Here at the UK’s largest arts centre, February means one thing: Imagine Children’s Festival takes over the whole site with a dazzling array of creative and inspiring events for children and families to enjoy together.
This year, for the first time, all performances have a relaxed approach to noise and movement, meaning that the festival is more inclusive than ever. We’re also continuing our
commitment to accessibility with more than 50% of the 100-plus events completely free to attend.
Alongside Imagine Children’s Festival, our halls are packed with music, art, performance and talks of all kinds, including a powerful programme of literature events featuring writers from around the globe, and the return of Holly Blakey’s celebrated and scaled-up dance
work, Cowpuncher My Ass, featuring costumes designed by the house of the late, great Dame Vivienne Westwood.
We hope that you find something to spark your interest during your visit.
Mark Ball
Artistic Director, Southbank Centre
Wednesday 8 – Saturday 18 February
Imagine Children’s Festival
February half-term at the Southbank Centre sees the return of our festival for kids aged 0 – 11, and with it, a supermassive paradise for play and inspiration
What happens when you combine creators like the minds behind How to Train Your Dragon and The Gruffalo with the world’s youngest club DJ and hundreds and hundreds of kids? Nobody can be exactly sure, but it’s bound to be huge amounts of fun.
Imagine Children’s Festival returns this month for its 21st edition with a predictably stellar line-up of theatre, comedy, music, literature and dance – and a beautifully unpredictable emphasis on play, spawned by a mission to unlock creativity, celebrate individuality, champion diversity and spark imaginations.
Inspiration all round
To make everyone feel as comfortable as possible while you’re here, this year’s festival is the first to take a relaxed approach to all of its events. That means performances aren’t strict about crowd noise and movement, and you’re free to enter and exit when needed. A chill-out space and noise-cancelling headphones are also available for both adults and children.
And we've got events featuring British Sign Language interpretation and Makaton, plus non-verbal and Sensory Adapted performances.
Free and open
Over half of this year’s festival is free – much of it doesn’t even require you to book ahead. There are hip-hop dance workshops from ZooNation Youth Company, a pop-up gallery with acclaimed street artist STIK, beatboxing battles and a daytime rave, times to draw, craft and rhyme, a storytelling adventure with The Marvellous Myth Hunter, multiple sessions of Play Unlimited (which does what it says on the tin) and Rise and Fall, a buoyant performance tied to balloons. We’re also welcoming back our Lunchbox Jukebox and the Wellbeing Wind-Down
The cream of the crop
Over 11 days, Imagine Children’s Festival crams in too many inspiring writers and performers to mention, but let’s give it a try: Julia Donaldson
and Axel Scheffler bring their Tales from Acorn Wood to life on stage, balletLORENT chassés its way through former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy’s retelling of Rapunzel, CBeebies legend YolanDa returns with another jam session, and Cressida Cowell, creator of How to Train Your Dragon, shares her writing and illustration tips. There are also appearances from Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Stephen Mulhern, Ashley and Jordan Banjo, and a live soundtrack for Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes, with the soundtrack performed live by the Philharmonia Orchestra. So, pick out your favourites and get ready for a whizz-bang festival. See you there!
For the full line-up, head to our website
February highlights
Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons
Our next Hayward Gallery exhibition is the first major survey of work by internationally acclaimed British artist Mike Nelson, featuring his psychologically charged and atmospheric installations.
Nelson’s installations take the viewer on enthralling journeys into fictive worlds that eerily echo our own. Constructed with materials scavenged from salvage yards, junk shops, auctions and flea markets, the immersive installations have a startling life-like quality.
Utterly transforming the spaces of the Hayward Gallery, the exhibition features sculptural works and new versions of key large-scale installations, many of which are shown here for the first time since their original presentations.
Wednesday 22 February – Sunday 7 May Also this month...
Find out more about the exhibition on our website
Bernie Sanders: It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism
Senator Bernie Sanders takes on the 1% in his new book, which presents a vision of democracy as we should know it.
Thursday 23 February
TAAHLIAH x LCO
Hear what happens when the London Contemporary Orchestra teams up with TAAHLIAH, an artist icing a sugary layer of pop over hard-dance bass.
Wednesday 1 February
Holly
Blakey
Presents: Cowpuncher My Ass
A colourful and often violent tale of the Wild West, choreographer Holly Blakey’s dance show is back with the London Contemporary Orchestra performing Mica Levi’s score.
Wednesday 15 February
Abel Selaocoe & Friends: Mokete wa Badimo
Resident Artist Abel Selaocoe, joined by friends including Dudu' Kouate and Kit Downes, explores ideas of ritual, ancestral dialogue, language and communal gathering.
Friday 24 February
The Philharmonia Orchestra Featured Artist and Southbank Centre Resident Artist is the soloist in Ernest Bloch’s entrancing Schelomo
Sunday 26 February
Poets in Vogue
Seven women poets are brought to life through the clothes they wore in the National Poetry Library's new free exhibition.
From Friday 17 February
Philharmonia Orchestra: Sheku Kanneh-Mason Plays Bloch
Family
Our events are not just for the grown-ups – this month, bring the whole family to Imagine Children’s Festival, our fun-filled annual festival for children aged 0 – 11
Wednesday 1, 8 & 22
Southbank Centre Youth Voices
Young people aged 11 – 18 are invited to join Southbank Centre Youth Voices to discover the joy of singing with vocal leaders Nathan Devonte and Osnat Schmool.
Wednesdays during term time; 5pm – 7pm; Violet Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free (email emergingartists@southbankcentre. co.uk to sign up)
Friday 3
Rug Rhymes
Find your spot on the poem rug for a short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 4
Uncovering Careers in Art and Art Galleries
Discover routes into jobs you might not know exist from people within the visual arts industry. For ages 14 – 18.
