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FEBRUARY

Welcome to the Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre is a place where everyone – of all ages – can explore creativity and the arts, and in February half-term Imagine Festival explodes across our site, turning it into a colourful, joyous playground for families.

Now in its 23rd edition, Imagine Festival provides magical experiences for children aged 0 – 11 and their grown-ups, including plenty of free events.

Look out for our Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency, the first collaboration of a three-year creative programming partnership with the world’s greatest jazz festival, which continues into February with appearances from Soweto Kinch, Peng Femme Jam and NYJO.

Our Hayward Gallery spring exhibitions celebrate two powerful contemporary women

artists. The first London retrospective of the punk artist Linder’s boundary-breaking examinations of identity and feminism opens this month, alongside an exhibition of pioneering portraitist Mickalene Thomas’ large-scale paintings of Black women at rest.

Mark Ball

Artistic Director, Southbank Centre

Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23 February

Imagine Festival

Our festival for families returns this month, with world-class arts and buckets of inspiration for ages 0 – 11 and their grown-ups

Unlock your imagination this February halfterm as our buildings burst with creativity, performances, workshops, activities and free fun for families.

It’s showtime!

Introduce little ones to the magic of theatre at There’s a Bear on My Chair, which brings the beloved children’s book to life – or join Duggee and other CBeebies friends for a musical safari in CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree

Witness the the gravity-defying tricks of punk juggler Wes Peden in Rollercoaster, and have a T-riffic time with pop-infused palaeontology at The Colour of Dinosaurs. Very small children can get in on the wonder at gig-theatre installation A Message for the Future and at Great Big Tiny World ’s multisensory setting of plants, smells and sounds for babies.

Get in on the action

Learn to pop, lock and more for free at ZooNation’s Hip-Hop Half-Term and Afro Dance with HomeBros, and shake it out at Prancer the Dancer’s DanceDanceDiscoPartyFunShow

Aspiring artists: sharpen your pencils as we learn from some top illustrators at An Afternoon

with Draw with Rob and A Morning with Dav Pilkey and DOG MAN. And at Mini Architects, look at the design of famous buildings including the Southbank Centre!

Dive into REPLAY, an unlimited recycled playground, or get creative at street art workshops for older children at Imagine Artist Studio x WOM Collective

Learn and explore School’s out, but discovery’s in! Take a tour through the human body at Dr Ronx: How to Save a Life, perfect for scientists-in-training, and put your lie detecting skills to the test at Athena Kugblenu: History’s Most Epic Fibs Pint-sized chefs, get stuck into learning new recipes with Darryl Gadzekpo & Ella Phillips: Plant to Plate, and join a Supertato Party! filled with stories, silliness and the chance to make your own veggie superhero.

Wonderful words

Saddle up for Jodie Lancet-Grant: The Wild West Twins, twirl into Ballet Besties: Yasmine Naghdi & Chitra Soundar and laugh out loud at Lunchtime Comedy with The Lollies. For older readers, get your fix of fantasy at Grimwood

Party with Nadia Shireen and Workshop with Eric Huang: Mapping Magical Lands

Put pen to paper yourself at Poetry Adventures with Kate Wakeling and Writing Workshop with Lisa Williamson: Bigg School, and see where poems can take you at Worlds of Words: Translation and Drawing Workshop

Free fun for all

There’s plenty of free fun to be had, with workshops and events covering music, storytelling and comedy, including Singing All Over the World, When Stories Come Alive! and Big Laughs for Little Bellies. Let your imagination run wild every day at Imagine’s Giant Chalkboard, and join us at The Meditation Station for a wind-down each afternoon.

Whatever sparks your family’s creativity, come and get inspired with us this half-term.

February highlights

Soweto Kinch: Soundtrack to the Apocalypse

Continuing our Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency, the saxophonist and rapper premieres his new album.

Saturday 1 February

Linder: Danger Came Smiling

REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground

Enter an endless world of play and invention in a limitless recycled playground, created by The Herd Theatre for children and their grownups to tap into their imaginations.

Part installation, part adventure playground, REPLAY is a space built entirely out of waste materials repurposed for fun. The space features a design to ignite imaginations, a score composed from recycled sounds and a crowd-sourced play generator.

Running alongside Imagine Festival and throughout spring, REPLAY returns to the Southbank Centre after a wildly popular stint here in 2023. Make sure you don't miss it!

Tuesday 21 January – Sunday 1 June

Mitsuko Uchida & Mahler Chamber Orchestra: Mozart

The orchestra and pianist continue their partnership focused on Mozart’s piano concertos in intimate and joyous music.

Saturday 1 February

Wednesday 26 February Also this month...

Linder’s first London retrospective dissects our fascination with the body and its representation, in our second spring Hayward Gallery exhibition.

Tuesday 11 February – Monday 5 May

London Philharmonic Orchestra: An Alpine Symphony

Edward Gardner and a speciallyenlarged LPO conquer the summit of Strauss’ mighty Alpine Symphony.

Friday 21 February

Mickalene Thomas: All About Love

In one of two new Hayward Gallery exhibitions, Mickalene Thomas’ vibrant portraits of Black women at rest reclaim space in art history.

Tuesday 11 February – Monday 5 May

Shon Faye: Love in Exile

The bestselling author presents her new book, a wise, funny and radical manifesto for seeing love as the meaning of life itself.

Family

Let your imagination run wild – this year’s Imagine Festival is bursting with world-class arts, creativity and inspiration for every family

Throughout the month REPLAY: A Limitless

Recycled Playground

Part of Imagine Festival

Enter a world of play and invention in a recycled playground for children and their grown-ups. Sensory Adapted and early years sessions are available. For ages 6 months – 11 years.

