SEPTEMBER
Welcome to the Southbank Centre
Classical music has the power to resonate with our deepest emotions. This Autumn/Winter, our programme invites you to experience that magic first-hand, with the very best artists from around the globe. It all begins in late September at our Opening Weekend: four days of epic performances, including concerts from our brilliant Resident Orchestras, along with fresh ways to engage with classical music.
We continue our collaboration with boundarypushing dance companies Rambert and (LA)HORDE Ballet national de Marseille in the ambitious multi-building immersive takeover WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER WALKED ON THE MOON (words Gene Kelly apparently said to Buzz Aldrin). This is dance humming with a life force that brings a visceral connection, so roam across our site to find unexpected performances and installations.
Another major takeover this month features British indie music icons Suede. They celebrate their tenth studio album here with us in a series of gigs and a documentary screening. These are just three highlights of the incredible work on display at the Southbank Centre, all year round. We hope you discover something here to inspire and thrill you.
Mark Ball, Artistic Director
From Thursday 25 September
The full range of classical music
Classical music storms back onto our stages after the summer break with an Opening Weekend full of opportunities to experience the magic and majesty of the art form
A whole new year of classical music begins in late September, firing on all cylinders from the off in an Opening Weekend packed with talent, passion and music that doesn’t just entertain, but has the power to transform.
Bring on the big-hitters
Get a full-body experience of classical music at the first concert of the weekend: the Philharmonia Orchestra, plus our gigantic Royal Festival Hall organ, raise the roof with Saint-Saëns’ dramatic Organ Symphony. It’s sweeping. It’s profound. It’s brilliant. For sheer swoonworthy elegance, make sure you RSVP to Bridgerton and Beyond with BBC Concert Orchestra to relive the music of beloved period dramas. There’s more drama to be had at Chineke! Orchestra's concert, which opens with the raw energy of Samuel ColeridgeTaylor’s Ballade: the first work the orchestra played on its debut here ten years ago.
Bridging the centuries
New York’s Attacca Quartet draws together moody music from through the ages, making for a hypnotic and heartfelt evening. In an evening of connection and transcendence from another
innovative ensemble, Manchester Collective links John Adams’ high-octane Shaker Loops with works including an ancient hymn.
Cellist Alisa Weilerstein joins us with the first two instalments of her ambitious multiyear commissioning project, Fragments, interweaving the individual movements of Bach’s Cello Suites with new works by today’s most vital composers.
In a double bill, guitarist Sean Shibe follows Oliver Leith’s Doom and the Dooms – a bittersweet imagining of a fictional band – with a wide-ranging showcase that includes a divine Hildegard von Bingen work and Steve Reich’s minimalist Electric Counterpoint
The keys to your heart
The majestic Emperor, Beethoven’s final piano concerto, is often considered his best. The London Philharmonic Orchestra is joined by Yefim Bronfman on piano for this Romantic favourite. Be warned: the second movement may bring you to tears.
Pianist Boris Giltburg is known for performing Rachmaninov, and here he presents us with the composer’s complete Preludes. Giltburg calls
them a ‘treasure trove of tangible, breathing atmosphere, of arresting narratives and emotional snapshots’.
Artists of the future
Inspiration fills the air for the next generation of classical music artists, too. Get involved with Meet the Instruments, where Aurora Orchestra invites ages 4 – 8 and their grown-ups to join a classical music street party.
Chineke!’s ten-year anniversary celebrations also spotlight their Junior Orchestra, the launchpad for well-known talent including the Kanneh-Mason siblings.
And with all this in the Opening Weekend alone, we’re just getting started. Explore our full Autumn/Winter programme for more music that stirs the senses and speaks to the soul.
September highlights
Also this month...
Ocean Vuong: The Emperor of Gladness
Encounter the author’s new novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive.
Thursday 11 September
The Bride and The Goodnight Cinderella
Carolina Bianchi Y Cara de Cavalo’s shock performance draws on art history and personal trauma to examine and test the memory of sexual violence against women.
Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18 September
WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER WALKED ON THE MOON
Find multi-sensory performances all around our site at an immersive takeover from two powerhouse dance companies, Rambert and (LA)HORDE Ballet national de Marseille.
