Southbank Centre monthly listings October 2024 by SouthbankCentre

Welcome to the Southbank Centre

Telling stories is an ancient tradition that defines our humanity. This October we celebrate stories in all their forms with the return of London Literature Festival, the capital’s greatest celebration of words and the writers who craft them. This 17th edition is co-curated by British rap icon Ghetts, who exclusively appears at the festival, and through his co-curation we can dive into the creative relationship that links poetry, spoken word and music.

For the Hayward Gallery’s autumn show, we present Haegue Yang: Leap Year. The first major UK survey of this ever-evolving internationallyacclaimed South Korean artist is divided into five thematic zones to create an immersive visual and sensory experience.

We also help to celebrate a special anniversary, as the Sheffield-based theatre company

Forced Entertainment, an inspiration to generations of young theatre artists, marks 40 years of challenging theatrical convention. We are thrilled to be joining other venues across London to mark the impact of this incredible company as we present two new shows: the playful and unsettling Signal to Noise, and an evening where percussion meets language at Tim Etchells & Tony Buck: Go On Like This Mark Ball

Artistic Director, Southbank Centre

An update from our CEO

Whenever you enter the Royal Festival Hall’s foyer spaces, you’re likely to encounter free events such as dance workshops, youth performances and singing events. We know how much our visitors love these inclusive experiences, so we’ve created Open Doors, a year-round programme of regular free events in The Clore Ballroom. As part of the programme, look out for our playful and sociable Creative Encounters, monthly Mix & Move dances, and family-friendly Saturday Sessions and SENDfocused Relaxed Sessions

Our Royal Festival Hall also welcomes the return of the BFI London Film Festival this month, for the fourth year in a row. The starstudded festival will see many of today’s most brilliant actors and directors walk the red carpet in anticipation of this spectacular celebration of excellence in the film industry. So whether you’re here to get inspired yourself or to marvel at the talent of others, know that the Southbank Centre is a creative space for all, the cultural heart of the city.

Elaine Bedell OBE Chief Executive

Wed 23 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

London Literature Festival

The 17th edition of London Literature Festival hits the shelves this October, with over 50 events promising page-turning adventures aplenty

Co-curated by British rapper Ghetts, this year’s festival brings literature to life: mark your diaries for new voices, national treasures and family favourites taking to the floor, with a line-up including Susanna Clarke, Dame Jilly Cooper, Richard Dawkins, Deborah Levy and Keanu Reeves, plus a roster of rising stars.

Beyond the page

Explore the connection between literature and rap lyrics at Ghetts Presents: An Evening of Poetry and Music, a night of performances and conversation featuring top talents from London’s creative scene.

Experience poetry off the page from Danez Smith and trailblazing Somali women writers Yasmin Mohamed Kahin and Asha Lul Mohamud Yusuf, and celebrate the National Poetry Library’s annual Poetry Day! with performances, workshops and readings on the theme of spoken word.

Literary luminaries

Launch into new literary love affairs as Deborah Levy delivers a talk on the power of the novel and, 20 years after the publication of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Susanna Clarke unveils her latest tale set in the same fantastical world. There’s plenty of star power about, as actor and author Rupert Everett introduces his first book of short stories, while Keanu Reeves delves into his new epic novel, co-written with China Miéville and set in the world of the BRZRKR comic book series.

Plus, join Jilly Cooper for a romping discussion baring (some of) the secrets of her beloved book Rivals, and hear from Hanif Kureishi, author of The Buddha of Suburbia, as he shares

his poignant new memoir, Shattered, offering an intimate look at his life post-paralysis.

Family fun

Half-term holds storytelling adventures for all ages, including a musical adaptation of David McKee’s much-loved Elmer books, Russell Kane’s children’s comedy show Pet Selector!, and a journey through nature, music and poetry, as Robert Macfarlane introduces his new children’s book, The World to Come

On a quest to keep older children entertained? Embark on an adventure with Kiran Millwood Hargraves’ In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen, the first book in her epic Geomancer trilogy.

Pick up a pen

Aspiring writers, this one’s for you! Hone your craft with workshops and events including the Creative Future Writers’ Award Showcase and Creative Future Writers’ Day, packed with advice for every stage of your writing journey. And soak up inspiration at Debut London Literature with four authors whose first books are set in London and bound for bookshelves the world over – you saw them here first. Whether you’re a bookworm, a budding writer or on the hunt for a fun day out, London Literature Festival has something to capture every imagination.

October highlights

Haegue Yang: Leap Year

Enter a world of inventive, immersive and multisensory installations and sculptures that weave connections between disparate histories, cultures and traditions in our new Hayward Gallery exhibition.

Haegue Yang’s work spans a vast range of media – from paper collage to performative sculpture and immense sensorial installations.

Equally as wide-ranging, her inspiration draws on diverse histories and customs, including East Asian traditions and folklore, modernism, contemporary art history and nature.

Leap Year is the first major survey of the internationally celebrated artist in the UK. It presents a comprehensive study of Yang’s work from the early 2000s to today, highlighting how her artworks resonate on a personal and sensory level while also speaking to social, political and spiritual ideas.

Wednesday 9 October – Sunday 5 January Also this month...

Open Doors

Come and take part in our regular series of free events, offering creative activities, workshops, social gatherings and entertainment to inspire everyone, including sessions for families. Throughout the year

Tim Etchells & Tony Buck: Go On Like This

Layering percussion and words, this performance explores language and blurs the boundaries between sound and sense.

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 October

Forced Entertainment: Signal to Noise

Witness the battle to break out of repeating cycles in the UK premiere of this playful and unsettling, comical and deadly serious performance.

Thursday 10 & Friday 11 October

Inside the Orchestra at Drumsheds

Step inside an exploded Aurora Orchestra as they perform music by Stravinsky and Ravel by heart, in two dazzling, immersive performances.

