DECEMBER
Welcome to the Southbank Centre
Magic is all around, as our Winter season returns with an invitation to come together. Our halls are decked with joyful shows, including Duck Pond, a magnificent reinterpretation of Swan Lake by the legendary Australian circus company Circa, and Tom Fletcher’s wonderful new musical The Creakers, along with dazzling retellings of seasonal classics. Follow the trail of artist-designed light works in our outdoor exhibition Winter Light, visit our festive Winter Market and join in free family-friendly activities.
In the Hayward Gallery, Haegue Yang: Leap Year is an enthralling exhibition of the South Korean artist’s beautiful and surprising works from across two decades, fusing the everyday with the spiritual, the old with the new, and the personal with the political.
Join us as we end the year with bright, bold and brilliant art and culture. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025 for more wonderful communal experiences.
Mark
Ball
Artistic
Director
The year in review
Every year, we welcome millions of people to our site in the cultural heart of London, and we were delighted to retain our position as the UK’s fifth most visited attraction for 2023/24. We continue to reach communities across the UK and the Republic of Ireland through the wonderful touring exhibitions of Hayward Gallery Touring and Arts Council Collection. We are always looking to the future of the arts. In March, we launched the pilot of our Technical Academy, an industry-leading skills development programme, created with partners from across the sector to create new pathways into creative production careers. We also delivered the second edition of our Future Exhibition Makers programme, helping young people learn new skills in archiving, curation and exhibition-making.
Our Royal Festival Hall is approaching its 75th birthday in 2026, and this year we have started to undertake the critical refurbishment works that this iconic building so desperately needs. We want to ensure that all of our extraordinary buildings thrive long into the future, opening up the arts and bringing you, our visitors, joy.
Wishing you a wonderful festive season.
Elaine Bedell OBE Chief Executive
Until Sunday 5 January
Winter
Our annual Winter season sprinkles festive magic across the Southbank Centre
We’ve got sleighfuls of spectacular shows, marvellous markets and free events to make your holidays merry and bright, so join us to celebrate this sparkling season!
Hark! to the music
Lift your spirits with toe-tapping dancehall tunes at the London Gay Men's Chorus: Christmas Bop, get cosy with Welsh baritone Sir Bryn Terfel at Bryn’s Christmas, sing along at Christmas Classics, or sink into marvellous classical music with Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah and Monteverdi’s Madrigals Cracking shows
Take a break from winter climes with a whirlwind visit to sunny Cuba, as Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana brings some tropical heat to the beloved ballet; or enjoy Swan Lake with a twist as Circa’s Duck Pond turns tradition on its head with jaw-dropping, sequin-covered, gravity-defying circus stunts.
Make merry with comedy duo Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish’s annual Christmas podcast live recording, and keep the good times rolling into January as cabaret trio Fascinating Aïda come to town, celebrating their 40-year anniversary with an uproarious start to the new year.
Luminous art
A crisp December evening is the perfect chance to take a stroll around our Winter Light outdoor exhibition to see our buildings and walkways lit up with beautiful artworks playing with light and colour. Use the map included in this issue to find them all.
Then, come in from the cold to find more art in our winter exhibitions, with Haegue Yang: Leap Year at the Hayward Gallery and Huang Po-Chih: Waves in the HENI Project Space, while in the Royal Festival Hall you can find Koestler Arts: No Comment, uncovering the talent in the UK’s criminal justice settings.
Free workshops
To try your hand at making your own art, join us for Winter Reimagined, a sustainable craft workshop proving that gifting doesn’t have to cost the Earth. And make new friends (and pick up new skills) at our welcoming Wednesday sessions, Creative Encounters, taking place twice this month with music, making, merriness and end-of-year rituals.
Family festivities
It’s a magical time of year for introducing little ones to the joy of theatre: Tom Fletcher’s The Creakers, based on the bestselling book, is sure to go down a treat, with music, silliness and thrills galore; while 1927: Please Right Back – a whirlwind adventure combining handcrafted animation with live performance –is a spellbinding coming-of-age tale about the power of the imagination.