Roam around our public and hidden spaces at your own pace to discover a cast of more than 50 artists performing in unexpected locations: the Royal Festival Hall auditorium stalls while you watch from the stage, in backstage areas in the Queen Elizabeth Hall and on our outdoor terraces.
The show transforms our site with cinematic flair, featuring dancers from both companies, DJs, digital works, a limousine and community performers.
Wednesday 3 – Saturday 6 September
A 100-Year Revolution: The Harlem Renaissance
Trace the century-long cultural impact of the Harlem Renaissance across the Black diaspora at two events with Tomorrow’s Warriors.
Saturday 13 September
The Booker Prize 2025 Shortlist Announcement
Get a glimpse behind the judging room doors of the world’s most significant award for a single work of fiction, with live readings.
Tuesday 23 September
Suede Takeover
The indie giants showcase the charged energy of their live performances at gigs across our venues, marking the release of their tenth studio album.
Tuesday 26 August – Friday 19 September
Open Doors
Our series of regular free events is back after the summer break, with creative activities,workshops, performances and family fun to inspire everyone.
Throughout the month
Classical music
Come along to the Opening Weekend of our new programme to experience the storytelling power of classical music in every shape and form
Thursday 25
Philharmonia Orchestra:
Santtu & Víkingur Ólafsson
Part of Opening Weekend
Our classical music programme’s Opening Weekend, and the Philharmonia’s 80th birthday season, opens with time-honoured classics and brand new sounds.
Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor Víkingur Ólafsson piano
Gabriela Ortiz Si el oxígeno fuera verde (UK premiere); Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3; Saint-Saëns Symphony No.3 in C minor (Organ) 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17
Attacca Quartet:
Dowland, Glass & Pärt
Part of Opening Weekend
The award-winning American ensemble plays the music of composers ancient and modern.
Dowland Flow my tears (Lachrimae Pavane) arr. Nathan Schram for string quartet; Philip Glass Quartet Satz; Arvo Pärt Summa; Anna Müller Drifting circles arr. Domenic Salerni for string quartet; Clemens Non Papa Ego flos campi a 7 arr. Amy Schroeder for string quartet; Francisco del Pino Tu me sequere me (UK premiere); Bennet Weep, O mine eyes; Philip Glass String Quartet No.3 (Mishima); Arvo Pärt Fratres
8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17
Friday 26
Manchester Collective: Shaker Loops
Part of Opening Weekend
Music that speaks of life, death and divine ecstasy, in a concert from the innovative ensemble.
Christ Bryan spoken word Dobrinka Tabakova Such different paths; Saariaho Terra memoria for string quartet; Traditional Veni Creator Spiritus arr. Rakhi Singh; John Adams Shaker Loops with new text by Christ Bryan
7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17
Bridgerton and Beyond with BBC Concert Orchestra
Part of Opening Weekend
Delve into the enchanting world of Regency-era England and beyond to relive the timeless music from your favourite period dramas. Karen Ní Bhroin conductor 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17
Saturday 27
Alisa Weilerstein: Fragments – Wonder
Part of Opening Weekend
This is the first of two performances in one day from Fragments, Alisa Weilerstein’s ambitious commissioning project where new music meets the timeless beauty of Bach's Cello Suites. This show interweaves the First Suite with works by Allison Loggins-Hull, Reinaldo Moya, Gili Schwarzman, Joan Tower and Chen Yi.
3pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £37
Alisa Weilerstein: Fragments – Tumult
Part of Opening Weekend
At the second of two performances from the cellist’s project Fragments, new works by Alan Fletcher, Daniel Kidane, Gity Razaz, Caroline Shaw and Ana Sokolović respond to Bach’s Suite No.2 in D minor.
6pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £37
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto
Part of Opening Weekend
The great Yefim Bronfman brings his unrivalled insight to Beethoven’s grandest piano concerto.
Edward Gardner conductor
Yefim Bronfman piano
George Benjamin Ringed by the flat horizon for orchestra; Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 (Emperor); Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £16
Sean Shibe, 12 Ensemble & GBSR Duo (Double Bill)
Part of Opening Weekend
Guitarist Sean Shibe is joined by 12 Ensemble and GBSR Duo for a performance of Oliver Leith’s Doom and the Dooms, an imaginary gig by a fictional band.