12 noon – 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Wednesday 8 – Friday 10
Tales from Acorn Wood
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? A live theatre show based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s stories. The performances on Thu 9 Feb at 11am and Fri 10 Feb at 4.30pm are British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). The performance on Thu 9 Feb at 11am is Sensory Adapted. For ages 1 – 6. 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20 (adult) £15 (child)
Underwater
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Plunge into a magical journey under the sea in a dance theatre show for babies and their grownups. For ages 0 – 24 months. 11am, 1pm & 3pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Child £14 (includes up to two adults)
Wednesday 8 – Thursday 16
STIK, STAMP
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Families are invited to create their own version of the street artist’s open edition print. Suitable for all ages.
From 10.30am; Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free (some sessions bookable on the day; see website for details)
Wednesday 8 – Friday 17
One and Everything Family Trail
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Follow our free activity trail to discover mysterious scripts, secret alphabets and hidden stories, inspired by Sam Winston’s book One & Everything. For ages 2 – 11.
From 10am; Welcome Desk, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 9
Rise and Fall
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Slow down, float away and explore an ecosystem of balloons in this performance for children. This is a non-verbal performance. For ages 2 – 5.
11am & 2pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday 10
Rhymes LIVE
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Meet instruments, sounds, songs, colours and a few animals in an interactive show for little ones. The 2pm performance is supported by Makaton. For ages 0 – 5.
11am & 2pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 11
Daytime Rave with DJ Archie and Friends
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Party on with the current Guinness World Record holder for the world's youngest club DJ.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Family Fun with Michael Rosen
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The celebrated children's author leads a session of stories, poems and rhymes. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). Suitable for all ages.
11am; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Play Unlimited with The Herd: Ages 0 – 4
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
A room full of stuff. Anything can happen. Come and play! For ages 0 – 4.
12 noon; St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed; book from Mon 6 Feb
Play Unlimited with The Herd: Ages 5 – 11
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Let your kids loose to play in a room full of stuff, and help develop a new interactive installation. For ages 5 – 11.
1.30pm; St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed; book from Mon 6 Feb
Play Unlimited with The Herd: Sensory Adapted
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Play in a room where anything can happen, in a specially adapted environment. Suitable for all ages. 3pm; St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed; book from Mon 6 Feb
Saturday 11 & Sunday 12
Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
With dancing dinosaurs, this riotous hour is an imaginative adaptation of Michael Foreman’s environmental tale. The event on Sun 12 Feb at 11.30am is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 3+.
11.30am & 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Choogh Choogh:
Ages 1 – 4
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
All aboard for a delightful train journey through India, combining classical Indian dance with contemporary movement, theatre and play. For ages 1 – 4.
Sat 11, 1pm & Sun 12, 3pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Choogh Choogh:
Ages 5 – 7
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
All aboard for a delightful train journey through India, combining classical Indian dance with contemporary movement, theatre and play. For ages 5 – 7.
Sat 11, 3pm & Sun 12, 1pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Saturday 11 – Friday 17
Lunchbox Jukebox
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Your favourite tunes, out loud, every lunchtime. Submit your favourite songs via our online form.
12.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 12 & Monday 13
Debussy and the Snow Elephant
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Dance through a wintery world alongside Jimbo the shy snow elephant in a storytelling adventure from Aurora Orchestra. For ages 0 – 5.
10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm & 1.45pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (adult), £8 (child)
Sunday 12
The Marvellous Myth Hunter
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Love heroes, monsters and mythical tales? The Marvellous Myth Hunter needs YOU! For ages 5+.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Harness Your Superpowers with Janelle McCurdy
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Tame fantastical creatures and create awesome characters in a writing workshop. For ages 7+.
11am & 1.30pm; Foyle Pavilion, Level 3, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (one adult and one child)
Magic and Dragons with Cressida Cowell
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The author of How to Train Your Dragon shares writing and drawing tips and introduces her new book, Which Way to Anywhere. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7+.
11am; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Choogh Choogh: Sensory Adapted
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
All aboard for a delightful train journey through India, in a sensory adapted show that combines classical Indian dance with contemporary movement, theatre and play. For ages 3+.
11am; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Limitless: A Drop-in Play Experience
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The Herd are developing an interactive installation and they need your help. Come and play! Suitable for all ages.
11am; St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The animated film based on Dahl’s classic children’s book is soundtracked live by the Philharmonia. Revolting Rhymes is rated PG. For ages 5+.
Philharmonia Orchestra
Terry Davies conductor
Ben Locket Revolting Rhymes
3pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £20 (adult) £7.50 – £10 (child)
Sunday 12 – Friday 17
Wellbeing Wind-Down
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Stretch, breathe, focus, relax with simple yoga, concentration and mindfulness exercises. For ages 5+.
3.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Monday 13
Rug Rhymes Special with James Carter
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
What rhymes with rug? Hey little bug! Federico and Firebird invite a special guest to the National Poetry Library. For ages 0 – 5.
10.30am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £4 (one adult and one child)
Imagine's Big Gig
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Imagine Children’s Festival serves up a day of live music – think festivals, but without the mud.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
At the Magic Hour:
Poetry Writing with Alex Wharton
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
What happens at the magic hour? You decide in this poetry writing workshop, led by Alex Wharton. For ages 6 – 10.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (one child and one adult)
Poems Go Zoom!
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Zoom to the National Poetry Library to hear James Carter read poems for children aged 5 – 7. 1pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £6 (adult) £4.50 (child)
Ashley & Jordan Banjo: The Day We Saved the Future
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Be part of a crucial mission with Ashley and Jordan Banjo’s new book, a time-travelling, worldsaving adventure. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7+.
2pm; Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Poems With Pizzazz!
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Pile into the National Poetry Library to hear poetry readings for kids aged 8 – 11.
2.30pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £6 (adult), £4.50 (child)
Monday 13 & Tuesday 14 Craft Zone
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Bring your artistry to help us create a cardboard art gallery overlooking the Thames. For ages 5+.
10.30am; Balcony Bar, Level 5, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Tuesday 14
The Intergenerational Game
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Bring your nearest and dearest for a day of games, competition and laughter celebrating what family means to you. For ages 5+.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Super Hot Hot Dog
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Taking place over one day at the seaside, Super Hot Hot Dog is a holiday adventure to remember! For neurotypical children aged 5 – 11 and neurodiverse audiences aged 5+.