Jingle all the way
There’s plenty of free festive cheer to be found throughout the month. Dance your way into the weekend at December’s Mix & Move, boogie on down to Five Go Jiving on Christmas Eve, and ring in the new year early at the family-friendly daytime Kids’ Countdown with Just Vibez on New Year’s Eve.
Whatever you’re looking for this month, come together here to celebrate traditions or start new ones, and find family favourites, creative takes on classics and a warm welcome with us.
December highlights
Also this month...
Circa's Duck Pond
Stunts. Sequins. Flippers. Feathers. Experience Swan Lake like never before through the jawdropping magic of Circa’s soaring circus skills.
Thursday 19 – Monday 30 December
Tom Fletcher's The Creakers
Surprises, silliness, scares and rocking new songs make up this magical, musical adventure for all the family, from musician and author Tom Fletcher.
Wednesday 18 December – Sunday 5 January
Haegue Yang: Leap Year
Enter a world of inventive, immersive and multi-sensory installations and sculptures that weave connections between disparate histories, cultures and traditions in our current 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. The exhibition 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.
Until Sunday 5 January
Concerto Italiano: Monteverdi's Madrigals
Marking their 40th anniversary, the legendary ensemble brings the composer’s passionate and expressive choral works to life.
Sunday 8 December
All of This Unreal Time
Catch the London premiere of the film by Aoife McArdle, Cillian Murphy and Max Porter, followed by live music composed and performed by Aaron and Bryce Dessner, and Jon Hopkins.
Friday 6 December
Carlos Acosta's Nutcracker in Havana
Simmering choreography from Carlos Acosta, and a new Cuban slant to the score, bring some Havana heat to this classic, joyful festive treat.
Tuesday 10 – Sunday 15 December
1927: Please Right Back
Combining handcrafted animation and bold storytelling, Please Right Back sweeps audiences into a magical, mischievous world, inspired by a true story.
Saturday 21 December – Sunday 5 January
Performance & dance
Spectacular new takes on festive classics, musical family adventures and landmark films: discover international performance here in our venues
Sunday 1
Blue Now
Part of Winter
Derek Jarman’s landmark final film, Blue, is given a live performance for World Aids Day. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 14+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20
Thursday 5
Adam Buxton Podcast:
Christmas with Joe Cornish
Part of Winter
Ramble along with Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish in a live recording of their annual Christmas podcast. The performance at 9.30pm is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 16+.
7pm & 9.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £20
Friday 6 & Saturday 7
London Gay Men's Chorus: Christmas Bop
Part of Winter
Dust off your diamanté dancing shoes for a festive trip to the dance halls of the 1950s and 1960s. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Sat 7 Dec, 2.30pm. For all ages. Parental guidance advised.
Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £25
Tuesday 10 – Sunday 15
Carlos Acosta's Nutcracker in Havana
Part of Winter
Simmering choreography from Carlos Acosta brings some Havana heat to this classic festive ballet. Audio Description is available for all performances. For ages 8+.
Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20
From Wednesday 18
Tom Fletcher's The Creakers
Part of Winter
Expect surprises, silliness, scares and rocking new songs in a brand new musical adventure for all the family. Captioned: Sat 21 Dec, 6pm. British Sign Language interpreted: Mon 23 Dec, 6pm. Audio Described: Sat 28 Dec, 6pm. Relaxed Performances: Thu 2 & Sat 4 Jan,11.30am. For ages 6+.
Until Sun 5 Jan; Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20 Schools performance: Thu 19 Dec, 11am (email hello@southbankcentre.co.uk to book)
Thursday 19 – Monday 30
Circa's Duck Pond
Part of Winter Stunts. Sequins. Flippers. Feathers. Experience Swan Lake through the magic of Circa’s soaring circus skills. Audio Description available: Sat 21 Dec, 7.30pm. For ages 8+.
Various times; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £20
From Saturday 21
1927: Please Right Back
Part of Winter
Mr E has disappeared! Follow him into a magical, mischievous world created by animation wizards 1927. Relaxed Performance: Mon 30 Dec, 2.30pm. Captioned: Thu 2 Jan, 2.30pm. For ages 10+.
Until Sun 5 Jan; Various times; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16 Post-show talk: Fri 3 Jan.