Until Sun 1 Jun; Various times; Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £7.50 (every adult and child needs a ticket)

Friday 7

Rug Rhymes

National Poetry Library puppets

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

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

Saturday 8

Relaxed Sessions with Club Origami

Part of Open Doors

Join us for an inclusive version of our Saturday Sessions (see below), for those who may benefit from a smaller group and an adapted space. For ages 5+.

10.30am – 12 noon; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday Sessions with Club Origami

Part of Open Doors

At this month’s edition of our fun, creative sessions for families, see what you can make from a single square of paper at a workshop with Club Origami. For ages 5 – 11.

1pm – 3.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Friday 14

Schools Preview: There's a Bear on My Chair

Part of Imagine Festival

Take in the beloved story of Bear and Mouse on the stage. Creatively Captioned. For foundation and KS1 classes, ages 2 – 7.

11am; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £5 (teachers go free)

Tuesday 18

Afro Dance With HomeBros

Part of Imagine Festival

Drop in to this free session with dance duo HomeBros to learn some new moves and routines. For ages 5 – 11.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Poetry Adventures with Kate Wakeling

Part of Imagine Festival

Race a comet through outer space and much more in a playful interactive poetry workshop. For ages 6 – 11.

10.45am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10 (admits one adult and one child)

Mini Architects

Part of Imagine Festival

Get creative at an event inspired by iconic architecture from around the world. For ages 3 – 5.

11am; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8

Writing Workshop with Lisa Williamson: Bigg School

Part of Imagine Festival

Calling all aspiring young writers: come join a funny, warm and engaging creative writing workshop. For ages 9 – 11.

11.30am & 1.30pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10 (admits one adult and one child)

Supertato Party!

Part of Imagine Festival

Come along to a super veggie workshop for the family with Supertato’s co-creator Sue Hendra. For ages 3 – 5.

1pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8

Jodie Lancet-Grant: The Wild West Twins

Part of Imagine Festival

Saddle up for a rip-roaring event featuring storytelling and Wild West-themed games. For ages 3 – 5.

3pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8

Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22

The Meditation Station

Part of Imagine Festival Journey through sound, movement and story to land softly after a busy day at Imagine Festival British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Thu 20 & Sat 22 Feb. For ages 5+.

3.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23

There's a Bear on My Chair

Part of Imagine Festival

Settle in as Ross Collins’ beloved story comes to the stage for the first time. Features creative, integrated captions. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Thu 20 Feb, 11am & Sat 22 Feb, 1pm. Audio Description & Touch Tour available: Sun 23 Feb, 2pm. For ages 2 – 7.

Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

Imagine's Giant Chalkboard

Part of Imagine Festival

Our Giant Chalkboard returns –pick up a piece of chalk and get creative! For ages 3+.

10.30am – 4pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Wednesday 19

Singing All Over the World

Part of Imagine Festival

Join us for a celebration of little voices singing many languages for International Mother Language Day. For ages 5+.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Workshop with Eric Huang: Mapping Magical Lands

Part of Imagine Festival

The author presents his new book series, in an interactive writing and reading workshop. For ages 6 – 8.

11.30am & 1.30pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10 (admits one adult and one child)

Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20

The Colour of Dinosaurs

Part of Imagine Festival

Join five musicians and a palaeontologist on a rip-roaring, prehistoric science pop gig. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Thu 20 Feb, 11.30am. For ages 6 – 11.

Various times; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

Wednesday 19 – Saturday 22

Great Big Tiny World

Part of Imagine Festival

Settle in amongst hundreds of real plants as we set out to grow a new world. For ages 0 – 12 months.

Various times; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £22 (admits one adult and one child)

Wednesday 19 – Sunday 23

A Message for the Future

Part of Imagine Festival

Explore a future full of hope in a meditative installation with popup gig-theatre performances. For ages 0 – 3.

From 10.30am; Weston Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Pay what you can

Imagine Artist Studio x WOM Collective

Part of Imagine Festival

A street art masterclass with WOM Collective for older kids. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Sun 23 Feb, 10.30am & 11.45am. For ages 7+ only.

Various times; Undercroft, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Pay what you can

Thursday 20

Ballet Besties: Yasmine Naghdi & Chitra Soundar

Part of Imagine Festival

Principal Ballerina Yasmine Naghdi shares her children’s book series celebrating the joy of dance. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7 – 9.

10.30am; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8

When Stories Come Alive!

Part of Imagine Festival

Come and be part of the story as we bring an entire book to life in a day. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): 1.30pm.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Grimwood Party with Nadia Shireen

Part of Imagine Festival

Sharpen your pencils and prepare to laugh your head off with author and illustrator Nadia Shireen. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7 – 9.

1pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8

Darryl Gadzekpo & Ella Phillips: Plant to Plate

Part of Imagine Festival

Learn how to grow mighty ingredients, then transform them into delicious, plant-powered feasts. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7 – 9.

3pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £16

Thursday 20 & Sunday 23

When the World Turns

Part of Imagine Festival

Set out on a living, breathing, sensory adventure as we grow a new world together. Created for disabled young people who are wheelchair users who experience the most barriers to access.

Various times; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £18 (admits one child and up to two adults)

Friday 21

Big Laughs for Little Bellies

Part of Imagine Festival

Laugh yourself silly at a comedy show hosted by comedian and magician Ada Campe. For ages 5+. 10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Worlds of Words: Translation and Drawing Workshop

Part of Imagine Festival

Join illustrator and translator Elīna Brasliņa to explore poems and stories from around the world. For ages 9 – 11.

11.30am & 1.30pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10 (admits one adult and one child)

Friday 21 & Saturday 22

Rollercoaster

Part of Imagine Festival

Strap in for pop-punk juggling as Wes Peden shares his cuttingedge tricks. Audio Description & Touch Tour available: Sat 22 Feb, 6.30pm. For ages 7+.