11.30am & 2.30pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
YolanDa's Band Jam
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The saxophonist and CBeebies superstar invites you to join in with the beat and the boogie. For ages 3 – 11.
2.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £16 (adult) £10.50 – £12 (child)
Wednesday 15
ZooNation Youth Company's Hip-Hop Half-Term
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Bust a move with ZooNation Youth Company in a family-friendly day of demos and workshops. For ages 5+.
10.30am &1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
The Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show Strikes Back!
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The duo delivers fantastic family fun in an all-new action-packed beatboxing and comedy hoopla. For ages 5 – 11.
11am & 1pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Stephen Mulhern: Max Magic
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The TV star, magician and author brings his Max Magic series to life with readings, stories… and magic! For ages 7+.
11.30am; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 (adult), £7.50 (child)
Dr Maggie AderinPocock: Am I Made of Stardust?
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you fell into a black hole? Or whether other planets have rainbows? For ages 7+.
2.15pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 (adult), £7.50 (child)
Ben Garrod: EXTINCT
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
With his trademark humour, the TV scientist explores the story of life on Earth through extinctions. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6+.
3.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16
Hermit
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
There’s a teeny tiny house, but who’s inside? A show for little ones about being alone and coming home. This is a non-verbal performance. For ages 2 – 6.
11am, 1pm & 3pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Thursday 16
BAC Beatbox
Academy Takeover
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The incredible BAC Beatbox Academy return to perform, battle and teach their motormouth techniques. For ages 5+.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Kevin & Katie Tsang: Space Blasters
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Blast off to become part of the Space Blasters crew in an interstellar, STEM-themed adventure. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6+.
11am; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £8 (adult) £6 (child)
Tongue Fu for Kids
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
A show for all the family that's part-experiment and part-gig with songs, poems and stories – all with genre-hopping improvised music from the Tongue Fu band.
11.30am & 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
The Brothers McLeod: Knight Sir Louis
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Conjure up your own knight characters at an event with the creators of the Knight Sir Louis book series. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7+.
1pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £8 (adult) £6 (child)
Zanib Mian: Planet
Omar & an Ultimate Rocket Blast
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Blast off with children's author Zanib Mian, at an interactive event celebrating the fifth book in the Planet Omar series. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7+.
3pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £8 (adult) £6 (child)
Friday 17
Top Draw
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Imaginations at the ready to journey with us on an ink-filled day of illustration and storytelling. For ages 5+.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Creating Magical London with Patrice Lawrence
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Invent fantastical creatures in a writing workshop with the author of The Elemental Detectives. For ages 8+.
11am & 1.30pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (one child and one adult)
Friday 17 & Saturday 18
Everything Has Changed
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
A joyful, kaleidoscopic family show about change, why change happens – and how we can deal with it. The performance at 11.30am on Friday 17 February is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6 – 11.
11.30am & 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Rapunzel
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Tumble into a tale full of fight, passion and longing with Carol Ann Duffy’s family-friendly dancetheatre retelling of Rapunzel, presented by balletLORENT. For ages 5 – 11.
Fri 17, 6pm; Sat 18, 11am & 4pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £18 (adult) £13.50 (child)
Art & exhibitions
From internationally acclaimed artists at the Hayward Gallery to pop-up installations and immersive experiences, art and exhibitions can be found all around our site
Wednesday 8 – Thursday 16
STIK, STAMP
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Families are invited to create their own version of the street artist’s open edition print. Suitable for all ages.
From 10.30am; Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free (some sessions bookable on the day; see website for details)
Wednesday 8 – Friday 17
One and Everything Family Trail
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Follow our free activity trail to discover mysterious scripts, secret alphabets and hidden stories, inspired by Sam Winston’s book One & Everything. For ages 2 – 11.
From 10am; Welcome Desk, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Throughout the month The Hop
A luminous public pavilion almost four metres high grows from the side of the Hayward Gallery: Jyll Bradley’s interactive commission links our urban landscape to the hop gardens of Kent.
Daily, 24 hours; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free Souad Abdelrassoul: Me You And The Journey
Appearing outside the Hayward Gallery, Me You And The Journey is a painting of two figures, partially shrouded in cloth, by the artist Souad Abdelrassoul.
Daily, 24 hours; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Level 2; Free
Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons.
* Supporter tickets include a voluntary donation of at least 10% of the standard admission charge, to support the Southbank Centre’s work. If you buy a supporter ticket and make a Gift Aid declaration, we can claim the tax paid on the full ticket price, not just the donation.
Performance & comedy
Fearless contemporary dance, action-packed comedy and fun-filled family shows: discover international artists and up-and-coming names here in our venues
Wednesday 8 – Friday 10
Tales from Acorn Wood
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? A live theatre show based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s stories. The performances on Thu 9 Feb at 11am and Fri 10 Feb at 4.30pm are British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). The performance on Thu 9 Feb at 11am is Sensory Adapted. For ages 1 – 6.
Plunge into a magical journey under the sea in a dance theatre show for babies and their grownups. For ages 0 – 24 months.
11am, 1pm & 3pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Child £14 (includes up to two adults)
Thursday 9
Rise and Fall
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Slow down, float away and explore an ecosystem of balloons in this performance for children. This is a non-verbal performance. For ages 2 – 5.
11am & 2pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 11 & Sunday 12
Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
With dancing dinosaurs, this riotous hour is an imaginative adaptation of Michael Foreman’s environmental tale. The event on Sun 12 Feb at 11.30am is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 3+.
11.30am & 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Choogh Choogh:
Ages 1 – 4
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
All aboard for a delightful train journey through India, combining classical Indian dance with contemporary movement, theatre and play. For ages 1 – 4.
Sat 11, 1pm & Sun 12, 3pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Choogh Choogh:
Ages 5 – 7
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
All aboard for a delightful train journey through India, combining classical Indian dance with contemporary movement, theatre and play. For ages 5 – 7.
Sat 11, 3pm & Sun 12, 1pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Sunday 12 & Monday 13
Debussy and the Snow Elephant
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Dance through a wintery world alongside Jimbo the shy snow elephant in a storytelling adventure from Aurora Orchestra. For ages 0 – 5.