Thursday 17 October

a brand-new

a late-night event, After

Saturday 12 October

The Age of Consent 40

Forty years on, Bronski Beat's defiant debut album is reimagined by BISHI, Luca Manning, Tawiah, Planningtorock, Pink Singers and Tom Rasmussen, with a specially curated queer house band.

Saturday 19 October

Manchester Collective & Zubin Kanga (Double Bill)

Cyborg pianist Zubin Kanga summons ghostly vocal samples in

Laurence Osborn piece, followed by

Dark

Literature & talks

A highlight of the UK’s literary calendar, our London Literature Festival brings together today’s bestselling authors, rising literary stars and award-winning poetry

Throughout the month

Making Poetry: Astra Papachristodoulou

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

Tuesday 1

Richard Ayoade: The Unfinished Harauld Hughes

Join the writer and comedian as he shares the story of rescuing his doppelgänger from obscurity. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

8pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

Wednesday 2

Special Edition: The Last Dance

Celebrate the process and privilege of ageing and building community in this poetry session. For ages 16+.

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

Thursday 3

An Evening with Sarah Koenig: 10 Years of Serial

A decade on from the launch of the pioneering podcast, host Sarah Koenig talks podcasting and more. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+. 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25

Sunday 6

Neneh Cherry: A Thousand Threads

The music icon discusses her powerful memoir, celebrating love, family and the joy of creativity. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Wednesday 9

The Forward Book of Poetry 2025: Launch Event

Celebrate the launch of a new anthology of highly commended poems with readings from some of the best poets from the UK and beyond. For ages 16+.

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

Thursday 10

Haegue Yang in conversation with Yung Ma

Join us for a lively discussion with Haegue Yang about her multifaceted practice and new exhibition.

7pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Concession: Tickets from £12

Friday 11

Contemporary South Asian Art: Panel Discussions

Two panels bring together diverse voices from arts and curation to explore cultural, artistic and curatorial practices across South Asia and the diaspora. Part of the DBF-KMB Lecture Series

2pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed

New Dialogues: Keynote by Pankaj Mishra

Writer Pankaj Mishra delivers the keynote address of the inaugural DBF-KMB Lecture Series, exploring South Asian art and culture in a contemporary context.

6.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10

Friday 18

Rug Rhymes

National Poetry Library puppets

Federico and Firebird share some of their favourite poems, nursery rhymes and rhyming stories. For ages 0 – 5.

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

Tuesday 22

Keanu Reeves: The Book of Elsewhere

Part of London Literature Festival

Join us to celebrate the release of a mind-blowing epic from Keanu Reeves and China Miéville, inspired by the bestselling BRZRKR comic books, with Reeves himself. For ages 16+

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £40

Wednesday 23

Wasafiri: New Writing Prize 2024

Part of London Literature Festival

An evening of prize-giving and readings by writers from literary magazine Wasafiri’s community. For ages 16+.

7pm; Foyle Pavilion, Level 3, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10

Alexei

Navalny: Patriot

Part of London Literature Festival

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, discusses her husband’s fearless memoir about the price he paid for his beliefs. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

Debut London Literature

Part of London Literature Festival

A line-up of debut writers whose novels take inspiration from London present their work. For ages 16+.

7.45pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £12

Jordan Stephens: Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs

Part of London Literature Festival

The writer and performer introduces his candid, moving and original memoir. For ages 16+.

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

Thursday 24

Aniefiok Ekpoudom: Where We Come From

Part of London Literature Festival

Secondary school groups are invited to join the writer and guests on a journey through the social and cultural history of British rap in London. Years 7 – 13. 11am; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £5

Out-Spoken: October

Part of London Literature Festival

A special Out-Spoken night as part of London Literature Festival, featuring a headline set from Danez Smith. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Deborah Levy: Why the Novel Matters

Part of London Literature Festival

The prize-winning novelist delivers the 2024 New Statesman/ Goldsmiths Prize Lecture. For ages 16+.

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

Also available to watch for free online until Thu 31 Oct

Friday 25

London Literature Festival: Rug Rhymes

Part of London Literature Festival

A free London Literature Festival edition of Rug Rhymes, the song and rhyme session for under5s. This event is a Relaxed Performance (RP).

11am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Alan Hollinghurst: Our Evenings

Part of London Literature Festival

The author of The Line of Beauty shares his new novel, a dark and affecting portrait of England. For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Somali Week: Trailblazing Women Poets

Part of London Literature Festival

Two trailblazing Somali women writers, Yasmin Mohamed Kahin and Asha Lul Mohamud Yusuf, confront pivotal questions and challenges through their poetry. For ages 16+.

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

Saturday 26 Poetry Day!

Part of London Literature Festival

On the theme of 'spoken word', this day hosted by the National Poetry Library features performances and more. For all ages.

11am – 5pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Lindsey Hilsum: I Brought the War with Me

Part of London Literature Festival

The foreign correspondent shares her book of stories and poems that have brought light in conflicts. For ages 16+.

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

Robert Macfarlane: The World to Come

Part of London Literature Festival

Take a lyrical journey through nature as the bestselling author introduces his new children’s book. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 5+.

12 noon; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Susanna Clarke: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Part of London Literature Festival

The acclaimed author celebrates the 20th anniversary of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Speech-toText transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

3pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Danez Smith: Bluff

Part of London Literature Festival

Join us to celebrate the searing new poetry collection from the Forward Prize-winning poet. For ages 16+.

3pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

Helen Charman & Marianne Brooker: Maternal Lines

Part of London Literature Festival

Hear from two writers about politics in our daily lives, and the radical possibility of community. For ages 16+.

3.30pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £12

The

People’s Favourite Poets

Part of London Literature Festival

Lemn Sissay introduces favourite poets as chosen by you, presented by the National Poetry Library. For ages 16+.

7pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

The Orange Room

Part of London Literature Festival

Join The Orange Room Collective for an open-mic event that spotlights and celebrates Black creatives from London, with live music, performances and games. For ages 14+.

7pm; 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.