2.30pm & 6.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

Saturday 22

ZooNation's Hip-Hop Half-Term

Part of Imagine Festival

Get your groove on with ZooNation dancers in family hip-hop workshops. Workshop instructions are British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 5 – 11. 10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

A Morning with Dav Pilkey and DOG MAN

Part of Imagine Festival

Learn new tricks as the creator of DOG MAN introduces a pack of favourite characters. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7+.

10.30am; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

An Afternoon with Draw with Rob

Part of Imagine Festival

Join the author and illustrator for a family session fizzing with laughs, creativity and drawing. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 5+.

1.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

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.

Imagine Festival is a Relaxed festival and all events are Relaxed Performances (RP) –see our website to find out more.

MEMBERS GET

Presale tickets

Get the first chance to book with priority booking.

Eye-popping art

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

Knockout views

Take in the Thames from your own Members’ Lounge.

Delicious discounts

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

Sunday 23

Prancer the Dancer's DanceDanceDisco PartyFunShow

Part of Imagine Festival

Prancer the Dancer invites you to tear up the dance floor at a funfilled family party. For all ages.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Dr Ronx: How to Save a Life

Part of Imagine Festival

Come along to have some fun learning practical skills and facts from the doctor and TV presenter. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6+.

10.45am; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree

Part of Imagine Festival

Join lots of CBeebies friends and animals to celebrate the natural world in music and song, with the BBC Concert Orchestra. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): 3.15pm. For ages 2+.

1pm & 3.15pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Lunchtime Comedy with The

Lollies

Part of Imagine Festival

Expect lots of laughs from the shortlist for 2024’s Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2024. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6+.

1.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

Athena Kugblenu: History’s Most Epic Fibs

Part of Imagine Festival

Think you know everything about history? Comedian Athena Kugblenu debunks fact from fiction. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6+.

3.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

Tuesday 25

Secondary Schools Come and Sing!

Part of Schools

Secondary school groups are invited to take part in a day of singing, workshops and discussions. For secondary school groups (years 7 – 13).

10am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Friday 28 Rug Rhymes

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

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

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 Future Exhibition

Makers: The People's Exhibition

Get new perspectives on the legacy of the 1951 Festival of Britain, for which our Royal Festival Hall was built, in a display created by 15 young people.

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

Bharti Kher: Target Queen

On the exterior of the Hayward Gallery, a colourful new artwork celebrates the bindi at super scale.

Daily; Hayward Gallery Wall, Belvedere Road Side; Free

Sola Olulode: First Kiss Olulode’s painting imagines an intimate moment between a queer couple at the start of their romance.

Daily; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Until Sunday 2 Winter Light

Over the dark winter nights, our site is illuminated by free outdoor artworks, created by 12 artists, that play with light and colour.

Daily; across the site; Free

Tuesday 11

Mickalene Thomas in Conversation with Renée Mussai

Join artist Mickalene Thomas and writer and curator Renée Mussai for a discussion about Thomas’ new Hayward Gallery exhibition. 7pm; St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £7

From Tuesday 11

Mickalene Thomas: All About Love

Mickalene Thomas’ vibrant, large-scale portraits of Black women at rest reclaim space and representation in art history, celebrating love and radical repose.

Until Mon 5 May; Tue – Sun, 10am – 6pm (closed Mon); Hayward Gallery; Tickets from £19 (free to Southbank Centre Members & under-12s); includes entry to Linder: Danger Came Smiling

Linder: Danger Came Smiling

Linder’s first London retrospective showcases 50 years of the pioneering feminist artist’s work, dissecting our fascination with the body and its representation.

Until Mon 5 May; Tue – Sun, 10am – 6pm (closed Mon); Hayward Gallery; Tickets from £19 (free to Southbank Centre Members & under-12s); includes entry to Mickalene Thomas: All About Love

Thursday 27

Teachers' Twilight: Mickalene Thomas & Linder

Part of Schools

Secondary school teachers are invited to explore our current Hayward Gallery exhibitions and find out how to make the most of them with your classes.

4.30pm; Hayward Gallery; Free, but ticketed

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.

Gigs

Whatever you’re into, join us for gigs showcasing sensational sounds from across the globe, including our Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency

Saturday 1

The Nina Simone

R.A.P.P. Party

Part of Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency

Inua Ellams hosts a Nina Simoneinspired edition of his Rhythm, Poetry & Prose Party, with guest writers, performers and DJ Sid Mercutio. For ages 14+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

4.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free, but ticketed

Soweto Kinch: Soundtrack to the Apocalypse

Part of Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency

The saxophonist and rapper melds jazz and beat-based hip-hop in this album world premiere. For ages 14+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £27

Peng Femme Jam: Inclusive Jam & After-Party

Part of Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency

Join for a jam and stay for DJs spinning tunes into the small hours, with the inclusive east London collective created to platform gender-diverse musicians. For ages 18+ only.

10pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free, but ticketed

Sunday 2

NYJO: The Fire Next Time

Part of Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency

The next generation of jazz musicians commemorate the legacy of writer James Baldwin through music. For ages 14+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

6pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £19

Wednesday 5

Creative Encounters: You've Got the Love Part of Open Doors

Writer Rhianna Ilube leads an evening of writing, exchanging and debunking love stories with live music from singer-songwriter Karima Francis. For ages 12+.

5.30pm – 8.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Thursday 6

futuretense:

Izzy Withers + Kemi Ade

Step into soulful music at this edition of our free twice-monthly gig series, featuring rising stars. For all ages.

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

Friday 7

Alexis Ffrench

The composer, pianist and pioneer of classical soul shares a new album of soul-infused compositions.

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £28.50

Sunday 9

Transatlantic Sessions

A rollicking evening celebrating the rich musical traditions that connect Scotland, Ireland and the US. For ages 14+.

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £32

Thursday 13

futuretense: Jeffrey The KiDDD + The Black Esper

Catch cheeky tunes and cautionary tales at a free double bill of R&B, hip-hop and neo-soul.