10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm & 1.45pm; Level 5
Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (adult), £8 (child)
Sunday 12
Choogh Choogh: Sensory Adapted
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
All aboard for a delightful train journey through India, in a sensory adapted show that combines classical Indian dance with contemporary movement, theatre and play. For ages 3+.
11am; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Tuesday 14
Super Hot Hot Dog
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Taking place over one day at the seaside, Super Hot Hot Dog is a holiday adventure to remember! For neurotypical children aged 5 – 11 and neurodiverse audiences aged 5+.
11.30am & 2.30pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Wednesday 15
The Mighty Kids
Beatbox Comedy Show Strikes Back!
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The duo delivers fantastic family fun in an all-new action-packed beatboxing and comedy hoopla. For ages 5 – 11.
11am & 1pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Holly Blakey Presents: Cowpuncher My Ass
Holly Blakey’s Wild West dance piece returns, this time featuring the London Contemporary Orchestra. For ages 14+.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £22.50 – £40
Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16
Hermit
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
There’s a teeny tiny house, but who’s inside? A show for little ones about being alone and coming home. This is a non-verbal performance. For ages 2 – 6.
11am, 1pm & 3pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Thursday 16
BAC Beatbox Academy Takeover
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The incredible BAC Beatbox Academy return to perform, battle and teach their motormouth techniques. For ages 5+.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free Kevin & Katie Tsang: Space Blasters
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Blast off to become part of the Space Blasters crew in an interstellar, STEM-themed adventure. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6+.
11am; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £8 (adult) £6 (child)
Tongue Fu for Kids
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
A show for all the family that's part-experiment and part-gig with songs, poems and stories – all with genre-hopping improvised music from the Tongue Fu band.
11.30am & 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Friday 17 & Saturday 18
Everything
Has Changed
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
A joyful, kaleidoscopic family show about change, why change happens – and how we can deal with it. The performance at 11.30am on Friday 17 February is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6 – 11.
11.30am & 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Rapunzel
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Tumble into a tale full of fight, passion and longing with Carol Ann Duffy’s family-friendly dancetheatre retelling of Rapunzel, presented by balletLORENT. For ages 5 – 11.
Fri 17, 6pm; Sat 18, 11am & 4pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £18 (adult) £13.50 (child)
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
Thursday 2
Bret Easton Ellis: The Shards
A serial killer strikes across LA in the American Psycho author’s first novel since 2010. This event is Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £25
Friday 3
Rug Rhymes
Find your spot on the poem rug for a short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 9
Michael Rosen: Getting Better
The author’s memoir is a companion for anyone who has loved and lost, or struggled and survived. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 16+.
8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Saturday 11
Family Fun with Michael Rosen
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The celebrated children's author leads a session of stories, poems and rhymes. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). Suitable for all ages.
11am; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Sunday 12
The Marvellous Myth Hunter
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Love heroes, monsters and mythical tales? The Marvellous Myth Hunter needs YOU! For ages 5+.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Harness Your Superpowers with Janelle McCurdy
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Tame fantastical creatures and create awesome characters in a writing workshop. For ages 7+.
11am & 1.30pm; Foyle Pavilion, Level 3, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (one adult and one child)
Magic and Dragons with Cressida Cowell
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The author of How to Train Your Dragon shares writing and drawing tips and introduces her new book, Which Way to Anywhere. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7+.
11am; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The animated film based on Dahl’s classic children’s book is soundtracked live by the Philharmonia. Revolting Rhymes is rated PG. For ages 5+.
Philharmonia Orchestra
Terry Davies conductor
Ben Locket Revolting Rhymes
3pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £20 (adult) £7.50 – £10 (child)
Munroe Bergdorf: Transitional
The renowned activist and model launches her life-affirming, heartfelt and intimate new book, in conversation with Clara Amfo. This event is Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT) and British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £28.60
Monday 13
Rug Rhymes Special with James Carter
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
What rhymes with rug? Hey little bug! Federico and Firebird invite a special guest to the National Poetry Library. For ages 0 – 5.
10.30am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £4 (one adult and one child)
At the Magic Hour: Poetry Writing with Alex Wharton
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
What happens at the magic hour? You decide in this poetry writing workshop, led by Alex Wharton. For ages 6 – 10.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (one child and one adult)
Poems Go Zoom!
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Zoom to the National Poetry Library to hear James Carter read poems for children aged 5 – 7.
1pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £6 (adult) £4.50 (child)
Ashley & Jordan Banjo: The Day We Saved the Future
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Be part of a crucial mission with Ashley and Jordan Banjo’s new book, a time-travelling, worldsaving adventure. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7+.
2pm; Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child
Poems With Pizzazz!
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Pile into the National Poetry Library to hear poetry readings for kids aged 8 – 11.
2.30pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £6 (adult), £4.50 (child)
Wednesday 15
Stephen Mulhern: Max Magic
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The TV star, magician and author brings his Max Magic series to life with readings, stories… and magic! For ages 7+.
11.30am; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 (adult), £7.50 (child)
Dr Maggie AderinPocock: Am I Made of Stardust?
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you fell into a black hole? Or whether other planets have rainbows? For ages 7+.
2.15pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 (adult), £7.50 (child)
Ben Garrod: EXTINCT
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
With his trademark humour, the TV scientist explores the story of life on Earth through extinctions. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 6+.
3.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Fern Brady: Strong Female Character
The comedian launches her gamechanging memoir on sexism and neurodiversity, in conversation with Katy Wix. This event is Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Thursday 16
The Brothers McLeod: Knight Sir Louis
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Conjure up your own knight characters at an event with the creators of the Knight Sir Louis book series. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7+.
1pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £8 (adult) £6 (child)
Zanib Mian: Planet Omar & an Ultimate Rocket Blast
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Blast off with children's author Zanib Mian, at an interactive event celebrating the fifth book in the Planet Omar series. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 7+.
3pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £8 (adult) £6 (child)
Poets in Vogue Opening Night
Hear live readings of newly commissioned poetry at the launch of our exhibition on the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear. For ages 16+.