Creative Future Writers’ Award Showcase

Part of London Literature Festival

Discover rising talent at the Creative Future Writers’ Award showcase of underrepresented writers. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Weston Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £5

Also available to watch for free online until Sat 2 Nov

Rupert Everett: The American No

Part of London Literature Festival

Rupert Everett presents his first book of stories: tales from a writer at the height of his powers. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Ghetts: Live

Part of London Literature Festival

The British rap icon performs during this year’s London Literature Festival, which he’s co-curated. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 16+.

8pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25

Sunday 27

Creative Future Writers’ Day

Part of London Literature Festival Writers, publishers and literary professionals share hints, tips and initiatives in a day of talks and panel events. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

11am – 4pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free Also available to watch for free online until Sun 3 Nov

Florence Given: Women Living Deliciously

Part of London Literature Festival

Join the author for a talk about her book, an illustrated guide helping women live life to the full. Speechto-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

12 noon; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Philharmonia Orchestra:

Notes on Nature 2 – The Forest

The Philharmonia brings together environmental experts and speakers from the arts world for a broad conversation on our relationship with forests.

12.30pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Outspoken Masterclass: October

Part of London Literature Festival

Get your ink and ideas flowing at our monthly poetry masterclass for poets of all abilities. For ages 16+.

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

And Other Stories Book Club: Hanne Ørstavik

Part of London Literature Festival

Join Norwegian author Hanne Ørstavik as she celebrates the release of her new novel. For ages 16+.

5pm; Foyle Pavilion, Level 3, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £22

An Evening with Richard Dawkins and Friends

Part of London Literature Festival

Strap in for an unforgettable evening with the world-renowned evolutionary biologist and author. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25

Ghetts Presents: An Evening of Poetry and Music

Part of London Literature Festival

The British rap icon celebrates the links between poetry and music with a line-up of London artists. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

London Living

Part of London Literature Festival

Writers come together to discuss ‘writing home’ when home is the increasingly unequal city of London. For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £12

New Poets Collective Showcase

Part of London Literature Festival

The talented 2023/24 New Poets Collective share their work from a year of honing their craft. For ages 16+.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £5

Tuesday 29

Rivals: An Evening with Dame Jilly Cooper & Cast

Part of London Literature Festival

The legendary author discusses her career and shares a first glimpse at the new adaptation of Rivals. For ages 16+.

8pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

Wednesday 30

Russell Kane: Pet Selector!

Part of London Literature Festival

Join pet-obsessed comedian Russell Kane for a high-energy children’s comedy show. Relaxed Performance (RP). For ages 7+.

11am; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10

Creative Encounters: Sophie Herxheimer

Part of Open Doors

Celebrate the beauty of words, literature and poetry with performances and creative workshops. For ages 12+.

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

Taffy Brodesser-Akner: Long Island Compromise

Part of London Literature Festival

The author discusses her exhilarating novel, about the wild legacy of trauma and inheritance. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Black Arsenal

Part of London Literature Festival

Dive into football and its place in Black British culture through tales of the iconic football club. For ages 16+.

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

DH Lawrence Celebration

Part of London Literature Festival

We shine a spotlight on the writer’s poetry at an evening including an artistic response from poet Isobel Dixon and artist Douglas Robertson. For ages 16+.

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

From Wednesday 30 Alphabet Soup

Part of London Literature Festival

Celebrate the language of food in a brilliant, interactive installation for children and their families. Relaxed Performance (RP). Roaming British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters available: Thu 31 Oct. For ages 5 – 11.

Until Fri 1 Nov; 11am – 3pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Thursday 31

Relaxed Hour: Arts in the Garden – Light & Colour

Part of London Literature Festival

Join a relaxed event featuring Diwali storytelling and crafts with a lower capacity and other adaptations intended for children with SEND or other sensory needs. For ages 3+.

10.30am; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed (tickets for this event can be booked from 10am on Thu 24 Oct)

Arts in the Garden: Light & Colour

Part of London Literature Festival

Celebrate Diwali with us at an event featuring Niall Moorjani's retelling of Ramayana, and get crafty with diya making and a giant rangoli. For ages 3+.

11.30am; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Kiran Millwood Hargrave: Geomancer Trilogy

Part of London Literature Festival

The author celebrates the paperback launch of her epic new fantasy, a tale of nature, power and love. For ages 9 – 11.

12 noon; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10

Hanif Kureishi: Shattered

Part of London Literature Festival

The author launches his extraordinary memoir about the accident that left him paralysed. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT) and British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Also available to watch for free online until Thu 7 Nov

Ekow Eshun: The Strangers

Part of London Literature Festival

The writer shares his new book about five extraordinary Black men – and the worlds that made them. For ages 16+.

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

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.

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 Majazz Project: Palestinian Sound Archive

Discover a project showcasing the richness and diversity of Palestinian and Arab musical heritage. For all ages.

Until Fri 1 Nov; Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am – 11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Making Poetry: Astra Papachristodoulou

Poems exist as sculpture, objects and textiles in the poet and artist’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

Sola Olulode: First Kiss

Sola Olulode’s painting imagines a queer couple at the beginning of their romance.

Daily, Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Klaus Weber: Thinking Fountains

An outdoor sculpture commission features two water-spouting bronze figures and a narrow waterfall cascading from an elevated concrete walkway.

Daily (subject to weather conditions and maintenance); Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free

From Wednesday 9

Haegue Yang: Leap Year

A world of inventive, immersive and multisensory installations and sculptures that weave connections between disparate histories, cultures and traditions.

Until Sun 5 Jan; Tue – Fri & Sun, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm (closed Mon); Hayward Gallery; Tickets from £19 (free to Southbank Centre Members & under-12s)

Huang Po-Chih: Waves

Taiwanese artist Huang Po-Chih uses the personal narratives of workers to investigate globalised trade, with a focus on the textile industry in East Asia.