For all ages.

6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20

The Colour of Dinosaurs

Part of Imagine Festival

Join five musicians and a palaeontologist on a rip-roaring, prehistoric science pop gig. Relaxed Performance (RP). British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Thu 20 Feb, 11.30am. For ages 6 – 11.

Various times; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

Friday 28

Gipsy Kings by André Reyes

The legendary band stirs up an unforgettable night of Latin melodies and music that crosses borders. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £55

Performance & dance

Punk-pop juggling, beloved stories brought to life and dance for all ages: discover international performance here in our venues

Thursday 6

Güldür Güldür Show

Enjoy a live show with the hilarious characters of Turkey’s most popular TV comedy. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult. 7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £55

Friday 14

Schools Preview: There's a Bear on My Chair

Part of Imagine Festival

Take in the beloved story of Bear and Mouse on the stage. Creatively Captioned. For foundation and KS1 classes, ages 2 – 7.

11am; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £5 (teachers go free)

Friday 14

Philharmonia Orchestra: Marin Alsop Conducts

Bernstein & Piazzolla

Two Argentine tango champions join the orchestra for the finale of this concert, a journey through the seductive sounds of Latin America. For ages 7+.

Marin Alsop conductor

Ksenija Sidorova bandoneon

Adrien Bariki-Alaoui tango dancer

Iro Davlanti-Lo tango dancer

Gershwin Cuban Overture; Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story; Edu Lobo Pé de vento from Suite Popular Brasileira arr. Nelson Ayres; Piazzolla Concerto for bandoneon, string orchestra & percussion (Aconcagua); Tanti Anni Prima (Ave Maria); Libertango arr. John Lenehan

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall at 6pm: pre-concert talk. Admission free.

Free Argentine Tango Workshop

Give tango a whirl at a free workshop after the Philharmonia’s Latin American-themed concert. For ages 7+.

Iro Davlanti-Lo tango dancer

Adrien Bariki-Alaoui tango dancer

9.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Tuesday 18

Afro Dance with HomeBros

Part of Imagine Festival

Drop in to this free session with dance duo HomeBros to learn some new moves and routines. For ages 5 – 11.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23

There's a Bear on My Chair

Part of Imagine Festival

Settle in as Ross Collins’ beloved story comes to the stage for the first time. Features creative, integrated captions. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Thu 20 Feb, 11am & Sat 22 Feb, 1pm.

Audio Description & Touch Tour available: Sun 23 Feb, 2pm. For ages 2 – 7.

Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

Wednesday 19 – Saturday 22

Great Big Tiny World

Part of Imagine Festival

Settle in among hundreds of real plants as we set out to grow a new world. For ages 0 – 12 months.

Various times; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £22 (admits one adult and one child)

Thursday 20 & Sunday 23

When the World Turns

Part of Imagine Festival

Set out on a living, breathing, sensory adventure as we grow a new world together. Created for disabled young people who are wheelchair users who experience the most barriers to access.

Various times; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £18 (admits one child and up to two adults)

Friday 21

Big Laughs for Little Bellies

Part of Imagine Festival

Laugh yourself silly at a comedy show hosted by comedian and magician Ada Campe. For ages 5+.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Friday 21 & Saturday 22

Rollercoaster

Part of Imagine Festival

Strap in for pop-punk juggling as Wes Peden shares his cuttingedge tricks. Audio Description & Touch Tour available: Sat 22 Feb, 6.30pm. For ages 7+.

2.30pm & 6.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

Saturday 22

ZooNation's Hip-Hop Half-Term

Part of Imagine Festival

The world’s largest public collection of modern poetry

TUESDAY, 12 NOON – 6PM WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY, 12 NOON – 8PM FREE MEMBERSHIP

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

Saturday 1

The Nina Simone

R.A.P.P. Party

Part of Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency

Inua Ellams hosts a Nina Simoneinspired edition of his Rhythm, Poetry & Prose Party, with guest writers, performers and DJ Sid Mercutio. For ages 14+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

4.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free, but ticketed

Sunday 2

First Five: Yomi S . ode

Part of Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency

Join writer Yomi S ode in this edition of First Five as he speaks to a special guest about the works and legacy of Nina Simone. For ages 14+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

3.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed

Wednesday 5

Creative Encounters: You've Got the Love

Part of Open Doors

Writer Rhianna Ilube leads an evening of writing, exchanging and debunking love stories with live music from singer-songwriter Karima Francis. For ages 12+.

5.30pm – 8.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Special Edition: Container

An a capella choral performance explores the violence and tenderness of living through catastrophe in this edition of the National Poetry Library’s monthly series. For ages 16+.

8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £9

Friday 7

Rug Rhymes

National Poetry Library puppets Federico and Firebird share some of their favourite poems and rhymes. 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 11

Mickalene Thomas in Conversation with Renée Mussai

Wednesday 12

Eimear McBride: The City Changes Its Face

Join the author as she shares her new novel, an intense story of passion, possessiveness and family, in conversation with Miranda Sawyer. For ages 18+.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Thursday 13

Out-Spoken: February

Discover emerging voices and world-renowned artists at our monthly poetry night. Speech-toText transcribed. For ages 16+.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Tuesday 18

Poetry Adventures with Kate Wakeling

Part of Imagine Festival

Race a comet through outer space and much more in a playful interactive poetry workshop. For ages 6 – 11.

10.45am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10 (admits one adult and one child)

Mini Architects

Part of Imagine Festival

Get creative at an event inspired by iconic architecture from around the world. For ages 3 – 5.

11am; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8

Writing Workshop with Lisa Williamson: Bigg School

Part of Imagine Festival

Calling all aspiring young writers: come join a funny, warm and engaging creative writing workshop. For ages 9 – 11.

11.30am & 1.30pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10 (admits one adult and one child)

Supertato Party!