8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17 for entry to both shows (including After Dark, below)
After Dark: Sean Shibe –Electric Counterpoint
Part of Opening Weekend
In the second part of tonight’s double bill, the guitarist performs powerful and sacred music, including works by Julia Wolfe and Steve Reich, ending with Meredith Monk’s reflective Nightfall
9.15pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Tickets from £12 for entry to this show only
Sunday 28
Aurora Orchestra: Meet the Instruments
Part of Opening Weekend
Sing, dance, play games and discover orchestral instruments at this fun, participatory concert! Aurora Orchestra and presenters Lucy Drever and Lara Stubbs introduce the whole family to the world of orchestral music, with original songs by Iain Farrington and Kate Wakeling.
For ages 4 – 8 | 2pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £18 (adult) £14.80 (child)
Chineke! Junior Orchestra
Part of Opening Weekend
We celebrate ten years of Chineke!’s transformative work in classical music with the ensemble at the heart of their mission to nurture young, diverse talent.
Yudania Gómez Heredia conductor
Dukas Fanfare from La péri; Avril Coleridge-Taylor Sussex Landscape, Op.27; Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition orch.
Ravel
2.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £12
Boris Giltburg Plays Rachmaninov's Preludes
Part of Opening Weekend
The virtuoso pianist performs the thrilling technicolour cycle of Rachmaninov’s 24 Preludes in their entirety.
Rachmaninov Prelude in C sharp minor, Op.3 No.2; 10 Preludes, Op.23; 13 Preludes, Op.32
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17
Chineke! Orchestra: Beethoven's Triple Concerto
Part of Opening Weekend
The orchestra kickstarts their tenth anniversary European tour with the first piece the ensemble ever played, here in the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Roderick Cox conductor
Tai Murray violin
Sheku Kanneh-Mason cello
Isata Kanneh-Mason piano
Coleridge-Taylor Ballade in A minor for orchestra, Op.33; Beethoven Triple Concerto for violin, cello & piano; Errollyn Wallen FLOURISH (London premiere); Dawson Negro Folk Symphony
7.45pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £11
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.
Performance & dance
An immersive takeover, a live comedy podcast and a shock performance: discover international artists here in our venues
Wednesday 3 – Saturday 6
WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER WALKED ON THE MOON
Powerhouse dance companies Rambert and (LA)HORDE Ballet national de Marseille join forces to transform our buildings with cinematic flair.
For ages 16+ | 7pm; Across the site; Tickets from £47 (under-30s from £37)
Wednesday 10 & Wednesday 24
Three Bean Salad: Live
The comedy podcast is doing its first ever full-blown tour, and you are cordially invited.
For ages 16+ | Wed 10 Sep, 7.30pm & Wed 24 Sep, 8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £22
Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18
The Bride and The Goodnight Cinderella
The Brazilian playwright’s shock performance tests the memory of sexual violence against women. Captioned.
For ages 18+ | Wed 17 Sep, 7.30pm & Thu 18 Sep, 6.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £22
Gigs
Whatever you’re into, join us for sensational sounds from across the globe, including a takeover by indie giants and free gigs from up-and-coming artists
Thursday 11
futuretense: Pelin Pelin + Pollyfromthedirt
Raw and radical music fills the bill in this free concert from two rising stars on the music scene.
For all ages | 6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 12
Suede: The Insatiable Ones Screening + Q&A
Part of Suede Takeover
Revisit Mike Christie’s 2018 band documentary, followed by a Q&A with members of Suede, the film’s director and Miranda Sawyer.
For ages 15+ only | 7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £22
Saturday 13
The Blackbird and The Duke Nu Civilisation Orchestra celebrates 100 years of the Harlem Renaissance with Duke Ellington’s music and the story of Florence Mills.
Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £22
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14
Suede
Part of Suede Takeover
The iconic band launches their new album, more than 30 years after their era-defining debut.
For ages 14+ | 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £52
Wednesday 17
Suede: Off Mic
Part of Suede Takeover
Be in the room with the legendary band as they play classic and new hits in a rare acoustic concert.
For ages 14+ | 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £47
Thursday 18
futuretense: Ahmed, With Love. + Third Kulture
Come and catch music with an unapologetically original spin in a free double gig.