Until Sun 5 Jan; Tue – Fri & Sun, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm (closed Mon); HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery; Free

Thursday 10

Haegue Yang in conversation with Yung Ma

Join us for a lively discussion with Haegue Yang about her multifaceted practice and new exhibition.

7pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Concession: Tickets from £12

Friday 11

Contemporary South Asian Art: Panel

Discussions

Two panels bring together diverse voices from arts and curation to explore cultural, artistic and curatorial practices across South Asia and the diaspora. Part of the DBF-KMB Lecture Series 2pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed

New Dialogues: Keynote by Pankaj Mishra

Writer Pankaj Mishra delivers the keynote address of the inaugural DBF-KMB Lecture Series, exploring South Asian art and culture in a contemporary context.

6.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10

Performance & dance

Boundary-breaking performance, innovative dance and irresistible family shows: discover international performance here in our venues

Thursday 10 & Friday 11

Forced Entertainment: Signal to Noise

Witness the battle to break out of cycles in this playful yet unsettling Forced Entertainment performance. For ages 14+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13

Tim Etchells & Tony Buck: Go On Like This

Layering percussion and words, this performance blurs the boundaries between sound and sense. For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20

Wednesday 16 & Thursday 17

Diana Niepce: The Other Side of Dance

Dancer, choreographer and acrobat Diana Niepce delves into an alternative dance history. For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £18

Post-show talk after each performance. Talk on Wed 16 Oct is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

From Wednesday 30

The Elmer Adventure

Part of London Literature Festival

Join three friends on a joyful, musical jungle adventure to find the much-loved patchwork elephant in a new theatrical adaptation from Tall Stories. Relaxed Performance (RP). British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Thu 31 Oct, 2pm & Sat 2 Nov, 1pm. Audio Description and Touch Tour: Sun 3 Nov, 11am. For ages 3+.

Until Sun 3 Nov; Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

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.

Family

Our events are not just for the grown-ups – bring your little ones along for stories, music and workshops during October half-term and beyond

Saturday 5

Relaxed Sessions with Bollyqueer

Part of Open Doors

Get your boogie on at an inclusive, relaxed version of our Saturday Sessions for SEND children and their families, featuring a family dance workshop and playful social session. For ages 5+.

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

Saturday Sessions with Bollyqueer

Part of Open Doors

Boogie on down to join us for a family dance workshop and playful social session, where you can learn new moves and have fun with friends. For ages 5 – 11.

1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Friday 18

Rug Rhymes

National Poetry Library puppets Federico and Firebird share some of their favourite poems, nursery rhymes and rhyming stories. For ages 0 – 5.

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

Friday 25

London Literature Festival: Rug Rhymes

Part of London Literature Festival

A free London Literature Festival edition of Rug Rhymes, the song and rhyme session for under5s. This event is a Relaxed Performance (RP).

11am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 26

OAE TOTS at LPO

FUNharmonics:

An Italian Adventure

Let your little ones’ imaginations take flight in an interactive music workshop with the OAE. For ages 2 – 5.

10.15am, 11.15am & 12.15pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Children Tickets from £9 (adult) £3 (child)

Poetry Day!

Part of London Literature Festival

On the theme of ‘spoken word’, this day hosted by the National Poetry Library features performances and more. For all ages.

11am – 5pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

London Philharmonic Orchestra: FUNharmonics Family

Concert – Stan and Mabel

Meet a city-dwelling, music-loving dog and cat at an interactive family concert from the LPO. For ages 5+.

Michael Seal conductor

Polly Ives presenter

E Strauss Bahn Frei, Op.45; Tomlinson Kettledrum & Chipping Lane from Suite of Old English Folk Songs No.2; Paul Rissmann Excerpts from Stan and Mabel; Price Juba dance from Symphony No.1 in E minor

12 noon; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £16 (adult) £8 (child)

Free pre-concert activities from 10am (ticket holders only)

Robert Macfarlane: The World to Come

Part of London Literature Festival

Take a lyrical journey through nature as the bestselling author introduces his new children’s book. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 5+.

12 noon; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Sunday 27

Philharmonia Orchestra: Morning Song

Come and join in with the Danish tradition of morgensang – a morning get-together to sing just for the fun of it. Learn a Nordic folksong in 45 minutes, with workshop leader Sigrún Sævarsdóttir-Griffiths and Philharmonia musicians. For ages 7+.

11am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Wednesday 30

Russell Kane: Pet Selector!

Part of London Literature Festival

Join pet-obsessed comedian Russell Kane for a high-energy children’s comedy show. Relaxed Performance (RP). For ages 7+.

11am; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10

From Wednesday 30

Alphabet Soup

Part of London Literature Festival

Until Fri 1 Nov; 11am – 3pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

The Elmer Adventure

Part of London Literature Festival

Until Sun 3 Nov; Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

Thursday 31

Relaxed Hour: Arts in the Garden – Light & Colour

Part of London Literature Festival

Join a relaxed event featuring Diwali storytelling and crafts with a lower capacity and other adaptations intended for children with SEND or other sensory needs. For ages 3+.

10.30am; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed (tickets for this event can be booked from 10am on Thu 24 Oct)

Arts in the Garden: Light & Colour

Part of London Literature Festival

Celebrate Diwali with us at an event featuring Niall Moorjani's retelling of Ramayana, and get crafty with diya making and a giant rangoli. For ages 3+.

11.30am; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Kiran Millwood Hargrave: Geomancer Trilogy

Part of London Literature Festival

The author celebrates the paperback launch of her epic new fantasy, a tale of nature, power and love. For ages 9 – 11.

12 noon; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10

Gigs

Whatever you’re into, join us for gigs showcasing sensational sounds from across the globe, including free early evening shows from up-and-coming artists

Friday 4

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

Orii Presents

Experience the harmony of musicmaking with live performances and a curated jam session. For ages 14+.

7pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Saturday 5

Fairground Attraction

The folk band reunites to sweep us on a journey through the golden era of 1980s soft rock. For ages 7+.