Part of Imagine Festival

Come along to a super veggie workshop for the family with Supertato’s co-creator Sue Hendra. For ages 3 – 5.

1pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8

Jodie Lancet-Grant: The Wild West Twins

Part of Imagine Festival

Saddle up for a rip-roaring event with storytelling and Wild Westthemed games. For ages 3 – 5.

3pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8

Wednesday 19

Workshop with Eric Huang: Mapping Magical Lands

Part of Imagine Festival

The author presents his new book series, in an interactive writing and reading workshop. For ages 6 – 8.

11.30am & 1.30pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10 (admits one adult and one child)

Thursday 20

Ballet Besties: Yasmine Naghdi & Chitra Soundar

Part of Imagine Festival

Principal Ballerina Yasmine Naghdi shares her children’s book series celebrating the joy of dance. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7 – 9.

10.30am; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8

When Stories Come Alive!

Part of Imagine Festival

Come and be part of the story as we bring an entire book to life in a day. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): 1.30pm.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Grimwood Party with Nadia Shireen

Part of Imagine Festival

Sharpen your pencils and prepare to laugh your head off with author and illustrator Nadia Shireen. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7 – 9. 1pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £8

Darryl Gadzekpo & Ella Phillips: Plant to Plate

Part of Imagine Festival

Learn how to grow mighty ingredients, then transform them into delicious, plant-powered feasts. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7 – 9.

3pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £16

Friday 21

Worlds of Words: Translation and Drawing Workshop

Part of Imagine Festival

Join illustrator and translator Elīna Brasliņa to explore poems and stories from around the world. For ages 9 – 11.

11.30am & 1.30pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10 (admits one adult and one child)

Saturday 22

A Morning with Dav Pilkey and DOG MAN

Part of Imagine Festival

Learn new tricks as the creator of DOG MAN introduces a pack of favourite characters. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7+.

10.30am; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

An Afternoon with Draw with Rob

The author and illustrator leads a session fizzing with laughs, creativity and drawing. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 5+.

1.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Sunday 23

Dr Ronx: How to Save a Life

Part of Imagine Festival

Come along to have some fun learning practical skills and facts from the doctor and TV presenter. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6+.

10.45am; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

Out-Spoken

Masterclass:

February

Dive into a weekend poetry workshop to unlock new creative ideas, guided by a leading poet. For ages 18+.

1pm; Foyle Pavilion, Level 3, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £27

Lunchtime Comedy with The Lollies

Part of Imagine Festival

Expect lots of laughs from the shortlist for 2024’s Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2024. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6+.

1.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

Athena Kugblenu: History’s Most Epic Fibs

Part of Imagine Festival

Think you know everything about history? Comedian Athena Kugblenu debunks fact from fiction. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6+.

3.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

Nnedi Okorafor: Death

of the Author

The author presents her sweeping new novel about family, culture and identity, in conversation with Irenosen Okojie. For ages 16+.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Wednesday 26

Shon Faye: Love in Exile

Shon Faye’s new book is a manifesto for seeing and knowing love as the meaning of life itself. Speech-to-Text transcribed. For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Friday 28

Rug Rhymes

National Poetry Library puppets Federico and Firebird share some of their favourite poems and rhymes. For ages 0 – 5. 11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £4 (admits one adult and one child)

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. Imagine Festival is a Relaxed festival and all events are Relaxed Performances (RP) –see our website to find out more.

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

Saturday 1

Mitsuko Uchida & Mahler Chamber Orchestra: Mozart

In the latest in their concert series centring on Mozart’s piano concertos, the orchestra and Mitsuko Uchida present the genial and witty B flat major Concerto. Programme includes: Mozart Piano Concerto No.18 in B flat, K.456; Janáček Mladi (Youth) for wind sextet

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17

Sunday 2

Philharmonia Orchestra: Pierre-Laurent Aimard Plays Beethoven

In his decades-long career, Pierre-Laurent Aimard has earned a reputation as a supreme interpreter of Beethoven’s music. Manfred Honeck conductor Pierre-Laurent Aimard piano

Weber Overture, Der Freischütz; Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3; Dvořák Symphony No.9 (From the New World)

3pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

Friday 7

Alice Sara Ott: John Field & Beethoven

The dazzling pianist intersperses Beethoven sonatas with Nocturnes by John Field, who invented this evocative and atmospheric genre.

Field Selection of Nocturnes; Beethoven Sonata in G minor, Op.49 No.1; Sonata in E, Op.109; Sonata in C sharp minor, Op.27 No.2 (Quasi una fantasiaMoonlight)

7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Saturday 8

Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert

Enter the magical world of the animated series at a live orchestral concert of the original soundtrack. For ages 7+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult. Avatar: The Last Airbender is rated 12 (for ages 12+) by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

3pm & 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £33.50

Sunday 9

Manchester Collective: Hidden Mechanisms

Music that makes you lean in, including a music box-inspired new commission by Héloïse Werner.

Rakhi Singh violin

Donald Grant violin

Ruth Gibson viola

Nick Trygstad cello

Junyan Chen piano

Cassandra Miller Leaving for string quartet; Oliver Leith The big house for string quartet; Héloïse

Werner Hidden Mechanisms for piano quintet (London premiere); Olli Mustonen Piano Quintet

4pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £27

Wednesday 12

Brahms’ German Requiem

Two top choirs combine forces to perform one of the most magnificent works in the choral repertoire.

London Mozart Players

Dan Ludford-Thomas conductor

Eleanor Pennell-Briggs soprano

Jonathan Brown baritone

Lewisham Choral Society

Hackney Singers

Fanny Mendelssohn Cantata, Hiob (Job); Brahms Tragic Overture; Ein deutsches Requiem

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10

Friday 14

Philharmonia Orchestra:

Marin Alsop Conducts

Bernstein & Piazzolla

Two Argentine tango champions join for the finale of this concert, a journey through the seductive sounds of Latin America.

