packed day-long event. For all ages; more adult content after 9pm.
5.30pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
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
Throughout the month
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 3
Hidden Histories & Archives
Part of You Belong Here
Inspired by Tavares Strachan’s exhibition, a panel of writers and curators, including Lisa Anderson, Dr Aleema Gray and Hammad Nasar, discuss bringing hidden histories to light.
2pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8
Thursday 8
Elif Shafak: There Are Rivers in the Sky
Join us on the publication day of the breathtaking new novel from the Booker-shortlisted author. For ages 16+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15
Friday 30
Matt Haig: The Life Impossible
The beloved author shares his beautifully wrought novel of wild adventure and deep transformation, set in Ibiza. Featuring a Balearic-inspired DJ set from Macca. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15
Sunday 18
ESEA unseen: Fabulation
Part of You Belong Here
Open your imagination with guided walks, workshops and storytelling with traditional instruments. For all ages.
2pm – 10.30pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
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.
Upcoming highlights
Classical Music: Autumn/Winter 2024/25
A new year of classical music begins in September, filled with thrilling performances that capture the endlessly inventive world of this vital art form.
Join for the Opening Weekend of the programme, Wednesday 25 – Sunday 29 September, exploring
Unlimited
Celebrating the artistic vision and creativity of disabled artists, the biennial festival is back with outstanding dance, performance, comedy, music, poetry and visual art.
Wednesday 4 – Sunday 8 September
Ara Malikian
The Lebanese-Armenian violinist and his band present an eclectic evening of music bridging classical and contemporary sounds.
Sunday 22 September
the many ways in which classical music can be experienced, with the help of many of our Resident Orchestras and Resident Artists.
September 2024 – January 2025
Also coming soon
Gillian Anderson: Want
The actor discusses her sensational new book, an anonymous, honest collection of sexual fantasies from women around the world.
Sunday 1 September
Sally Rooney: Intermezzo
The bestselling author of Normal People celebrates her fourth novel in conversation with writer and literary critic Merve Emre.
Wednesday 25 September
Qudus Onikeku’s Re:INCARNATION
Nigeria’s celebrated QDance Company explodes onto the stage with the UK premiere of this exuberant performance.
Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 September
Diane Abbott: A Woman Like Me
Diane Abbott, who made history as Britain’s first Black woman MP, discusses her new memoir telling the story of our nation through her eyes.
Thursday 12 September
Eat & explore
Make a splash
Looking for a classic sunny-day-in-London spot? Our Riverside Terrace can't be rivalled for relaxing with a cold drink and soaking up the stunning views of the city skyline.
And when it’s hot, the splashes of Danish artist Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms fountain, situated outside the Queen Elizabeth Hall, are just what you need for cooling down and unleashing your inner child as you dart through the glittering spray.
Appearing Rooms features jets of water that shoot into the air at random in a grid formation, creating ‘rooms’ that appear and disappear. You can make it through without getting caught, if you time it just right
– but you might just get more of a splash than you bargained for, so watch out!
Hein created Appearing Rooms for the garden of the Villa Manin in Italy in 2004, but it’s been a regular summer feature of our site since 2006. The artist is known for his surprising, experiential and interactive artworks – take a stroll on our terraces and walkways to find his unmistakable red Modified Social Benches, Hein’s witty reinventions of the park bench.
Explore our site to discover all of the artworks on display, many as part of our You Belong Here season. Until Sun 8 Sep; Wed – Sun, 10am – 9pm (subject to weather conditions and maintenance), closed Mon & Tue
Snacks under the sun
You’ve encountered some eye-opening art, braved our Appearing Rooms fountain and boogied the day away on the Riverside Terrace. Time to refuel – and our summertime pop-ups are here to fulfil your al fresco eating fantasies.
First, quench your thirst. For cocktails, visit The Thirsty Farrier’s stylish converted horsebox on the riverside. Under Hungerford Bridge, find chilled pints and summer slushies at the family-friendly Puzzles Bar and fresh, flavoursome brews at Biju Bubble Tea. Also under the bridge is the ever-popular Truffle Burger, slinging mouth-watering meat and veggie
patties, and Frank!, with their top-of-the-line takes on the classic hotdog. Towards Waterloo Bridge, Jimmy's BBQ Club offers grilled delights, a six-course feasting menu and drinks at their cabana-style spot. For sweet treats, SNOG serves cups of frozen yoghurt from their unmissable bright pink bus (all aboard the top deck for a stunning view of London). Or follow up at ARØUND with a gooey cookie, ice cream and a coffee to re-energise for the fun ahead.
Find locations, opening times and more places to eat and drink on our website.
southbankcentre.co.uk/foodanddrink
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, 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
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.
Scan the QR code to see our full event listings
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
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On the cover
At Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere, our current Hayward Gallery exhibition, encounter hidden figures, a ship floating on the London skyline and a walk-in encyclopaedia of lost pioneers. Until Sunday 1 September.
Image credits
On the cover: Installation view of Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere Ruin of a Giant (King Tubby), 2024. Photo: Mark Blower. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery. Inside cover: Sister Midnight's Terrace Takeover © courtesy the artist
This month's highlights: Installation view of Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere Intergalactic Palace, 2024. Photo: Mark Blower. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery; Frankie Goes to Bollywood © Michael Wharley; Elif Shafak © Zeynel Abidin; Tomorrow's Warriors © courtesy the artist; Naomi Rincón Gallardo, Sonnet of Vermin, 2022 © Naomi Rincón Gallardo. Photo: Gesner Melchor; dhaqan collective © Omar; Matt Haig © Kan Lailey
Header images: Free events: House of Weaving Songs by dhaqan collective, at Playable Cities, Trinity Hall, Bristol, July 2023 © Luke O'Donovan; Art & exhibitions: Installation view of Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere Jah Rastafari with Rice Field (Stacked with Pineapple, Shield and Football), 2023. Photo: Mark Blower. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery; Gigs: FLAWA © courtesy the artist; Family: Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase © Pete Woodhead; Performance & dance: Frankie Goes to Bollywood © Rich Lakos; Literature & talks: Making Poetry: Astra Papachristodoulou © courtesy the artist
Upcoming highlights: Yuja Wang © Norbert Kniat; Unlimited: Stopgap Dance Company: Lived Fiction © Christopher Parkes; Gillian Anderson © Sasha Gushov; Qudus Onikeku’s
Re:INCARNATION © courtesy the artist; Ara Malikian © courtesy the artist; Sally Rooney © Kalpesh Lathigra; Diane Abbott © courtesy the artist
Eat & explore: Jeppe Hein's Appearing Rooms © Victor Frankowski; Summer pop-ups © Adam Luszniak