Literature & talks
We’re the home of literature and spoken word events in the UK, and our programme brims with today’s bestselling authors, rising literary stars and award-winning poetry
Wednesday 4
Angela Merkel: Freedom
Angela Merkel shares her memoir of the people and politics that have shaped her life. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15
Special Edition: Working at Working Class
Delve into the world of workingclass creativity with live readings and discussion. For ages 16+.
8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £7
Thursday 5
Remembering Thom Gunn: A Cool Queer Life
Poets Andrew McMillan and Kit Fan, and Gunn’s biographer Michael Nott, celebrate the life and work of the revolutionary poet, with chair Amelia Abraham. For ages 16+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12
The Orwell Lecture 2024: Nazanin ZaghariRatcliffe
British-Iranian author Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe delivers this year’s Orwell Memorial Lecture. Speech-to-Text transcribed. For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15
Friday 6
All of This Unreal Time Part of Winter
Catch the London premiere of the film by Aoife McArdle, Cillian Murphy and Max Porter, followed by live music composed by Aaron and Bryce Dessner, and Jon Hopkins. For ages 12+.
7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25
Sunday 8
UncannyCon 2024
The smash-hit, supernatural podcast and TV series comes alive in a day of spine-tingling events. For ages 7+.
2pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £60
Friday 13
Rug Rhymes
Introduce little ones to a love of poems with National Poetry Library puppets Federico and Firebird. For ages 0 – 5. 11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £4 (admits one adult and one child)
Family
Our events are not just for the grown-ups – bring your little ones along for interactive musical journeys, crafty workshops and festive treats galore
Sunday 1
The Multi-Story Orchestra: Living Programme Notes
Part of Winter
Get the whole family together for an interactive classical music experience from innovative ensemble The Multi-Story Orchestra. For all ages.
12 noon; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £8
Saturday 7
Relaxed Sessions with The Cocoa Butter Club
Part of Open Doors
Join us for a gentle and inclusive version of our Saturday Sessions, for those who may benefit from a smaller group and an adapted space. For ages 5+.
10.30am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Saturday Sessions with The Cocoa Butter Club
Part of Open Doors
Kick off your weekend with a fun, creative session for children and families. This month, sing, dance and form a band with The Cocoa Butter Club. For ages 5 – 11.
1pm – 3.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Tuesday 10 – Sunday 15
Carlos Acosta's Nutcracker in Havana
Part of Winter
Simmering choreography from Carlos Acosta brings some Havana heat to this classic festive ballet. Audio Description is available for all performances. For ages 8+.
Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20
Friday 13
Rug Rhymes
Introduce little ones to a love of poems with National Poetry Library puppets Federico and Firebird. For ages 0 – 5.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £4 (admits one adult and one child)
Saturday 14
Winter Reimagined:
Family Morning
Part of Winter
Bring all the family along for craft workshops making marvels from recycled and scrap materials, followed by festive performances from Let's Go Gospel choir. For all ages.
11am – 3pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
From Wednesday 18
Tom Fletcher's The Creakers
Part of Winter
Expect surprises, silliness, scares and rocking new songs in a brand new musical adventure for all the family. Captioned: Sat 21 Dec, 6pm. British Sign Language interpreted: Mon 23 Dec, 6pm.
Audio Described: Sat 28 Dec, 6pm. Relaxed Performances: Thu 2 & Sat 4 Jan,11.30am. For ages 6+.
Until Sun 5 Jan; Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20 Schools performance: Thu 19 Dec, 11am (email hello@southbankcentre.co.uk to book)
Thursday 19 – Monday 30
Circa's Duck Pond
Part of Winter
Stunts. Sequins. Flippers. Feathers. Experience Swan Lake through the magic of Circa’s soaring circus skills. Audio Description available: Sat 21 Dec, 7.30pm. For ages 8+.
Various times; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £20
From Saturday 21
1927: Please Right Back
Part of Winter
Mr E has disappeared! Follow him into a magical, mischievous world created by animation wizards 1927. Relaxed Performance: Mon 30 Dec, 2.30pm. Captioned: Thu 2 Jan, 2.30pm. For ages 10+.
Until Sun 5 Jan; Various times; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16 Post-show talk: Fri 3 Jan.