Marin Alsop conductor

Ksenija Sidorova bandoneon

Adrien Bariki-Alaoui tango dancer

Iro Davlanti-Lo tango dancer

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall at 6pm: pre-concert talk. Admission free.

Free Argentine Tango Workshop

Give tango a whirl at a free workshop after the Philharmonia’s Latin American-themed concert.

Iro Davlanti-Lo tango dancer

Adrien Bariki-Alaoui tango dancer

9.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Wednesday 19

London Philharmonic Orchestra: Symphonic Dances

Rachmaninov’s final masterpiece, the electrifying Symphonic Dances, is perhaps his greatest.

Juraj Valčuha conductor

Boris Giltburg piano

Glazunov Concert Waltz No.1 in D, Op.47; Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1; Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Thursday 20

Philharmonia Chamber

Players: Spotlight on the Clarinet

A free early evening concert showcases the vivid, expressive tones of the clarinet.

Eugene Lee violin

Fiona Cornall violin

Scott Dickinson viola

Karen Stephenson cello

Mark van de Wiel clarinet

Gipps Rhapsody in E flat for clarinet & string quartet, Op.23; Weber Clarinet Quintet in B flat, Op.34

6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Philharmonia Orchestra: Rachmaninov & Prokofiev with Daniel Lozakovich

Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony is widely considered one of the composer’s best works: this is Romanticism at its height.

Tugan Sokhiev conductor

Daniel Lozakovich violin

Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.2 in G minor, Op.63 Rachmaninov Symphony No.2

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

Friday 21

LPO Showcase: Junior Artists

In this free performance, the Junior Artists perform alongside London Philharmonic Orchestra musicians, Foyle Future Firsts and Junior Artist alumni in a celebration of vibrant young talent.

Matthew Lynch conductor Eliana Echeverry Another day in London town (World premiere); Arson Fahim Forbidden dances; Bartók 5 Hungarian Sketches, Sz.97; Vaughan Williams English Folk Song Suite

6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free

London Philharmonic Orchestra: An Alpine Symphony

Waterfalls, glaciers, an earsplitting storm – spectacular isn’t the word. Strauss’ towering symphony evokes the majesty of the Bavarian Alps.

Edward Gardner conductor Alexandra Dovgan piano

Tania León Paisajes (UK premiere); Grieg Piano Concerto; Strauss An Alpine Symphony

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Sunday 23

CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree

Part of Imagine Festival

Join lots of CBeebies friends and animals to celebrate the natural world in music and song, with the BBC Concert Orchestra. Relaxed Performance (RP). British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): 3.15pm. For ages 2+.

1pm & 3.15pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Wednesday 26

London Philharmonic Orchestra: Symphonie Fantastique

Love, witchcraft, severed heads –enter Hector Berlioz’ epic world of wild imagination and psychedelic colours.

Edward Gardner conductor Augustin Hadelich violin

David Sawer Sphinx (World premiere); Britten Violin Concerto; Berlioz Symphonie fantastique

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Thursday 27

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Beethoven – Hero/Rebel

The OAE explores works that capture Beethoven’s rebellious spirit and heroism.

Maxim Emelyanychev conductor

Vilde Frang violin

Beethoven Violin Concerto; Symphony No.3 (Eroica)

7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Philharmonia Orchestra: Paavo Järvi Conducts

Stravinsky’s The Firebird

Two of Stravinsky’s thrilling ballet scores frame a brilliant new cello concerto written for tonight’s soloist, Nicolas Altstaedt. Paavo Järvi conductor Nicolas Altstaedt cello Stravinsky Petrushka (1947); Erkki-Sven Tüür Cello Concerto No.2 (Labyrinths of Life) (UK premiere); Stravinsky The Firebird, Suite (1919)

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10

Friday 28

Philharmonia Orchestra: Nemanja Radulović –Journeys with a Violin

Hear a deeply personal programme from the genre-defying violinist, the Philharmonia’s Featured Artist. String Players of the Philharmonia Orchestra

Nemanja Radulovic director, violin Zsolt-Tihamér Visontay violin

Bach Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV.1041; Violin Concerto in D minor (reconstructed from Harpsichord Concerto BWV.1052); Concerto in D minor for 2 violins, BWV.1043; interspersed with: Hristovski Makedonsko devojče arr. Sedlar & Radulović; Falla Spanish dance No.1 from La vida breve arr. Sedlar, Kreisler & Radulović; Muréna Indifférence arr. Sedlar & Radulović; Sišič Hommage à Aleksandar Sišič arr. Sedlar

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth 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 free gigs from up-and-coming artists and tonnes of family fun as part of Imagine Festival

Throughout the month Future Exhibition

Makers: The People's Exhibition

Get new perspectives on the legacy of the 1951 Festival of Britain, for which our Royal Festival Hall was built, in a display created by 15 young people.

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

Bharti Kher:

Target Queen

On the exterior of the Hayward Gallery, a colourful new artwork celebrates the bindi at super scale.

Daily; Hayward Gallery Wall, Belvedere Road Side; Free

Sola Olulode: First Kiss

Olulode’s painting imagines an intimate moment between a queer couple at the start of their romance.

Daily; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Until Sunday 2

Winter Light

Over the dark winter nights, our site is illuminated by free outdoor artworks, created by 12 artists, that play with light and colour.

Daily; across the site; Free

Saturday 1

The Nina Simone R.A.P.P. Party

Part of Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency

Inua Ellams hosts a Nina Simoneinspired edition of his Rhythm, Poetry & Prose Party, with guest writers, performers and DJ Sid Mercutio. For ages 14+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

4.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free, but ticketed

Peng Femme Jam: Inclusive Jam & After-Party

Part of Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency

Join for a jam and stay for DJs spinning tunes into the small hours, with the inclusive east London collective created to platform gender-diverse musicians. For ages 18+ only.

10pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free, but ticketed

Sunday 2

First Five: Yomi S . ode

Part of Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency

Join writer Yomi S ode in this edition of First Five as he speaks to a special guest about the works and legacy of Nina Simone. For ages 14+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

3.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed

Wednesday 5

Creative Encounters: You've Got the Love

Part of Open Doors

Writer Rhianna Ilube leads an evening of writing, exchanging and debunking love stories with live music from singer-songwriter Karima Francis. For ages 12+.

5.30pm – 8.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Thursday 6

futuretense: Izzy Withers + Kemi Ade

Step into soulful music at this edition of our free twice-monthly gig series, featuring rising stars. For all ages.

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

Friday 7

Simmer Down

Get ready to feel the reggae rhythm at this free monthly meet-up and daytime dance that’s guaranteed to get all ages moving and grooving.

1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 8

Relaxed Sessions with Club Origami

Part of Open Doors

Join us for an inclusive version of our Saturday Sessions (see below), for those who may benefit from a smaller group and an adapted space. For ages 5+.

10.30am – 12 noon; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday Sessions with Club Origami

Part of Open Doors

At this month’s edition of our fun, creative sessions for families, see what you can make from a single square of paper at a workshop with Club Origami. For ages 5 – 11.

1pm – 3.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Thursday 13

futuretense: Jeffrey The KiDDD + The Black Esper

Catch cheeky tunes and cautionary tales at a free double bill of R&B, hip-hop and neo-soul. For all ages.

6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Friday 14

Free Argentine Tango Workshop

Give tango a whirl at a free workshop after the Philharmonia’s Latin American-themed concert. For ages 7+.

Iro Davlanti-Lo tango dancer

Adrien Bariki-Alaoui tango dancer

9.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Tuesday 18

Afro Dance With HomeBros

Part of Imagine Festival

Drop in to this free session with dance duo HomeBros to learn some new moves and routines. For ages 5 – 11.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22

The Meditation Station

Part of Imagine Festival

Journey through sound, movement and story to land softly after a busy day at Imagine Festival

British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Thu 20 & Sat 22 Feb. For ages 5+.

3.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23

Imagine's Giant Chalkboard

Part of Imagine Festival

Our Giant Chalkboard returns –pick up a piece of chalk and get creative! For ages 3+.

10.30am – 4pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Wednesday 19

Singing All Over the World

Part of Imagine Festival

Join us for a celebration of little voices singing many languages for International Mother Language Day. For ages 5+.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Wednesday 19 – Sunday 23

A Message for the Future

Part of Imagine Festival

Explore a future full of hope in a meditative installation with popup gig-theatre performances. For ages 0 – 3.

From 10.30am; Weston Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Pay what you can

Imagine Artist Studio x WOM Collective

Part of Imagine Festival

Immerse yourself in a street art masterclass with WOM Collective for older kids. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Sun 23 Feb, 10.30am & 11.45am. For ages 7+ only.

Various times; Undercroft, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Pay what you can

Thursday 20

When Stories Come Alive!

Part of Imagine Festival Come and be part of the story as we bring an entire book to life in a day. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): 1.30pm.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Philharmonia Chamber

Players: Spotlight on the Clarinet

A free early evening concert showcases the vivid, expressive tones of the clarinet. For ages 7+.

Eugene Lee violin

Fiona Cornall violin

Scott Dickinson viola

Karen Stephenson cello

Mark van de Wiel clarinet

Gipps Rhapsody in E flat for clarinet & string quartet, Op.23; Weber Clarinet Quintet in B flat, Op.34

6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Friday 21

Big Laughs for Little Bellies

Part of Imagine Festival

Laugh yourself silly at a comedy show hosted by comedian and magician Ada Campe. For ages 5+.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free LPO Showcase: Junior Artists

In this free performance, the Junior Artists perform alongside London Philharmonic Orchestra musicians, Foyle Future Firsts and Junior Artist alumni in a celebration of vibrant young talent. For ages 7+.

Matthew Lynch conductor

Eliana Echeverry Another day in London town (World premiere); Arson Fahim Forbidden dances; Bartók 5 Hungarian Sketches, Sz.97; Vaughan Williams English Folk Song Suite

6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 22

ZooNation's Hip-Hop Half-Term

Part of Imagine Festival

Get your groove on with ZooNation dancers in family hip-hop workshops. Workshop instructions are British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 5 – 11.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Sunday 23

Prancer the Dancer's DanceDanceDisco PartyFunShow

Part of Imagine Festival

Prancer the Dancer invites you to tear up the dance floor at a funfilled family party. For all ages.

10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Tuesday 25

Secondary Schools Come and Sing!

Part of Schools

Secondary school groups are invited to take part in a day of singing, workshops and discussions. For secondary school groups (years 7 – 13).

10am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Wednesday 26

Creative Encounters: Rangoli and Rhythms

Part of Open Doors

Come on down for a drop-in event featuring a beautiful rangoli workshop and performances of South Asian art and music. For ages 12+.

5.30pm – 8.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Thursday 27

Teachers' Twilight: Mickalene Thomas & Linder

Part of Schools

Secondary school teachers are invited to explore our current Hayward Gallery exhibitions and find out how to make the most of them with your classes.

4.30pm; Hayward Gallery; Free, but ticketed

Friday 28

Mix & Move: Afro Cuban Dance with Luanda Pau

Part of Open Doors

Feel the beat of Afro-Cuban dance at a free workshop featuring salsa, street rumba and reggaeton. For all ages.

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

Upcoming highlights

Robyn Orlin: We wear our wheels with pride

Part of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels festival, Robyn Orlin’s ‘rickshaw dance’ is a joyous tribute to the spirit of the Rainbow Nation. The title of the work – We wear our wheels with pride and slap your streets with color… We said ‘bonjour’ to

Chimamanda Ngozi

Adichie: Dream Count

Join us to celebrate the launch of the author’s searing, exquisite new novel, a story of four women and their loves, longings and desires.