For all ages | 6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 19 SANAM
India's beloved pop-rock sensation performs Bollywood classics and chart-topping originals.
For ages 7+ | 7.15pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £47
Suede with Paraorchestra & Charles Hazlewood
Part of Suede Takeover
The band brings their electrifying energy to a live concert with innovative ensemble Paraorchestra.
For ages 14+ | 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £47
Kindred
Enjoy eclectic soul, R&B, jazz and spoken word from up-and-coming and established musicians.
For ages 14+ | 7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £22
Saturday 20 Peggy Seeger & Muireann Bradley
Two folk artists come together to discuss tricks of the trade and how the folk landscape has changed.
For ages 14+ | 1pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £32
A Celebration of The Incredible String Band
Musical friends and collaborators of the legendary band dive into their psychedelic discography.
For ages 14+ | 3.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £39.50
Lisa O'Neill
Hear the Irish singer-songwriter performing some of her most powerful and haunting music.
For ages 14+ | 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £32
Sunday 21
In Dreams – David Lynch Revisited
A landmark live tribute brings the songs and music from the legendary film-maker to the stage.
For ages 14+ | 8.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17
Tuesday 30
Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali Group
Experience majestic Qawwali music from the nephews of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
For all ages | 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £27
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. For gigs with an age recommendation of 14+, under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Family
Our events are not just for the grown-ups – bring your little ones along to share poems and stories, join creative sessions and get dancing
Friday 5 & Friday 12
Rug Rhymes: Autumn
National Poetry Library puppets
Federico and Firebird love to share their favourite poems, nursery rhymes and rhyming stories. Come and join the fun!
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 13
Relaxed Sessions:
Creating with Tasnim Mahdy
Part of Open Doors
Join us for an inclusive version of our Saturday Sessions, which follows this event, for those who may benefit from a smaller group and adapted space.
For ages 5+ | 11am – 12.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Saturday Sessions: Creating with Tasnim Mahdy
Part of Open Doors
Connect, create and experience the wonder of making as a family alongside artist Tasnim Mahdy.
For ages 5 – 11 | 1.30pm – 2.45pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Ballroom Boogie x Toasty Tots XL
Part of Open Doors
Come on down to throw some shapes with DJ collective BORN N BREAD at a special edition of Toasty Tots, their series of welcoming family events.
For all ages | 2.45pm – 4pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday 19 & Friday 26
WordPlay: Ages 0 – 2
Part of Open Doors
Enjoy songs, stories and playful spaces encouraging creativity, communication and connection.
For ages 0 – 2 | 10.15am – 11am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
WordPlay: Ages 3 – 5
Part of Open Doors
Welcome to a place to meet other families, discover new songs and explore a sensory landscape.
For ages 3 – 5 | 11.30am – 12.15pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 28
Aurora Orchestra: Meet the Instruments
Part of Opening Weekend
Sing, dance, play games and discover orchestral instruments at this fun, participatory concert! Aurora Orchestra and presenters Lucy Drever and Lara Stubbs introduce the whole family to the world of orchestral music, with original songs by Iain Farrington and Kate Wakeling.
For ages 4 – 8 | 2pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £18 (adult) £14.80 (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
Throughout the month
Iris Colomb: Try! Try! Try! Again!
The daring poetic experiments in this exhibition merge poetry with other art forms.
For all ages | Until Sun 4 Jan; Tue, 12 noon –6pm; Wed – Sun, 12 noon – 8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday 5 & Friday 12
Rug Rhymes: Autumn
National Poetry Library puppets Federico and Firebird love to share their favourite poems, nursery rhymes and rhyming stories. Come and join the fun!
For ages 0 – 5 | 11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £4 (admits one adult and one child)
Thursday 11
Ocean Vuong: The Emperor of Gladness
Encounter the author’s new novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).
For ages 16+ | 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20
Friday 12
OWN IT! with Salena Godden, MC Angel & Derek Owusu
Join us for a night of poetry, performance and comedy from independent publishing house OWN IT! Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).
For ages 16+ | 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10
Saturday 13
A 100-Year Revolution:
The Harlem Renaissance Writers and musicians trace the cultural impact of the Harlem Renaissance across the Black diaspora at a panel discussion.
Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 2pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17
Sunday 14
Out-Spoken Masterclass: September
Get your creative juices flowing as you work with a leading poet in this weekend poetry workshop.
For ages 18+ | 1pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £27
Chris Bryant: A Life and a Half
Delve into the bracingly honest story of one man's unorthodox path to politics via priesthood.
For ages 16+ | 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15
Thursday 18
Out-Spoken: September
Get your fix of inspiration with a night of poetry and music from rising and acclaimed artists. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).
For ages 16+ | 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15
Sunday 21
An Evening with Carlo Rovelli
Celebrate a decade since the pivotal debut from the author and ‘poet of physics’. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).
For ages 16+ | 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20
Tuesday 23
The Booker Prize 2025 Shortlist Announcement
Peek behind the judging room doors of the most significant award for a single work of fiction. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT) and British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).
For ages 16+ | 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £20
Wednesday 24
Ketanji Brown Jackson: Lovely One
Hear the life story of the first Black woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT) and British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).
For ages 16+ | 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £20
Special Edition: Drawn Poems
Connect the crafts of poetry and drawing through readings, visual projections and conversation.
For ages 16+ | 8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £9
Art & exhibitions
From artworks that merge poetry with performance and sound, to free displays and outdoor installations, art and exhibitions can be found all around our site
Throughout the month
Iris Colomb: Try! Try! Try! Again! The daring poetic experiments in this exhibition merge poetry with other art forms.
For all ages | Until Sun 4 Jan; Tue, 12 noon –6pm; Wed – Sun, 12 noon – 8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Future Exhibition Makers: The People’s Exhibition
Get new perspectives on the 1951 Festival of Britain in a free display created by 15 young people.
Until Fri 28 Nov; Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am – 11pm (closed Mon); Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; 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
Klaus Weber: Thinking Fountains
An outdoor sculpture commission features two water-spouting bronze figures and a waterfall. Daily (subject to weather conditions); Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free
Wednesday 24
Special Edition: Drawn Poems
Connect the crafts of poetry and drawing through readings, visual projections and conversation.
For ages 16+ | 8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £9
and
Free events
There's lots to see and do for free at the Southbank Centre this month, including gigs from rising stars and the return of our regular events to inspire creativity, Open Doors
Throughout the month
Iris Colomb:
Try! Try! Try! Again!
The daring poetic experiments in this exhibition merge poetry with other art forms.
For all ages | Until Sun 4 Jan; Tue, 12 noon –6pm; Wed – Sun, 12 noon – 8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Future Exhibition
Makers: The People’s Exhibition
Get new perspectives on the 1951 Festival of Britain in a free display created by 15 young people.
Until Fri 28 Nov; Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am – 11pm (closed Mon); Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; 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
Klaus Weber: Thinking Fountains
An outdoor sculpture commission features two water-spouting bronze figures and a waterfall. Daily (subject to weather conditions); Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free
Thursday 11
futuretense: Pelin Pelin + Pollyfromthedirt
Raw and radical music fills the bill in this free concert from two rising stars on the music scene.
For all ages | 6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Saturday 13
Relaxed Sessions: Creating with Tasnim Mahdy
Part of Open Doors
Join us for an inclusive version of our Saturday Sessions (see below), for those who may benefit from a smaller group and adapted space.
For ages 5+ | 11am – 12.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Saturday Sessions: Creating with Tasnim Mahdy
Part of Open Doors
Connect, create and experience the wonder of making as a family alongside artist Tasnim Mahdy.
For ages 5 – 11 | 1.30pm – 2.45pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Ballroom Boogie x Toasty Tots XL
Part of Open Doors
Come on down to throw some shapes with DJ collective BORN N BREAD at a special edition of Toasty Tots, their series of welcoming family events.
For all ages | 2.45pm – 4pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Wednesday 17 & Wednesday 24
Archive Sessions: Origins of the Archive
Want to know the hidden stories of our venues? Join us in the archive to help preserve our history.
For all ages | 5pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Thursday 18
futuretense: Ahmed, With Love. + Third Kulture
Come and catch music with an unapologetically original spin in a free double gig.
For all ages | 6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 19 & Friday 26
WordPlay: Ages 0 – 2
Part of Open Doors
Enjoy songs, stories and playful spaces encouraging creativity, communication and connection.