Tuesday 24
Five Go Jiving
Part of Winter
Get your dancing shoes on to kick-start your festive season with a free jive extravaganza. For all ages.
1pm – 4pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Tuesday 31
Kids’ Countdown with Just Vibez
Part of Winter
Start your family’s New Year celebrations early at a fabulous daytime party, counting down to 12 at midday. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For all ages.
10.30am – 12.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
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
Sunday 1
Philharmonia Orchestra: Santtu & Jess Gillam
Ebullient saxophonist Jess Gillam joins the Philharmonia for an irresistible Sunday matinee.
Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor Jess Gillam saxophone
Shostakovich Moscow, Cheryomushki - Suite arr. Andrew Cornall; Glazunov Saxophone Concerto; Prokofiev Selection from Romeo and Juliet, Op.64
3pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15
The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall at 1.30pm: Insights Talk. Saxophonist Jess Gillam and Philharmonia Director of Learning and Engagement Teddy Prout discuss the afternoon’s programme. Admission free.
The Multi-Story Orchestra: Living Programme Notes
Part of Winter
Get the whole family together for an interactive classical music experience from innovative ensemble The Multi-Story Orchestra. For all ages.
12 noon; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £8
Friday 6
Jean Rondeau: Sisyphus
The harpsichordist leads a journey of improvisation, absorbing the listener within a flexible, changeable and growing musical structure.
Jean Rondeau harpsichord Silouane Colmet Daâge sound artist
Programme includes works by: Bach, Couperin, Ligeti and improvisation
8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20
Sunday 8
Concerto Italiano: Monteverdi's Madrigals
Part of Winter
Marking their 40th anniversary, the legendary Italian ensemble brings Monteverdi's passionate music and poetry to life.
Monteverdi Madrigals, Bk.4
3pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15
Wednesday 11
Vivaldi's Gloria
Part of Winter
Come and raise your spirits with a soaring performance of Vivaldi’s choral masterpiece.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Neville Creed conductor
London Philharmonic Choir
Handel Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon; Zadok the Priest (Coronation Anthem No.1); Selection from Water Music Suites; The King shall rejoice (Coronation Anthem No.3); Bach Concerto in D minor for 2 violins, BWV.1043; Vivaldi Gloria 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £19.50
Friday 13
Handel's Messiah
Part of Winter
Experience the awe-inspiring majesty of Handel’s Messiah performed live in all of its monumental glory.
Philharmonia Orchestra
Eamonn Dougan conductor
Nardus Williams soprano
Catherine Wyn-Rogers mezzosoprano
Benjamin Hulett tenor
Matthew Brook bass-baritone
Philharmonia Chorus
7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £30
Saturday 14 & Sunday 15
Christmas Classics
Part of Winter
Join in with seasonal songs at this celebration of the most wonderful time of the year. For all ages.
London Philharmonic Orchestra (14 Dec)
Philharmonia Orchestra (15 Dec)
Michael England conductor
Vanessa Hughes singer
YolanDa Brown presenter
London Philharmonic Choir (14 Dec)
Philharmonia Chorus (15 Dec)
London Youth Choirs
Sat 14 Dec, 3pm & 7.30pm; Sun 15 Dec, 2.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £30
Monday 16
Bryn's Christmas
Part of Winter
Welsh baritone Sir Bryn Terfel swirls up a festive snowstorm of seasonal music. For all ages.
Orchestra of Welsh National Opera Bryn Terfel baritone
Pumeza Matshikiza soprano
7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £20
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.
Gigs
Whatever you’re into, join us for gigs showcasing sensational sounds from across the globe, including free gigs from up-and-coming artists
Thursday 5
futuretense: Isaiah
Shoticaury + IMVN
Serene sounds and soul-searching lyrics take the fore in a free performance from two up-andcoming musicians. For all ages.
6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 6
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
All of This Unreal Time
Part of Winter
Catch the London premiere of the film by Aoife McArdle, Cillian Murphy and Max Porter, followed by live music composed by Aaron and Bryce Dessner, and Jon Hopkins. For ages 12+.
7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25
Friday 6 & Saturday 7
London Gay Men's Chorus: Christmas Bop
Part of Winter
Dust off your diamanté dancing shoes for a festive trip to the dance halls of the 1950s and 1960s. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Sat 7 Dec, 2.30pm. For all ages. Parental guidance advised.
Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £25
Saturday 7
Mohit Chauhan Live!
Part of Winter
Join us for an unforgettable night of music as one of India’s most beloved playback singers performs in London for the first time. For ages 12+.
8pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £50
Light
UNTIL SUN 2 FEB
1 Mat Collishaw, Heterosis (2023)
2 Jakob Kvist, Dichroic Sphere (2022)
3 Erlend Tait, Interconnection (2015 – 2023)
4 Nathaniel Rackowe, Desire Lines (2024)
5 Squire & Partners, Winter Windows (2023 – 2024)
6 Denman+Gould with Maeve Polkinhorn, Haven (2023)
7 Marinella Senatore, We Rise by Lifting Others (2023)
8 Aoife Dunne, DREAMSPHERE (2022)
9 Fred Tschida, Sphere (2000)
10 Tavares Strachan, You Belong Here (2024)
11 Sophia Al-Maria, Act 1, Scene 1 (2024)
12 David Batchelor, Sixty Minute Spectrum (2017) (site-wide)
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
Haegue Yang: Leap Year
Part of Winter
A world of inventive, immersive and multi-sensory 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
Winter Light
Part of Winter
Over the dark winter nights, our site is illuminated by free outdoor artworks, created by 12 artists, that play with light and colour.
Until Sun 2 Feb; across the site; Free
Bharti Kher: Target Queen
On the exterior of the Hayward Gallery, a colourful artwork celebrates the bindi at super scale.
Daily; Hayward Gallery Wall, Belvedere Road Side; 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; 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
Until Sunday 15
Koestler Arts: No Comment
Part of Winter
An exhibition exploring and showcasing the artistic range and talent of people in criminal justice settings, curated by Jeremy Deller and John Costi.
Mon, 10am – 5.30pm; Tue & Wed, 10am –8pm; Thu, 10am – 5pm (until 8pm on Thu 12 Dec); Fri – Sun, 10am – 8pm; Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 5, 12 & 19
Winter
Light Tours
Take a guided tour of the Southbank Centre’s glowing outdoor exhibition trail, with more than ten bright and magical works adorning the site. On Thursday 19 December, the tour is followed by a family-friendly activity where you can make your own artwork.
Thu 5 & Thu 12 Dec, 6pm; Thu 19 Dec, 5pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £5
Saturday 7
British Sign Language
Tours: Haegue Yang
Join us for a BSL tour of Haegue Yang: Leap Year, guiding you through the exhibition’s themes and inspirations.
6.30pm; Hayward Gallery; Tickets from £8
Thursday 12
Secondary Schools
Morning: Haegue Yang
Secondary school groups are invited to explore and get to know our current Hayward Gallery exhibition for free.
10am; Hayward Gallery; Free, but ticketed
Free events
There's lots to see and do for free at the Southbank Centre, including art and exhibitions, creative family workshops and sparkling celebrations
Throughout the month
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 Winter Light
Part of Winter
Over the dark winter nights, our site is illuminated by free outdoor artworks, created by 12 artists, that play with light and colour.
Until Sun 2 Feb; across the site; Free
Bharti Kher: Target Queen
On the exterior of the Hayward Gallery, a colourful artwork celebrates the bindi at super scale.
Daily; Hayward Gallery Wall, Belvedere Road Side; 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; 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
Until Sunday 15
Koestler Arts:
No Comment
Part of Winter
An exhibition exploring and showcasing the artistic range and talent of people in criminal justice settings, curated by Jeremy Deller and John Costi.
Mon, 10am – 5.30pm; Tue & Wed, 10am –8pm; Thu, 10am – 5pm (until 8pm on Thu 12 Dec); Fri – Sun, 10am – 8pm; Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 1
Tomorrow's Warriors
Extraordinary Winter Showcase
Catch live music from the talented artists of Tomorrow’s Warriors, featuring some of the finest young jazz musicians on London’s bubbling scene right now.
7pm – 9.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 5
futuretense: Isaiah
Shoticaury + IMVN
Serene sounds and soul-searching lyrics take the fore in a free performance from two up-andcoming musicians. For all ages.