Sunday 2 March

Concrete Voids: Peter Gregson + Liam Byrne x Cleek Schrey

Experience a new dimension to music as a custom-built system turns the Queen Elizabeth Hall itself into an instrument.

Sunday 16 March

satan in 1820 – is an homage to the rickshaw drivers of South Africa’s past.

This piece is presented by the Southbank Centre and Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels

Friday 21 & Saturday 22 March

Also coming soon

Philharmonia Orchestra: Mao Fujita Plays Mozart

The sensational young pianist’s affinity with Mozart shines through in two concerts with the Philharmonia.

Sunday 2 & Thursday 20 March

John Cale

Legendary musician John Cale takes to the stage for his first tour since the release of his most recent album, POPtical Illusion

Friday 21 March

Budapest Festival Orchestra & Igor Levit: Prokofiev

The ‘truly special’ (New York Times) orchestra and its founderconductor conjure musical magic in a celebration of Prokofiev.

Tuesday 11 March

An

Evening with Maggie O'Farrell

Hear from one of the most-loved writers in the English language, 25 years since the publication of her debut novel, After You’d Gone

Sunday 30 March

Eat & explore

Introducing our spectacular new bar

Venture up to Level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall for a real treat: Seventy5th is our elegant new bar, kitted out in cool blues and brass fittings for a slice of glamour that harks back to this iconic building’s 1950s origins – and it’s even got a balcony to take in the pinch-yourself views of London’s skyline. Cocktails (and mocktails) are the order of the day, with signature sips including the velvety fig-scented Nevermore Martini and the fragrant Hibiscus Margarita. If the occasion calls for celebration, reach for the fizz or our selection of wines and beers. Small plates and light bites range from delectable roasted aubergines with a green herb dressing

to richly tempting nduja scotch eggs, while gettogether-friendly sharing platters include locally sourced cheeses and charcuterie.

Join us for coffee or something more substantial to start your day from 10am – choose from fresh granola, fruit or dishes including eggs, bacon and avocado – and bring the little ones along to refuel from our kids’ menu during Imagine Festival

Make Seventy5th your destination for Valentine's or Palentine’s – or simply for a weekday breakfast with a view that really brings home the magic of London. Seventy5th, Level 5, Royal Festival Hall; Mon, 10am – 6pm; Tue – Sun, 10am – 11pm (closed Sat 15 & Sun 16 Feb)

Our haven for little book-lovers

Where on our site can you be introduced to The Gruffalo, The Moomins, Hairy Maclary and Pippi Longstocking? Friends old and new are here for you to discover in the National Poetry Library Little Library, our cosy reading nook for children. With cushions and comfy chairs to make you feel at home, the Little Library is a magical place to spend some quiet time together this month in between exploring the events and activities of our Imagine Festival for families, as well as a favourite spot for budding bookworms all year round.

Located just outside the entrance of the National

Poetry Library on Level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall, the Little Library was created in 2017 as part of the Nordic Matters festival here at the Southbank Centre. It’s since been expanded to offer around 500 picture and poetry books, from board books for babies through to chapter books for 12-year-olds, making it a welcoming space for curious minds to find stories, rhymes and poems to spark their imaginations.

Find the Little Library on Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tue – Sun, 11am – 6pm southbankcentre.co.uk/national-poetry-library

About the Southbank Centre

We’re the UK’s largest centre for the arts and one of the nation's top five visitor attractions, showcasing the world’s most exciting artists at our venues in the heart of London. As a charity, we bring millions of people together by opening up the unique art spaces that we care for.

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. 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 the newly opened Seventy5th bar on Level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall, and the Festival Bar & Kitchen and Ballroom Cafe on Level 2. 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, C ôte 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 and support

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. The Southbank Centre is a registered charity. We rely on support from kind individuals to help us deliver a vibrant programme that everyone can access. As a supporter, you can get closer to our work and see how your support makes a difference.

For more details, visit our website. 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 southbankcentre.co.uk*

By phone 020 3879 9555*

For information about concessions, see southbankcentre.co.uk

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

Many of our ticket prices include a £2 restoration levy, enabling us to care for our historic buildings.

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

London Waterloo

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 our fun-filled Imagine Festival for families this February half-term, pop-punk juggler Wes Peden wows us with cutting-edge tricks in his show Rollercoaster on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February.

Image credits

This month's highlights: REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground © Arnaud Mbaki; Soweto Kinch © Iza Korsak; Mitsuko Uchida & Mahler Chamber Orchestra © May Zircus; Mickalene Thomas, A Little Taste Outside of Love, 2007 © Mickalene Thomas; Linder, SheShe, 1981 © Courtesy the artist and Modern Art. Photo: birrer; Edward Gardner © Jason Bell; Shon Faye © Issey Gladston

Header images: Family: Great Big Tiny World © Suzi Corker; Art & exhibitions: Mickalene Thomas, Din avec la main dans le miroir et jupe rouge, 2023. © courtesy the artist; Gigs: Alexis Ffrench © Alex Lake; Performance & dance: Afro Dance with HomeBros © courtesy the artist; Literature & talks: Inua Ellams © Heather Tomlinson & Adama Jalloh; Classical music: Nemanja Radulović © Sever Zolak; Free events: Club Origami © Summer Dean Upcoming highlights: Robyn Orlin: We wear our wheels with pride © J é rôme S é ron; Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie © Manny Jefferson; Mao Fujita © Hiroko Chiba; Igor Levit © Peter Rigaud; Peter Gregson © Paul Husband Photography; John Cale © Madeline McManus; Maggie O'Farrell © Dasha Tenditna

Listings correct at time of going to press (2025).

Southbank Centre is a registered charity no. 298909