7.30pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Friday 17
Creating Magical London with Patrice Lawrence
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Invent fantastical creatures in a writing workshop with the author of The Elemental Detectives. For ages 8+.
11am & 1.30pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (one child and one adult)
From Friday 17
Poets in Vogue
Uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear at our exhibition. For ages 16+.
Until Sun 25 Jun; Tue, 12 noon – 6pm; Wed –Sun, 12 noon – 8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Wednesday 22
Special Edition: NonHuman Poetry
Is poetry only for humans? Stretch your perspective to consider the non-human potential of verse. For ages 16+.
8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £5
Thursday 23
Out-Spoken: February
Part of Purcell Sessions
Live poetry and music to get you through the depths of winter. For ages 16+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
Sunday 26
Out-Spoken
Masterclass: February
First sharpen your pencil, then your poetry skills, in this writing masterclass. For ages 18+.
1pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £20
Gigs
Stand-out solo artists, classic garage, captivating club nights: whatever you’re into, join us for gigs showcasing sensational new sounds from across the globe
Wednesday 1
TAAHLIAH x LCO
Part of Purcell Sessions
Hear what happens when the London Contemporary Orchestra teams up with TAAHLIAH, an artist icing a sugary layer of pop over hard-dance bass. For ages 14+.
8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12.50
Sunday 5
Isobel Waller-Bridge
Part of Purcell Sessions
Composer and pianist Isobel Waller-Bridge performs new work for her debut UK show.
8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Friday 10
Rhymes LIVE
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Meet instruments, sounds, songs, colours and a few animals in an interactive show for little ones. The 2pm performance is supported by Makaton. For ages 0 – 5.
11am & 2pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 11
Transatlantic Sessions
The 20th edition of Transatlantic Sessions draws once again on the kindred folk traditions of Scotland, Ireland and the USA.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £30 – £37.50
Monday 13
Imagine's Big Gig
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Imagine Children’s Festival serves up a day of live music – think festivals, but without the mud.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Tuesday 14
YolanDa's Band Jam
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The saxophonist and CBeebies superstar invites you to join in with the beat and the boogie. For ages 3 – 11.
2.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £16 (adult) £10.50 – £12 (child)
Wednesday 15
Holly Blakey Presents: Cowpuncher My Ass
Holly Blakey’s Wild West dance piece returns, this time featuring the London Contemporary Orchestra. For ages 14+.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £22.50 – £40
Friday 24
DJ Spoony Presents Garage Classical
DJ Spoony and the Ignition Orchestra spin vintage UK garage hits in a new way, with a guest list including So Solid Crew, Masters Of Ceremonies and Elisabeth Troy. For ages 14+.
7pm & 9.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £39.50 – £65
Classical music
Our programme celebrates classical music in the 21st century, bringing together some of the most exciting artists and ensembles working in classical music today
Wednesday 1
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Handel Around the World
A whirlwind tour of the world as imagined by Handel, through a selection of arias from his operas and oratorios.
Steven Devine director Ian Bostridge tenor
Handel Concerto grosso in B flat, Op.3 No.2; Un momento di contento from Alcina; Pastorello d'un povero armento from Rodelinda; Muffat Passacaglia from String Sonata No.5 in G from Armonico tributo; Handel Love in her eyes sits playing & Love sounds th' alarm from Acis and Galatea; Overture & Scorta siate a passi miei from Giulio Cesare; Passacaglia from Radamisto; Forte e lieto & Bajazet's death scene from Tamerlano; Muffat String Sonata No.4 in E minor from Armonico tributo; Handel Scherza infida from Ariodante
7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £82
Mitsuko Uchida & Mahler Chamber Orchestra
The great pianist and the MCO continue their collaboration in an evening of Mozart and Schoenberg.
Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Mitsuko Uchida director, piano
Mozart Piano Concerto No.25 in C, K.503; Schoenberg Chamber Symphony No.1, Op.9; Mozart Piano Concerto No.27 in B flat, K.595
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £65
Thursday 2
Music of Today: Bryce Dessner
In a free performance, players from the Philharmonia Orchestra delve into the haunting, graceful music of Bryce Dessner. Bryce Dessner The Forest; Lachrimae
6pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed
Philharmonia Orchestra: Dances of Death & Desire – Dvořák, Bartók & Strauss
In tonight’s scandalous programme, the orchestra demonstrates music’s power to seduce, to disturb, and to shock. Jakub Hrůša conductor
Jennifer Davis soprano, Salome Dvořák The Golden Spinning Wheel; Bartók The Miraculous Mandarin Suite; Strauss Dance of the seven veils & Final scene from Salome
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £70
Royal Festival Hall at 6pm: Pre-concert Insights Talk. Writer and presenter Katy Hamilton in conversation with members of the Philharmonia. Admission free.
Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons.
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.
Saturday 4
London Philharmonic
Orchestra: The Damnation of Faust
What would you trade for your wildest dreams? The LPO tempts us with Berlioz’ sinful treat.
Edward Gardner conductor
Karen Cargill mezzo-soprano, Marguerite
David Junghoon Kim tenor, Faust
Christopher Purves baritone, Méphistophélès
Jonathan Lemalu bass, Brander
London Philharmonic Choir
Members of London Symphony
Chorus
London Youth Choir
Berlioz The Damnation of Faust (performed in French with English surtitles)
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Manchester Collective & Alice Zawadzki
New music at its most thrilling, dangerous and cathartic, from singer and writer Alice Zawadzki. Manchester Collective string quartet
Rakhi Singh music director Alice Zawadzki voice
Charles Kieny accordion
Fred Thomas keyboard Programme includes Works by Cassandra Miller, Ravel & others; Alice Zawadzki Bag of Bones (London premiere)
8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £25
Sunday 5
Philharmonia Orchestra: Benjamin Grosvenor Plays Chopin II
Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyniv's programme brings together music by Ukrainian, Polish and Russian composers.
Oksana Lyniv conductor
Benjamin Grosvenor piano
Lyatoshinsky Grazhyna; Chopin Piano Concerto No.2; Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6 (Pathétique)
3pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £70
Kensington Symphony Orchestra: Peter Grimes
An individual struggles against the masses in Benjamin Britten’s tragic opera.