6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 6
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 7
Relaxed Sessions with The Cocoa Butter Club
Part of Open Doors
Join us for a gentle and inclusive version of our Saturday Sessions, for those who may benefit from a smaller group and an adapted space. For ages 5+.
10.30am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Saturday Sessions with The Cocoa Butter Club
Part of Open Doors
Kick off your weekend with a fun, creative session for children and families. This month, sing, dance and form a band with The Cocoa Butter Club. For ages 5 – 11.
1pm – 3.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Southbank Centre Youth Voices: Singing Together
Join us to ring in the festive season as our very own Youth Voices choir celebrates tidings of togetherness through song. For all ages.
3.45pm – 4.15pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Wednesday 11
Creative Encounters:
December Survival Kit
Part of Open Doors
Join Nick Cassenbaum, theatremaker and sharer of good times, for a playful evening to build your own festive survival kit in this edition of our creative sessions. For ages 12+.
5.30pm – 8.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 12
Secondary Schools
Morning: Haegue Yang
Secondary school groups are invited to explore the current Hayward gallery exhibition for free. 10am; Hayward Gallery; Free, but ticketed
Friday 13
Mix & Move: Winter Special Part of Open Doors
Join our resident dancers Natasha Khamjani and Damien Anyasi for an extra special end-of-year dance with live band. For all ages.
3pm – 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 14
Winter Reimagined: Family Morning
Part of Winter
Bring all the family along for craft workshops making marvels from recycled and scrap materials, followed by festive performances from Let's Go Gospel choir. For all ages.
11am – 3pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Winter Reimagined: Reuse, Revive and Sing
Part of Winter
Join us for sustainable craft workshops from ESEA Unseen proving that December doesn’t have to cost the Earth. Kicked off with performances and a sing-along from Let's Go Gospel choir. For all ages.
1pm – 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 15
About Us! Artists' Scratch Showcase
Part of Winter
Come along to our creative showcase for inspiration, connection and encouragement. For ages 12+.
6pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Wednesday 18
Creative Encounters: Stacy Makishi
Part of Open Doors
In the mood for some tropical, healing-feeling? Join us for rituals to round off the year. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 12+.
5.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Tuesday 24
Five Go Jiving
Part of Winter
Get your dancing shoes on to kick-start your festive season with a free jive extravaganza. For all ages.
1pm – 4pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Tuesday 31
Kids’ Countdown with Just Vibez
Part of Winter
Start your family’s New Year celebrations early at a fabulous daytime party, counting down to 12 at midday. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For all ages. 10.30am – 12.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Upcoming highlights
Łukasz Twarkowski: The Employees
Employees of a mysterious Organisation explore a distant planet in a stunning adaptation of Olga Ravn’s dystopian sci-fi epic, nominated for the International Booker Prize 2021.
This dark satire – perfect for fans of Kubrick –combines theatre, film and installation with flair.
Fascinating Aïda
Marking the cabaret trio’s astonishing four-decade milestone, this show features much-loved favourites and wickedly hilarious new songs.
Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 January
Chineke! Orchestra Celebrates a Decade
The orchestra begins a year of celebrations with a performance in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which also hosted its 2015 debut.
Friday 24 January
Łukasz Twarkowski, one of the most interesting directors of his generation, makes his hotly anticipated London debut with this adaptation.
Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 January
Also coming soon
TS Eliot Prize Shortlist Readings
Hear the best new poetry coming out of the UK and Ireland, read by the shortlisted poets themselves, in an event hosted by poet Ian McMillan.
Sunday 12 January
Dewey Dell: The Rite of Spring
Dance and performing arts company Dewey Dell reimagines Stravinsky’s revolutionary work with raw, primal energy, offering a fresh perspective.
Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 January
Special Edition: The Fourth Space
Explore experience with four South Asian writers at this month’s edition of the National Poetry Library’s series spotlighting international poets.
Wednesday 15 January
Pavel Kolesnikov: The Colours of Mozart & Ravel
The pianist brings his creative slant to cool-hued piano works by two contrasting composers, showing the instrument’s range.
Friday 31 January
Eat & explore
Winter Market
Soak up the season with a stroll along the riverside, the twinkling city skyline as your backdrop, at our Winter Market on the Queen’s Walk.