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £38.50

Thursday 10

futuretense: Toby Corton + Kiiymm

Don’t miss two up-and-coming musicians making a name for themselves at a free, uplifting gig. For all ages.

6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13

Tim Etchells & Tony Buck: Go On Like This

Layering percussion and words, this performance blurs the boundaries between sound and sense. For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20

Thursday 17

futuretense: JayaHadADream

Roll with the rhymes from an up-and-coming rap artist in a free evening of lyrical storytelling. For all ages.

6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Saturday 19

The Age of Consent 40

Forty years on, Bronski Beat’s defiant debut album, The Age of Consent, is reimagined by BISHI, Luca Manning, Planningtorock, Pink Singers, Tom Rasmussen and Tawiah, with a specially curated queer house band. For ages 14+.

6.30pm & 9pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £25

Saturday 26

Ghetts: Live

Part of London Literature Festival

The British rap icon performs during this year’s London Literature Festival, which he’s co-curated. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 16+. 8pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25

AUTUMN/WINTER 2024/25

MANCHESTER COLLECTIVE & ZUBIN KANGA (DOUBLE BILL) SAT 12 OCT

BENJAMIN GROSVENOR QUARTET: STRAUSS & BRAHMS FRI 18 OCT

VÍKINGUR ÓLAFSSON & YUJA WANG: TWO PIANOS FRI 1 NOV

This is classical music in the 21st century BOOK NOW

Image © Gianna Rizzo

Classical music

Our programme celebrates the incredible 500-year history of classical music, bringing to life celebrated works from the past and telling brand new stories

Wednesday 2

James McVinnie: Fantasias

Resident Artist James McVinnie conjures music of flair and fantasy from the Royal Festival Hall’s organ.

Stanford Fantasia and Toccata in D minor, Op.57; Byrd Fantasia in G, MB Vol.28 No.62; Swayne Riff-raff, Op.34; Liszt Fantasia and Fugue on `Ad nos, ad salutarem undam', S.259

7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £20

Friday 4

BBC Concert Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto with Senja Rummukainen

The BBC Concert Orchestra travels deep into the heart of Europe in a concert inspired by nature.

Anna-Maria Helsing conductor Senja Rummukainen cello

Dvořák Cello Concerto; Dobrinka Tabakova Rewilding from Earth Suite (World premiere); Janáček The Cunning Little Vixen Suite; Smetana From Bohemia's Woods and Fields from Má vlast

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

London Philharmonic Orchestra: Patricia Kopatchinskaja Plays Shostakovich

Sibelius’ elemental Fifth Symphony is paired with Shostakovich in a powerful programme from the LPO.

Edward Gardner conductor Patricia Kopatchinskaja violin

Britten Sinfonia da Requiem; Shostakovich Violin Concerto No.1; Sibelius Symphony No.5 in E flat

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Sunday 6

Music of Today: Kaija Saariaho & Hans Abrahamsen

The Philharmonia spotlights two leading Nordic composers in this free early evening concert. For ages 7+.

Philharmonia musicians

Chloe Rooke conductor Olivia Boen soprano

Saariaho Semafor (UK premiere); Hans Abrahamsen Two Inger Christensen songs (UK premiere) 6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Philharmonia Orchestra: András Schiff – Haydn, Schubert & Mozart

Spend an evening with the greats as Sir András Schiff play-directs and conducts a trio of Classical masterpieces.

Sir András Schiff conductor, piano Haydn Piano Concerto in D, Hob. XVIII/11; Schubert Symphony No.8 (Unfinished); Mozart Piano Concerto No.24 in C minor, K.491

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

Wednesday 9

Chineke! Orchestra: Phenomenal Women

Hear women composers whose music resonates through the ages, with a UK premiere of a rediscovered Florence Price work.

Tatiana Pérez conductor Meera Maharaj flute

Myfanwy Price oboe

Stephanie Yim clarinet

Daria Phillips bassoon

Nivanthi Karunaratne horn

Eleanor Alberga Overture, Jupiter's fairground; A ColeridgeTaylor Sussex Landscape, Op.27; Valerie Coleman Phenomenal Women; Price Symphony No.4 in D minor (UK premiere)

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Saturday 12

Manchester Collective & Zubin Kanga (Double Bill)

Cyborg pianist Zubin Kanga summons ghostly vocal samples in a brand-new Laurence Osborn piece. For ages 16+. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. Bacewicz Concerto for string orchestra; Laurence Osborn Schiller's Piano (World premiere); Tchaikovsky Mvts 1 & 3 from Serenade for Strings; Wojciech Kilara Orawa for string orchestra

8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15 for entry to both shows

Zubin Kanga: After Dark

Dreamlike, hallucinatory works from the pianist, composer and technologist in a late-night event. For ages 16+. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Zubin Kanga Hypnagogia (after Bach); Tansy Davies Star-Way; Alex Groves Dance Suite (World premiere)

9.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Tickets from £10 for entry to this show only

Sunday 13

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Bruckner – Symphony No.5

Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony embraces the range of human experience, from humour to the sacred.

Adam Fischer conductor Bruckner Symphony No.5

7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Thursday 17

Aurora Orchestra: Inside the Orchestra at Drumsheds

Step inside an exploded Aurora Orchestra as they perform music by Stravinsky and Ravel by heart inside the vast, industrial warehouse space of Drumsheds. For ages 14+. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Nicholas Collon conductor Programme includes: Stravinsky The Firebird, Suite (1945); Ravel Boléro (both performed from memory)

6pm & 8.30pm; Drumsheds; Tickets from £29.50

Friday 18

Benjamin Grosvenor Quartet: Strauss & Brahms

The Brahms C minor Piano Quartet is the most dramatic of the composer’s three: music of rugged, uncompromising magnificence.