Russell Keable conductor Cast includes:
John Hudson tenor, Peter Grimes
Mari Wyn Williams soprano, Ellen Orford
Nicholas Morris baritone, Ned Keene
Nicholas Folwell baritone, Captain Balstrode
Epiphoni Consort
Britten Peter Grimes – opera in 3 acts (concert performance)
6.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £16 – £38
Wednesday 8
RPO Journeys of Discovery: Ecstasy
Romeo and Juliet. Tristan and Isolde. Fall head over heels at a concert celebrating music as the supreme language of longing and ecstasy.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko conductor
Javier Perianes piano
Prokofiev Excerpts from Romeo and Juliet, Op.64; Ravel Piano
Concerto in G; Wagner Prelude & Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde; Scriabin Le poème de l'extase, Op.54 (Symphony No.4)
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £50
Friday 10
London Philharmonic Orchestra: My Homeland
Má Vlast translates as ‘My Homeland’: journey through Bedřich Smetana’s symphonic tribute to Czech history and culture.
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider conductor
Kirill Gerstein piano
Glinka Overture, Ruslan and Lyudmila; Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2; Smetana Vysehrad, Vltava, Sárka & From Bohemia's Woods and Fields from Má vlast
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Sunday 12 & Monday 13
Debussy and the Snow Elephant
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Dance through a wintery world alongside Jimbo the shy snow elephant in a storytelling adventure from Aurora Orchestra.
For ages 0 – 5.
10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm & 1.45pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (adult), £8 (child)
Sunday 12
Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The animated film based on Dahl’s classic children’s book is soundtracked live by the Philharmonia. Revolting Rhymes is rated PG. For ages 5+.
Philharmonia Orchestra
Terry Davies conductor Ben Locket Revolting Rhymes
3pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £20 (adult) £7.50 – £10 (child)
Thursday 16
Philharmonia Orchestra: The Sea and the Land: Mendelssohn, Elgar & Dvořák
Breathe the fresh air of a windswept Scottish island and bask in the sunny Czech countryside with the Philharmonia Orchestra.
John Eliot Gardiner conductor Alice Coote mezzo-soprano Mendelssohn Overture, The Hebrides (Fingal's Cave); Elgar Sea Pictures; Dvořák Symphony No.5 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £70
Royal Festival Hall at 6pm: Pre-concert Insights Talk. Teddy Prout, the Philharmonia's Director of Learning & Engagement, in conversation with members of the Orchestra. Admission free.
Friday 17
LPO Junior Artists
A free performance by the talented teenage musicians of the Junior Artists programme, with London Philharmonic Orchestra members, conducted by Gabriella Teychenné. Suitable for all ages.
Stravinsky Suite No.1; Elgar Chanson de matin; Chanson de nuit; Bartók Hungarian Peasant Songs, Sz.100; Conrad Asman The Diary of Phileas Fogg 6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Ehnes
Plays Brahms
Brahms’ violin concerto is as serene as it is songful – perfect for the gleaming sound and expressive power of James Ehnes, performing with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Kevin John Edusei conductor James Ehnes violin
Missy Mazzoli Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres); Brahms Violin Concerto; Dvořák Symphony No.9 (From the New World)
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Wednesday 22
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Adès Conducts Adès
Adès leads the London Philharmonic Orchestra in two of his recent compositions, paired with works by Sibelius and Tchaikovsky.
Thomas Adès conductor Sibelius Overture & Suite No.1 from The Tempest; Thomas Adès The Tempest Symphony (UK premiere); Inferno Suite; Tchaikovsky Francesca da Rimini, symphonic fantasia after Dante 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Thursday 23
Federico Colli: Mozart, Schubert & Prokofiev
The award-winning pianist Federico Colli builds a recital around fantasias and the fantastical.
Federico Colli piano
Mozart Fantasia in C minor, K.396; Fantasia in C minor, K.475; Schubert Fantasia in F minor, D.940 arr. Grinberg for solo piano; Prokofiev Visions fugitives, Op.22; Peter and the Wolf arr. Nikolayeva for piano
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £45
Friday 24
Future Artists: Royal Academy of Music with Daniel Pioro
Hear works by brilliant young artists mentored by Resident Artist, violinist Daniel Pioro under a new creative partnership between the Southbank Centre and the Royal Academy.
6.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed
Abel Selaocoe & Friends: Mokete wa Badimo
Abel Selaocoe, joined by friends including Dudu' Kouate and Kit Downes, explores ideas of ritual, ancestral dialogue, language and communal gathering.
Abel Selaocoe cello, vocals Kit Downes organ, piano
London Philharmonic Orchestra: From Paris with Love
The LPO conjures the city of light with César Franck’s towering Symphony in D minor – for decades, one of the world’s most popular classics.
Bertrand de Billy conductor
Danielle de Niese soprano Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte; Chausson Poème de l'amour et de la mer, Op.19; Franck Symphony in D minor
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Sunday 26
Insights Day: Music, Protest and Change
How has music been used to ignite debate and action on crucial issues throughout history? Hear from speakers including cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, musician and climate campaigner Love Ssega, and members of the Philharmonia Orchestra.
10am – 2pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10, £5 for under25s
Philharmonia Orchestra:
Sheku Kanneh-Mason Plays Bloch
The cellist appears with the Philharmonia as the soloist in Ernest Bloch’s entrancing Schelomo.
Jukka-Pekka Saraste conductor
Sheku Kanneh-Mason cello Berlioz Excerpts from Roméo et Juliette; Bloch Schelomo –Hebraic rhapsody for cello & orchestra; Sibelius Symphony No.1
3pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £75
Sheku Kanneh-Mason & the Philharmonia Cellos
The star cellist joins forces with the Philharmonia’s cello section for this free performance of Heitor Villa-Lobos, fusing Baroque structures and techniques with the rhythms and melodies of Brazilian popular music.