Come hungry, because there’s plenty of warming winter fare to satisfy your appetite: from seafood rolls to the ultimate cheese toastie, loaded pancakes to crispy churros. And wrap your mitts around a hot chocolate or mulled wine while you browse the Alpine-
style chalets for gifts. Hand-crafted accessories, decorations and natural skincare are just a few of the festive goodies on offer.
The market’s here until Boxing Day, while our seasonal food and drink pop-ups are here until Monday 30 December – check our website for more details.
southbankcentre.co.uk/winter
Southbank Centre Shop
Santa’s elves have been hard at work – visit our shops, including our newly opened Royal Festival Hall shop, to see what they’ve been up to. Deck the halls with decadent baubles and gorgeous garlands, wrap up in luxury winter woollens and pick out party games to make the holidays go with pizzazz. And remember, every purchase you make with us supports the arts.
Branch out
Make your home merry and bright with our selection of colourful decorations, including these Broste Copenhagen baubles made from cotton pulp.
Shopping online? We offer free standard UK delivery for orders over £60 and a free Click & Collect option from our Mandela Walk shop. Check our website to browse our collection, and join the Southbank Centre Shop mailing list to get 10% off your first order, exclusive offers and updates. shop.southbankcentre.co.uk
Off the wall
Adorn your walls with an artwork from the razor-sharp mind of David Shrigley. We’re proud to be a selected supplier of these iconic, satirical posters.
Enter the fold
Take a break from the tote. The light and elegant Multitudes Bag is made from 100% recycled polyester, and is available in a variety of colours.
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 the 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 – find it on Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road, every weekend. The market closes for the winter after Sunday 22 December, reopening in February. 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.
Please check our website for opening times before travelling to our venues over the holiday period.
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
Stay in the know
Sign up to our email updates to be the first to hear about new events, offers and competitions. Just head to our website and hit ‘subscribe’.
On the cover
Experience Swan Lake like never before through the magic of Circa’s soaring circus skills in Duck Pond, an extravaganza that blends your favourite romantic ballet with world-class circus, here from Thursday 19 to Monday 30 December as part of our Winter season. Image credits
On the cover: Circa’s Duck Pond © courtesy the artist Inside cover: Jakob Kvist, Dichroic Sphere (2020). Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Celine Pierron.
This month's highlights: Installation view of Haegue Yang, Sonic Dress Vehicle – Hulky Head, 2018. From the exhibition Haegue Yang: Leap Year, 2024. Courtesy the artist. Photo by Mark Blower; Circa's Duck Pond © Pia Johnson; Concerto Italiano: Monteverdi's Madrigals © Javier Sierra; Carlos Acosta's Nutcracker in Havana © courtesy the artist; Tom Fletcher's The Creakers © Artwork & photography by Feast; All of This Unreal Time © Aoife McArdle; 1927: Please Right Back © Andrew Perry/Edinburgh International Festival
Header images: Performance & dance: 1927: Please Right Back © Andrew Perry/ Edinburgh International Festival; Literature & talks: Angela Merkel © Urban Zintel; Family: Circa's Duck Pond © Pia Johnson; Classical music: Handel's Messiah © Andy Paradise; Gigs: Mohit Chauhan © courtesy the artist; Art & exhibitions: Installation view of Haegue Yang: Leap Year, 2024. Photo: Mark Blower. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery; Free events: The Cocoa Butter Club © The Cocoa Butter Club/Alex Brenner Upcoming highlights: REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground © Arnaud Mbaki; Łukasz
Twarkowski: The Employees © Natalia Kabanow; TS Eliot Prize Shortlist Readings © Herbert Van Dyck; Special Edition: The Fourth Space: Hafsah Aneela Bashir © Amaal Said; Chineke! Orchestra Celebrates a Decade © Ntando Brown; Dewey Dell: The Rite of Spring © Lorenza Daverio; Pavel Kolesnikov © Eva Vermandel
Eat & explore: Winter Market © Adam Luszniak; Southbank Centre Shop © Gabrielle Cooper
Listings correct at time of going to press (2024).
Southbank Centre is a registered charity no. 298909