Benjamin Grosvenor piano

Hyeyoon Park violin

Kian Soltani cello

Timothy Ridout viola

Strauss Piano Quartet in C minor, Op.13; Brahms Piano Quartet No.3 in C minor, Op.60

7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Sunday 20

London Sinfonietta: Schoenberg – Reshaping Tradition

The London Sinfonietta opens its 2024/25 season with a portrait of one of the most misunderstood pioneers of the early 20th-century avant-garde.

Jonathan Berman conductor Richard Burkhard baritone, speaker Andrew Zolinsky piano

Schoenberg Serenade, Op.24; Lutyens 6 Tempi for 10 instruments; Schoenberg Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte, Op.41; 6 Little Pieces, Op.19; Webern Symphony, Op.21; Schoenberg Chamber Symphony No.1, Op.9

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Wednesday 23

Aurora Orchestra:

Stravinsky's Firebird by Heart

Take a deep dive into the Russian fairy tales and folk melodies of one of the great ballet scores of the 20th century, with an introduction from conductor Nicholas Collon and BBC Radio 3 presenter Tom Service.

Nicholas Collon conductor Alexandre Tharaud piano

Tom Service presenter

Outi Tarkiainen The Ring of Fire and Love; Ravel Piano Concerto in G; Stravinsky The Firebird, Suite (1945) (performed from memory)

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Thursday 24

Philharmonia Orchestra: Marin Alsop Conducts

Mahler's Fifth Symphony

From its sinister opening trumpet fanfare to the joyful affirmation of the finale, Mahler’s Fifth Symphony packs quite a punch. Alma Mahler’s music may be less well known than her husband’s, but it's well worth hearing.

Marin Alsop conductor

Sasha Cooke mezzo-soprano Mahler Blumine (Andante); A Mahler Songs including: Die stille Stadt (The quiet town); Bei dir es traut (With you it is pleasant); Laue Sommernacht (Mild summer's night); In meines Vaters Garten (In my father's garden) arr. David & Colin Matthews for voice & orchestra; Mahler Symphony No.5

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

Friday 25

London Philharmonic Orchestra: A Hero’s Life

A programme of storytelling opens in the shimmering wonderland of Ravel’s fairytale ballet, and stars Strauss’ stupendous Ein Heldenleben

Sir Mark Elder conductor

James Ehnes violin

Ravel Ma mère l'Oye (Mother Goose), complete ballet; Bruch Violin Concerto No.2 in D minor; Strauss Ein Heldenleben

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Saturday 26

OAE TOTS at LPO

FUNharmonics:

An Italian Adventure

Let your little ones’ imaginations take flight in an interactive music workshop with the OAE. For ages 2 – 5.

10.15am, 11.15am & 12.15pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Children Tickets from £9 (adult) £3 (child)

London Philharmonic Orchestra:

FUNharmonics Family

Concert – Stan and Mabel

Meet a city-dwelling, music-loving dog and cat at an interactive family concert from the LPO. For ages 5+.

Michael Seal conductor

Polly Ives presenter

E Strauss Bahn Frei, Op.45; Tomlinson Kettledrum & Chipping Lane from Suite of Old English Folk Songs No.2; Paul Rissmann

Excerpts from Stan and Mabel; Price Juba dance from Symphony No.1 in E minor

12 noon; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £16 (adult) £8 (child)

Free pre-concert activities from 10am (ticket holders only)

Sunday 27

Philharmonia Orchestra: Morning Song

11am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Philharmonia Orchestra: Notes on Nature 2 – The Forest

The Philharmonia brings together environmental experts and speakers from the arts world for a broad conversation on our relationship with forests.

12.30pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Philharmonia Orchestra: Sibelius & Grieg – In the Land of the Mountain King

The Philharmonia evokes the magic of Nordic landscapes with two enduringly popular works, and new music by Outi Tarkiainen alongside a breathtaking underwater film of the Nordic coast by Joakim Odelberg. Emilia Hoving conductor Grieg Peer Gynt, Suite No.1; Outi Tarkiainen Mosaics (with film) (UK premiere); Sibelius Symphony No.2 in D

3pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10

Wednesday 30

London Philharmonic Orchestra: Karina Canellakis Conducts Schumann & Bruckner

Mists swirl, the air shivers and somewhere, far away, a lone horn calls us to adventure, opening Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony. Karina Canellakis conductor Truls Mørk cello

Schumann Overture, Manfred; Cello Concerto; Bruckner Symphony No.4 (Romantic)

6.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Thursday 31

Philharmonia Chamber Players: Turina & Ravel

Members of the Philharmonia Orchestra give a free performance of Ravel’s String Quartet, widely regarded as one of the pinnacles of the chamber music repertoire.

Philharmonia Chamber Players

Rebecca Chan violin David López Ibáñez violin Sylvain Séailles viola Ella Rundle cello

Turina La oración del torero for string quartet, Op.34; Ravel String Quartet in F

6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Philharmonia Orchestra: Santtu & Nemanja Radulović

Violinist Nemanja Radulović, the Philharmonia's Featured Artist this season, brings his characteristic warmth and flair to Khachaturian’s soulful Violin Concerto.

Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor Nemanja Radulović violin

Khachaturian Dance of the rose maidens, Lullaby & Sabre dance from Gayaneh; Violin Concerto; Tchaikovsky Symphony No.1 (Winter Daydreams)

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

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.

Classical music multi-buy: with our multibuy offers, you can book concerts from across our classical music programme and receive a discount. There is a small number of events that aren’t included in the multibuy offer. Check individual event pages on our website for further details.

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

Free events

There's lots to see and do for free this month, including art and exhibitions all around our site, live and online literature events, and daytime dances

Throughout the month Majazz Project: Palestinian Sound Archive

Discover a project showcasing the richness and diversity of Palestinian and Arab musical heritage. For all ages.

Until Fri 1 Nov; Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am – 11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Making Poetry: Astra Papachristodoulou

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

Sola Olulode: First Kiss

Sola Olulode’s painting imagines a queer couple at the beginning of their romance, creating a space for celebrating queer love.