Villa-Lobos Bachiana brasileira No.1
5.10pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
BBC Concert Orchestra:
Seeing the Light – Glass, Pärt, Rautavaara
Illuminate your evening with radiant music on the theme of light, made all the brighter by the shining talent of Anna-Maria Helsing and the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Anna-Maria Helsing conductor Mari Samuelsen violin Philip Glass The Light; Pēteris Vasks Lonely Angel (Meditation); Meredi White flowers take their bath; Hildur Guðnadóttir Baer; Arvo Pärt Fratres; Rautavaara Symphony No.7 (Angel of Light)
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £30
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.
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.
Free events
There's lots to see and do for free, including luminous art installations, performances by world-leading classical musicians and playful family events
Wednesday 1, 8 & 22
Southbank Centre Youth Voices
Young people aged 11 – 18 are invited to join Southbank Centre Youth Voices to discover the joy of singing with vocal leaders Nathan Devonte and Osnat Schmool.
Wednesdays during term time; 5pm – 7pm; Violet Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free (email emergingartists@southbankcentre. co.uk to sign up)
Thursday 2
Music of Today: Bryce Dessner
In a free performance, players from the Philharmonia Orchestra delve into the haunting, graceful music of Bryce Dessner.
Bryce Dessner The Forest; Lachrimae
6pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed
Friday 3
Rug Rhymes
Find your spot on the poem rug for a short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 4
Uncovering
Careers in Art and Art Galleries
Discover routes into jobs you might not know exist from people within the visual arts industry. For ages 14 – 18.
12 noon – 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Wednesday 8 – Thursday 16
STIK, STAMP
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Families are invited to create their own version of the street artist’s open edition print. Suitable for all ages.
From 10.30am; Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free (some sessions bookable on the day; see website for details)
Wednesday 8 – Friday 17
One and Everything Family Trail
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Follow our free activity trail to discover mysterious scripts, secret alphabets and hidden stories, inspired by Sam Winston’s book One & Everything. For ages 2 – 11.
From 10am; Welcome Desk, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 9
Rise and Fall
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Slow down, float away and explore an ecosystem of balloons in this performance for children. This is a non-verbal performance. For ages 2 – 5.
11am & 2pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday 10
Rhymes LIVE
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Meet instruments, sounds, songs, colours and a few animals in an interactive show for little ones. The 2pm performance is supported by Makaton. For ages 0 – 5.
11am & 2pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 11
Daytime Rave with DJ Archie and Friends
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Party on with the current Guinness World Record holder for the world's youngest club DJ.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Play Unlimited with The Herd: Ages 0 – 4
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
A room full of stuff. Anything can happen. Come and play! For ages 0 – 4.
12 noon; St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed; book from Mon 6 Feb
Play Unlimited with The Herd: Ages 5 – 11
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Let your kids loose to play in a room full of stuff, and help develop a new interactive installation. For ages 5 – 11.
1.30pm; St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed; book from Mon 6 Feb
Play Unlimited with The Herd: Sensory Adapted
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Play in a room where anything can happen, in a specially adapted environment. Suitable for all ages.
3pm; St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed; book from Mon 6 Feb
Saturday 11 – Friday 17
Lunchbox Jukebox
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Your favourite tunes, out loud, every lunchtime. Submit your favourite songs via our online form.
12.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 12
The Marvellous Myth Hunter
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Love heroes, monsters and mythical tales? The Marvellous Myth Hunter needs YOU! For ages 5+.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Limitless: A Drop-in Play Experience
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The Herd are developing an interactive installation and they need your help. Come and play!
Suitable for all ages.
11am; St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 12 – Friday 17
Wellbeing Wind-Down
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Stretch, breathe, focus, relax with simple yoga, concentration and mindfulness exercises. For ages 5+.
3.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Monday 13
Imagine's Big Gig
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Imagine Children’s Festival serves up a day of live music – think festivals, but without the mud.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Monday 13 & Tuesday 14
Craft Zone
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Bring your artistry to help us create a cardboard art gallery overlooking the Thames. For ages 5+.
10.30am; Balcony Bar, Level 5, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Tuesday 14
The Intergenerational Game
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Bring your nearest and dearest for a day of games, competition and laughter celebrating what family means to you. For ages 5+.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Wednesday 15
ZooNation Youth Company's Hip-Hop Half-Term
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
Bust a move with ZooNation Youth Company in a family-friendly day of demos and workshops. For ages 5+.
10.30am &1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 16
BAC Beatbox Academy Takeover
Part of Imagine Children's Festival
The incredible BAC Beatbox Academy return to perform, battle and teach their motormouth techniques. For ages 5+.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free Poets in Vogue Opening Night
Hear live readings of newly commissioned poetry at the launch of our exhibition on the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear. For ages 16+.
7.30pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Friday 17
Top Draw
Part of Imagine Children's Festival Imaginations at the ready to journey with us on an ink-filled day of illustration and storytelling. For ages 5+.
10.30am & 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free LPO Junior Artists
A free performance by the talented teenage musicians of the Junior Artists programme, with London Philharmonic Orchestra members, conducted by Gabriella Teychenné. Stravinsky Suite No.1; Elgar Chanson de matin; Chanson de nuit; Bartók Hungarian Peasant Songs, Sz.100; Conrad Asman The Diary of Phileas Fogg
6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free
From Friday 17
Poets in Vogue
Uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear at our exhibition. For ages 16+.
Until Sun 25 Jun; Tue, 12 noon – 6pm; Wed –Sun, 12 noon – 8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Tuesday 21
Archive Drop-in
Drop in and try your hand at organising the history of the Southbank Centre. For ages 18+.
11am; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Friday 24
Future Artists: Royal Academy of Music with Daniel Pioro
Hear works by brilliant young artists mentored by Resident Artist, violinist Daniel Pioro under a new creative partnership between the Southbank Centre and the Royal Academy.
6.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed
Sunday 26
Sheku Kanneh-Mason & the Philharmonia Cellos
The star cellist joins forces with the Philharmonia’s cello section for this free performance of Heitor Villa-Lobos, fusing Baroque structures and techniques with the rhythms and melodies of Brazilian popular music.