For ages 0 – 2 | 10.15am – 11am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
WordPlay: Ages 3 – 5
Part of Open Doors
Welcome to a place to meet other families, discover new songs and explore a sensory landscape.
For ages 3 – 5 | 11.30am – 12.15pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday 19
Mix & Move
Part of Open Doors
Come along to shake it out with the chance to explore different forms of dance from across the globe.
For all ages | 3pm – 6pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
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Upcoming highlights
Gilbert & George: 21ST CENTURY PICTURES
Discover the duo’s pictures from the past 25 years, with vibrant, large-scale images that centre the human experience and reflect their motto, ‘Art for All’.
Tuesday 7 October – Sunday 11 January
Concrete Voids: Jack Warne——GAUNT
A unique interplay between music, visuals and augmented reality, blurring the boundaries between the virtual and physical.
Friday 3 October
Jan Martens: VOICE NOISE
Glorious choreography illuminates the music of singular women composers, in a show inspired by Anne Carson’s essay ‘The Gender of Sound’.
Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 October
Also coming soon
Paraorchestra: Dance Like Nobody's Watching
Vivid music and bespoke projections transport us back to Vienna, 1918, and into composer Arnold Schoenberg’s underground utopia of musical escapism.
Saturday 4 October
Gondwana Records Presents
Enjoy an eclectic evening of chamber jazz, cinematic postclassical pop and Senegaleseinfluenced ambient jazz sounds.
Saturday 18 October
Belfast Ensemble: Dublin Jack
Conor Mitchell’s explosive queer opera inspired by the life and writings of notorious 19th-century Irish sex worker Jack Saul makes its UK debut in concert.
Thursday 9 October
London Literature Festival
Our landmark celebration of the written and spoken word is back. This year, musician Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self Esteem, joins us to curate a day of events.
Tuesday 21 October – Sunday 2 November
Eat & explore
Draw out the summer at La Gamba
The end of summer is fast approaching, but there’s time for a few more al fresco dinners – so make them count. Boasting outdoor seating, La Gamba is an ideal spot to indulge. This chic riverside restaurant offers up a delectable spread of tapas dishes, taking inspiration from traditional Spanish recipes, brought to life with British ingredients.
Choose from a set menu with a range of dishes from land and sea (top tip: make the drinks bottomless for 90 minutes for just £25 per person), or dive into the à la carte menu for even more options.
Whet your appetite with a selection of nibbles including charcuterie, padron peppers and succulent olives, accompanied by a perfectly balanced glass
of sangria, a chilled beer or a classic Agua de Valencia cocktail. Continue the culinary tour with mouthwatering tapas dishes like traditional Galicianstyle octopus, grilled scallops and lamb fillet in an anchovy and mint sauce, alongside perfectly prepared vegetables, salads and tortillas.
And finally, choose from La Gamba’s irresistible desserts, like Basque cheesecake and churros with chocolate dipping sauce, while you watch the sun set over the river – it’s your own slice of paradise.
Queen’s Walk; Mon – Fri, 12 noon – 11pm; Sat – Sun, 11am – 11pm southbankcentre.co.uk/foodanddrink
Meet our Resident Orchestras
Did you know that the Southbank Centre has six Resident Orchestras? We’re proud to be the home of Aurora Orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and Philharmonia Orchestra.
Each orchestra offers something unique: Chineke!, Europe’s first majority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra, champions diversity in classical music. Watching the OAE is a form of time travel, as the orchestra plays centuries-old music on instruments (or replicas) from the period it was composed.
The LPO and the Philharmonia provide a classic main-character orchestral soundtrack with sweeping sound, while if your tastes veer towards the more experimental end of the scale, check out Aurora’s immersive performances and collaborations, and tune into the London Sinfonietta, who commission dozens of new pieces each year.
Several of our Resident Orchestras mark special anniversaries in 2025/26, and many of them take to our stages over our Opening Weekend this month; visit our website to find all their upcoming events. southbankcentre.co.uk/classicalmusic
How to book tickets
Online southbankcentre.co.uk*
By phone 020 3879 9555*
*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.
Under-12s must be accompanied by an adult across our site. See our website for information about concessions.