Daily, 24 hours; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Klaus Weber: Thinking Fountains

An outdoor sculpture commission features two water-spouting bronze figures and a narrow waterfall cascading from an elevated concrete walkway.

Daily (subject to weather conditions and maintenance); Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free

Friday 4

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

Saturday 5

Relaxed Sessions with Bollyqueer

Part of Open Doors

Get your boogie on at an inclusive, relaxed version of our Saturday Sessions for SEND children and their families, featuring a family dance workshop and playful social session. For ages 5+.

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

Saturday Sessions with Bollyqueer

Part of Open Doors

Boogie on down to join us for a family dance workshop and playful social session, where you can learn new moves and have fun with friends. For ages 5 – 11.

1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Sunday 6

Music of Today: Kaija Saariaho & Hans Abrahamsen

The Philharmonia spotlights two leading Nordic composers in this free early evening concert. For ages 7+.

Philharmonia musicians

Chloe Rooke conductor

Olivia Boen soprano

Saariaho Semafor (UK premiere); Hans Abrahamsen Two Inger Christensen songs (UK premiere) 6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

From Wednesday 9

Huang Po-Chih: Waves

Taiwanese artist Huang Po-Chih uses the personal narratives of workers to investigate globalised trade, with a focus on the textile industry in East Asia.

Until Sun 5 Jan; Tue – Fri & Sun, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm (closed Mon); HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery; Free

Thursday 10

futuretense: Toby Corton + Kiiymm

Don’t miss two musicians making a name for themselves with addictive music and big personalities at a free, uplifting gig. For all ages.

6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Friday 11

Contemporary South Asian Art: Panel Discussions

Two panels bring together diverse voices from arts and curation to explore cultural, artistic and curatorial practices across South Asia and the diaspora.

2pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed

Thursday 17

Teachers’ Twilight: Haegue Yang

Primary, secondary and SEND teachers are invited to explore our current Hayward Gallery exhibition and find out how to make the most of it with your classes.

4.30pm; Hayward Gallery; Free, but ticketed

futuretense: JayaHadADream

Roll with the rhymes from an up-and-coming rap artist in a free evening of lyrical storytelling. For all ages.

6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Thursday 24 – Thursday 31

Deborah Levy: Why the Novel Matters – Live Stream

Part of London Literature Festival

LIVE STREAM: The prize-winning novelist delivers the 2024 New Statesman/Goldsmiths Prize Lecture. For ages 16+.

Available for seven days from 7.45pm on Thu 24 Oct; Online events; Free

Friday 25

London Literature Festival: Rug Rhymes

Part of London Literature Festival

A free London Literature Festival edition of Rug Rhymes, the song and rhyme session for under5s. This event is a Relaxed Performance (RP).

11am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Mix & Move: Afrobeats with Kiduku Rhythms

Part of Open Doors

Join us to shake it out into the weekend at our monthly dances to get you moving and meeting new people. For all ages.

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

Saturday 26

Poetry Day!

Part of London Literature Festival

On the theme of 'spoken word', this day hosted by the National Poetry Library features performances and more. For all ages.

11am – 5pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

The Orange Room

Part of London Literature Festival

Join The Orange Room Collective for an open-mic event that spotlights and celebrates Black creatives from London, with live music, performances and games. For ages 14+.

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

From Saturday 26

Creative Future Writers’ Award – Live Stream

Part of London Literature Festival

LIVE STREAM: Discover rising talent at the Creative Future Writers’ Award showcase of underrepresented writers. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

Available for seven days from 7.30pm on Sat 26 Oct; Online events; Free

Sunday 27

Philharmonia Orchestra: Morning Song

11am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Philharmonia Orchestra: Notes on Nature 2 – The Forest

The Philharmonia brings together environmental experts and speakers from the arts world for a broad conversation on our relationship with forests.

12.30pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Creative Future

Writers’ Day

Part of London Literature Festival Writers, publishers and literary professionals share hints, tips and initiatives in a day of talks and panel events. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

11am – 4pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free Also available to watch for free online until Sun 3 Nov

Wednesday 30

Creative Encounters: Sophie Herxheimer

Part of Open Doors

Celebrate the beauty of words, literature and poetry with performances and creative workshops. For ages 12+.

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

From Wednesday 30

Alphabet Soup

Part of London Literature Festival

Until Fri 1 Nov; 11am – 3pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Thursday 31

Relaxed Hour: Arts in the Garden – Light & Colour

Part of London Literature Festival

Join a relaxed event featuring Diwali storytelling and crafts with a lower capacity and other adaptations intended for children with SEND or other sensory needs. For ages 3+.

10.30am; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed (tickets for this event can be booked from 10am on Thu 24 Oct)

Arts in the Garden: Light & Colour

Part of London Literature Festival

Celebrate Diwali with us at an event featuring Niall Moorjani's retelling of Ramayana, and get crafty with diya making and a giant rangoli. For ages 3+.

11.30am; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Philharmonia Chamber Players: Turina & Ravel

Members of the Philharmonia Orchestra give a free performance of Ravel’s String Quartet, widely regarded as one of the pinnacles of the chamber music repertoire. For ages 7+.

Philharmonia Chamber Players

Rebecca Chan violin David López Ibáñez violin Sylvain Séailles viola Ella Rundle cello Turina La oración del torero for string quartet, Op.34; Ravel String Quartet in F

6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

From Thursday 31

Hanif Kureishi: Shattered – Live Stream

Part of London Literature Festival

LIVE STREAM: The author launches his extraordinary memoir about the accident that left him paralysed. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT) and British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 16+.

Available for seven days from 7.30pm on Thu 31 Oct; Online events; Free

Upcoming highlights

Koestler Arts: No Comment

This free exhibition exploring and showcasing the artistic range and talent of people in criminal justice settings is curated by Jeremy Deller and John Costi. The Koestler Awards is an annual programme encouraging people from the UK’s criminal justice system to change their lives through the arts.