Villa-Lobos Bachiana brasileira No.1
5.10pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Throughout the month
The Hop
A luminous public pavilion almost four metres high grows from the side of the Hayward Gallery: Jyll Bradley’s interactive commission links our urban landscape to the hop gardens of Kent.
Daily, 24 hours; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free Souad Abdelrassoul: Me You And The Journey
Appearing outside the Hayward Gallery, Me You And The Journey is a painting of two figures, partially shrouded in cloth, by the artist Souad Abdelrassoul.
Daily, 24 hours; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Level 2; Free
Upcoming highlights
WOW – Women of the World
The WOW movement has reached three million people on six continents. The world’s biggest, most comprehensive festival celebrating women, girls and non-binary people is back in 2023 with its 13th edition.
Aurora Orchestra: Inside
Beethoven at Printworks
Step inside Beethoven’s mighty Fifth Symphony in an immersive experience at Printworks London, plus hear new music by multidisciplinary artist Nwando Ebizie.
Thursday 23 March
Cassie Kinoshi
Appearing in our boundarypushing Purcell Sessions series, the captivating saxophonist and composer has already won accolades as part of SEED Ensemble and KOKOROKO.
Sunday 5 March
Presented by The WOW Foundation, WOW festivals have now taken place in more than 30 locations across the globe on six continents – and it all started here at the Southbank Centre.
Friday 10 – Sunday 12 March
Also coming soon
Eleanor Catton: Birnam Wood
Birnam Wood is on the move…the Booker Prize-winning author of The Luminaries discusses her new novel, Birnam Wood, a gripping psychological thriller.
Thursday 16 March
Royal Philharmonic Society Awards 2023
Rub shoulders with inspiring artists as one of classical music’s biggest awards nights comes to the Southbank Centre for the first time.
Wednesday 1 March
Burgerz by Travis Alabanza
Hurled words. Thrown objects. Dodged Burgers. Travis Alabanza’s show returns, in the final run of this timely, unsettling and powerful performance.
Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 March
Alice Sara Ott & Friends: Schubert's Trout Quintet
In her first concert as one of our Resident Artists, pianist Alice Sara Ott leads a programme celebrating the joys of the countryside.
Sunday 19 March
Eat & explore
La Gamba
Uber-fresh seafood is the name of the game at Borough Market's Applebee's Fish, and after popping up on our site in recent years, the Applebee brothers are bringing their expertise to bear on the newest addition to our line-up of restaurants.
Situated on Queen’s Walk, La Gamba, as the name hints, is a Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant. Tapping into their little black book of expert independent seafood suppliers, Jack, Harry and Matt introduce a menu that includes the likes of Galician-style octopus, cod tempura, seafood paella and gambas al ajillo. Is your mouth watering yet? It should be. Chef Juan brings his special knowledge of the cuisine of the Galician region, which – with around 1,500km of coastline – is known for its seafood. The menu also
takes inspiration from national classics like tortilla, Iberico pork empanadas, croquetas and the hearty bean stew fabada, to be followed by sweet treats including churros con chocolate.
So whisk yourself away on a mini-break to La Gamba, where you can feel the Spanish sunlight radiating from vivid plates, sun-kissed wines and a range of refreshing sangrias, all while looking out over our own glorious views of the Thames. No passport necessary. Opening early February; check the website for details. Discover all the locations that you can sate your food and drink cravings around the Southbank Centre on our website. southbankcentre.co.uk/foodanddrink
Southbank Centre Archive
If our walls could talk, they would have a lot to say about the long and storied history of the Southbank Centre. We may not have talking walls, but we do have our very own archive, which holds 1.4 kilometres –and growing – of memories about past performances, exhibitions and events that have taken place within and around our venues.
Researchers are welcome to access our records by appointment, and visitors can even help to organise our historical collections during special sessions at our Southbank Centre Archive Studio, a purpose-built space located on Level 2 of the Royal Festival Hall. Issues of our monthly guides (just like this one!) dating back to 1951, artefacts from past editions of our Meltdown festival, artist riders, photos of our site over
the decades: discover behind-the-scenes secrets and memories contributed by visitors from our 72year history.
You can also donate your own photos and memories to the archive – because, in the end, the Southbank Centre is made up of the stories of those who perform on our stages, visit our halls and work to make it all happen.
Research access is available by appointment on Wednesdays and Fridays. Contact our archive team on archive@southbankcentre.co.uk to arrange a visit.
About us
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 the Riverside Terrace Cafe, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, and visit our shops for products inspired by our great cultural experiences, iconic buildings and central London location. And around our site you can find more to explore, with Beany Green, Côte Brasserie, Foyles, Giraffe, Honest Burger, Las Iguanas, Le Pain Quotidien, Ping Pong, Pret, Strada, Skylon, Spiritland, Topolski, 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. Following the winter break, the market reopens on Fri 3 Feb. Fri, 12 noon – 9pm; Sat, 11am – 9pm; Sun & bank holiday Mon, 12 noon – 6pm; Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road
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
Membership
Become a Member and get the first chance to book for go-downin-history gigs, sublime symphonies and blockbuster literature events. Members also get a discount on selected retailers and restaurants; check our website for more details. southbankcentre.co.uk/membership
Supporters Circles
Enjoy all the benefits of Membership as well as getting closer to the artists with invitations to rehearsals, openings and more. southbankcentre.co.uk/join
Name a seat
Starting from £100, dedicate a seat in one of our concert halls to your favourite person. southbankcentre.co.uk/nameaseat
Getting here
By train
The nearest stations are: Waterloo Waterloo East Charing Cross Blackfriars
By tube
Waterloo (200 metres) Embankment (600 metres)
By bus
Routes 1, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, N1, N68, N171, N343 and X68 stop on Waterloo Bridge (a two-minute walk away)
Routes 76, 77, 211, 381, 507 and N381 stop on York Road (a five-minute walk away)
How to book tickets
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. Booking fees for Hayward Gallery exhibition tickets: £3 online, £3.50 over the phone.
Stay in the know
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Stencilled ink on five T-shirts. University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive; gift of the Theresa Hak Kyung Cha Memorial Foundation