Many of our ticket prices include a £2 restoration levy, enabling us to care for our historic buildings. Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand. See all of our ticket terms and conditions on the link below.
southbankcentre.co.uk/website-ticket-terms
Access
About the Southbank Centre
We’re the UK’s largest centre for the arts and one of the nation's top five visitor attractions, showcasing the world’s most exciting artists at our venues in the heart of London. As a charity, we bring millions of people together by opening up the unique art spaces that we care for.
The Southbank Centre is made up of the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, National Poetry Library and Arts Council Collection. We're also one of London’s favourite meeting spots, with lots of free events and places to relax, eat and shop. We hope that you enjoy your visit – and if you need any information or help, please ask a member of staff. If you’d like to get in touch, our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX, or email hello@southbankcentre.co.uk
While you’re here
Eating, drinking and shopping? Take in the views over food and drinks at our on-site bars and cafes. In the Royal Festival Hall, find the Seventy5th Balcony Bar on Level 5, and the Festival Bar & Kitchen and Ballroom Cafe on Level 2. Discover our green haven, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden. 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, Flat Iron, Foyles, Giraffe, Honest Burgers, La Gamba, Las Iguanas, Pret, Strada, Skylon, wagamama and Wahaca.
Southbank Centre Food Market
With a huge choice of street food and drinks from around the globe, the Southbank Centre Food Market is a must-visit. On Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road, the market is open Friday – Sunday and bank holidays. Check our website for opening times.
Join and support
We have a range of Membership levels, with benefits including presales to all of our events, free entry to the Hayward Gallery, a Members’ Lounge and discounts at 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
Listings correct at time of going to press (2025).
The Southbank Centre is a registered charity no. 298909
London Waterloo
The Southbank Centre is accessible to all and level access is available to all of our venues. For further information and details of accessible events, see our website. southbankcentre.co.uk/access
To receive publications in alternative formats, and for further information, email accesslist@southbankcentre.co.uk or phone 020 3879 9555. An audio version of this publication is available online at soundcloud.com/southbankcentreaudio
Stay in the know
Subscribers to our email updates are the first to hear about new events, offers and competitions. Just head to our website to sign up. On the cover
Two powerhouse dance companies, Rambert and (LA)HORDE Ballet national de Marseille, take over our site with multi-sensory performances at WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER WALKED ON THE MOON, from Wednesday 3 to Saturday 6 September.
Image credits
On the cover: WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER WALKED ON THE MOON © Hugo Glendinning Inside cover: Attacca Quartet © David Goddard
This month’s highlights: WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER WALKED ON THE MOON © Theo Giacometti; Ocean Vuong © Gioncarlo Valentine; A 100-Year Revolution: The Harlem Renaissance © Morgan and Marvin Smith. Reproduction from the Photographs and Prints Division, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundation; Suede Takeover © Dean Chalkley; The Bride and The Goodnight Cinderella © Christophe Raynaud de Lage; The Booker Prize 2025 Shortlist Announcement © Neo Gilder for Booker Prize Foundation; Open Doors © Pete Woodhead
Header images: Classical music: Manchester Collective: Shaker Loops © Mike Skelton; Performance & dance: WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER WALKED ON THE MOON © Amaury Cornu; Gigs: Suede Takeover © Dean Chalkley; Family: Aurora Orchestra: Meet the Instruments © Stanton Media; Literature & talks: Carlo Rovelli © Louiza Vradi; Art & exhibitions: Installation view: Bharti Kher: Target Queen, Hayward Gallery, 2024. Photo: Jo Underhill. Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth; Free events: futuretense: Ahmed, With Love. © Mark Sosiak
Upcoming highlights: Gilbert & George, HA-HA , 2022 © Gilbert & George. Courtesy the artists and Lehmann Maupin, New York, Seoul, and London; Concrete Voids: Jack Warne——GAUNT © courtesy the artist; Paraorchestra: Dance Like Nobody's Watching © courtesy the artist; Belfast Ensemble: Dublin Jack © Neil Harrison; Jan Martens: VOICE
NOISE © Phile Deprez; Gondwana Records Presents © Sorrel Higgins; London Literature Festival: Self Esteem © Scarlett Carlos Clarke
Eat & explore: La Gamba © Rebecca Dickson; Chineke! Orchestra © courtesy the artist