EFG London Jazz Festival

The annual festival celebrates music from across the jazz world and beyond, with a stellar line-up including Billy Cobham, Jamie Cullam and Marisa Monte.

Friday 15 – Sunday 24 November

Daniel Barenboim & West-Eastern Divan Orchestra

Experience hope through musicmaking with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, uniting young Israeli and Arab performers.

Monday 4 November

Deller and Costi selected artwork from over 7,500 entries for the exhibition, which features writing, music and design in a variety of themes; humour, honesty, sadness, political commentary and more.

Friday 1 November – Sunday 15 December

Also coming soon

Víkingur Ólafsson & Yuja Wang: Two Pianos

Two supernovas of today’s piano world share the stage in virtuoso works for two pianos and piano four hands.

Friday 1 November

Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club: Live

London Literature Festival continues, with events including this live edition of the Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd podcast creating a space for the lonely outsider to feel accepted and appreciated.

Saturday 2 November

Chunky Move: 4/4

Eight dancers perform a stark symphony of mesmerising movement in Antony Hamilton’s blueprint for choreographic precision and physical endurance.

Friday 8 & Saturday 9 November

Chineke! Orchestra: Cultural Harmonies

Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason makes her solo debut with the orchestra in a night of depth and diversity, under the baton of Kevin John Edusei.

Thursday 21 November

Eat & explore

Fuel your weekends at the Southbank Centre Food Market

Imagine: the weekend’s almost here, and you’ve got nothing in the diary. Don’t despair – our trusty street food market is here to add a dash of zing to your sightseeing. As autumn arrives, hold on to al fresco eating and drinking with a plate of warming fare chosen from one of the many colourful stalls – and our food market's a must-visit for London-bound foodies, so come with an empty belly.

Turn up the heat with spiced delicacies including fiery Cajun curry, goodness-filled dosas, seven-spice lamb naan wraps and zesty Thai noodles. Sun-drenched Mediterranean flavours include crisp bruschetta and a variety of vibrant Lebanese salads, and meat lovers can feast on dry-aged bavette and smoked sausages.

Looking for a light bite? Get your hands on plump gyoza, melting mozzarella-centred arancini and, of course, fried potatoes in various guises. Take your pick from New York-style fries, roast baby potatoes and sweet potato tempura chips.

Grab a cup of something warm (or an ice-cold pint, if that’s your preference), and follow up your savoury selection with artisan baked goods, stuffed crêpes and chocolate-drenched fruit.

After all that delicious fuel, you'll be ready to take in everything that this amazing city has to offer.

Southbank Centre Food Market; Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road; Fri, 12 noon – 9pm; Sat, 11am – 9pm; and Sun, 12 noon – 6pm

Spend time among the stacks in the National Poetry Library

Not everybody knows that our Royal Festival Hall is home to the world’s largest public collection of modern poetry – but now you’re one of those who do. Tucked away on the fifth floor of the building, the National Poetry Library is a treasure trove of poetry books, collections and magazines, and a haven for the study of poetry. It’s also open to all, and free to join.

Founded in 1953 and housed in the Royal Festival Hall since 1988, the National Poetry Library celebrated its 70th birthday with a project inviting people to discover 70 new poets and to write 70-word poems of their own. You can hear the results on Saturday 26 October at The People’s Favourite Poets

The library hosts regular live events, including its Special Edition series, featuring poets from all over the world, and the much-loved Rug Rhymes, which introduces under-fives to poems, rhymes and stories through the magic of puppets.

Intrigued? Discover the library’s hidden gems, hear live readings and try your hand at writing your own poems at the free Poetry Day! on Saturday 26 October, hosted by the National Poetry Library in the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer.

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

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 recently refurbished Festival Bar & Kitchen and Ballroom Cafe on Level 2 of the Royal Festival Hall – and visit our shops for products inspired by our great cultural experiences, iconic buildings and central London location. Find more to explore on-site 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 (closed Sun 20 Oct). 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.

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

As part of this year’s London Literature Festival, Keanu Reeves joins us on Tuesday 22 October to celebrate the release of mind-blowing epic The Book of Elsewhere, created in collaboration with China Miéville.

Image credits

This month's highlights: Haegue Yang, The Randing Intermediates – Underbelly Alienage Duo, 2020. © Haegue Yang. Courtesy of the artist. Commission by Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD), Manila. Photo: At Maculangan/Pioneer Studios; Open Doors; Forced Entertainment: Signal to Noise © Hugo Glendinning; Zubin Kanga © courtesy Manchester Collective; Tony Buck: Go On Like This © Svetlana-Selezneva; Aurora Orchestra © Jake Davis; Age of Consent 40 © courtesy the artist

Header images: Literature & talks: Lemn Sissay © Hamish Brown; Art & exhibitions: Haegue Yang, Accommodating the Epic Dispersion – On Non-cathartic Volume of Dispersion, 2012 in Haegue Yang, Der Öffentlichkeit – von den Freunden Haus der Kunst Haus der Kunst, Munich, 2012. © Haegue Yang. Photo: Studio Haegue Yang. Courtesy Haus der Kunst, Munich; Performance & dance: Forced Entertainment: Signal to Noise © Hugo Glendinning; Family: Arts in the Garden: Light & Colour ; Gigs: JayaHadADream © courtesy the artist; Classical music: Karina Canellakis © Chris Christodoulou; Free events: Mix & Move: Afrobeats with Kiduku Rhythms

Upcoming highlights: Koestler Arts: No Comment : Tag, Vinney Green (secure children’s home), Painting, 2024; EFG London Jazz Festival: Jamie Cullum; Yuja Wang © Norbert Kniat; Chunky Move: 4/4 © Gianna Rizzo; Daniel Barenboim & West-Eastern Divan Orchestra © Manuel Vaca; Sara Pascoe © Rachel Sherlock; Chineke! Orchestra: Cultural Harmonies: Isata Kanneh-Mason © courtesy the artist