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An engine of creativity, we’re home to art and culture that brings people together

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More info for REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground
Children playing in a loose parts play installation
Family & young people

REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground

Explore a world of play and invention in a recycled playground for children and their grown-ups
Royal Festival Hall
More info for Anish Kapoor
Large red texture sculpture hanging down from the ceiling to the floor in a space with stone floors and pillars
Art & exhibitions

Anish Kapoor

Venture into a world of mystery through the artist’s awe-inspiring works at our major exhibition
Hayward Gallery
More info for Vienna 1897: Brahms' Last Concert
A man with curly grey hair playing the cello
Classical music

Vienna 1897: Brahms' Last Concert

The OAE reconstructs the programme of the last concert Brahms attended, for its 40th year finale
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Multi-buy
More info for Indie Night: June
Two peoples profiles are grey and collaged with an image of piles of books and a dotted square.
Literature & poetry

Indie Night: June

Defy the ordinary at this evening of readings and conversation about an eclectic mix of work
Purcell Room
More info for European Poetry Festival: Estonia
Speaker stood at a yellow podium performing in the National Poetry Library to an audience in front of colourful lockers
Literature & poetry

European Poetry Festival: Estonia

Explore the latest European poetry live, as writers perform their work and launch collaborations
National Poetry Library
More info for Southbank Centre Tours
A concrete brutalist building with the London Eye and Big Ben in the background
Tours & activities

Southbank Centre Tours

See our spectacular venues from a whole new perspective during our 75th anniversary year
Across the site
More info for REPLAY: Relaxed
Children and their families playing with loose parts play in the REPLAY installation
Family & young people

REPLAY: Relaxed

Enjoy our world of play and invention for families in a gentler, less busy session
Royal Festival Hall
More info for London Parks: An Exhibition
A diverse group of twelve people pose playfully on and underneath a bright yellow external concrete staircase outdoors.
Art & exhibitions

London Parks: An Exhibition

See London’s green spaces anew in a photo exhibition created by young refugees and asylum seekers
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for TONIC FLOW: A Communal Chorus in Colour and Sound
Two women jump in the air in front of a brightly colored, geometric mural on an outdoor basketball court.
Art & exhibitions

TONIC FLOW: A Communal Chorus in Colour and Sound

Imagine a future overflowing with hope through a collaborative sound and visual installation
Royal Festival Hall
Tickets Free
More info for Quentin Blake: The Southbank Parade
A trio of illustrations by Quentin Blake depicting members of an orchestra; a woman in a long dress playing a violin, a person in a wheelchair plating the cymbals and a man in tails playing the flute
Art & exhibitions

Quentin Blake: The Southbank Parade

The much-loved illustrator and author celebrates the 1951 Festival of Britain for this installation
Site wide
Tickets Free
More info for Kulpreet Singh: Indelible Black Marks
From above, people in white run through a dry field trailing long white banners that are being consumed by fire.
Art & exhibitions

Kulpreet Singh: Indelible Black Marks

A meditation on the urgent link between climate change and agricultural crises
Hayward Gallery
Tickets Free
More info for Luke Jerram: Stepping Out
A young boy jumps across large colorful dots painted on the ground at London\'s Southbank Centre on a sunny day.
Art & exhibitions

Luke Jerram: Stepping Out

Your feet make the music in an interactive installation by artist Luke Jerram and composer Dan Jones
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for Teachers' Twilight: Anish Kapoor
A woman in an olive jacket gestures expressively while talking to two others in a bright, modern indoor lounge area.
Art & exhibitions

Teachers' Twilight: Anish Kapoor

Primary, Secondary and SEND teachers are invited to explore the exhibition
Hayward Gallery
Tickets Free
More info for Floating Together
A woman with long wavy dark hair wears a double-breasted red blazer, standing in front of an art studio wall with sketches.
Art & exhibitions

Floating Together

See a new artwork honouring people who’ve sought sanctuary, inspired by this year’s theme of courage
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for Lambeth Music Service: Musitrax Festival 2026
A large youth orchestra performs on a brightly lit indoor stage underneath hanging festoon lights and a festival banner.
Family & young people

Lambeth Music Service: Musitrax Festival 2026

Witness the infectious enthusiasm of young people early on in their musical journeys
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free

Festivals & series

View all festivals & series
More info for Classical Music
Pink, purple and yellow spirographs

Classical Music

Spring/Summer 2026
This is classical music in the 21st century
More info for Summer Time
A yellow sun with pink and orange zig zag rays

Summer Time

Until Mon 31 Aug
Dive in for art, performance, music, free events and outdoor fun this summer
More info for Riverside Sessions
A dense crowd dances at an outdoor Riverside Terrace Bar under a canopy of colorful hexagonal decorations.

Riverside Sessions

Thu 11 Jun – Mon 21 Sep 2026
Join our celebration of music, youth and summer joy, curated by young people for everyone.
More info for Performance & Dance
A dancer in a dark, dusty outfit is captured mid-air during a dynamic leap or fall on a stage, with a massive, textured black mound or cave-like structure dominating the background.

Performance & Dance

Spring/Summer 2026
Spotlighting cutting-edge new work from around the world
More info for Refugee Week
British-American woman wearing an orange top and a big blue ring

Refugee Week

Thu 25 – Sun 28 Jun 2026
Music, talks, film and public programming centred on this year's theme of 'courage'
More info for South Asian Sounds
A man with a mustache and beard in a yellow button-up stands clapping behind light-streak overlay reflections.

South Asian Sounds

Wed 1 – Sun 5 Jul 2026
Celebrating contemporary and classical music from India and Pakistan
More info for Poetry International Festival
Abstract digital art featuring overlapping, semi-transparent rectangles in red, green, blue, and orange on a purple background.

Poetry International Festival

Fri 10 – Sun 12 Jul 2026
Poetry International Festival is taking poetry off the page this summer
More info for Rough Trade 50
Black 50 in a white box with black border

Rough Trade 50

Fri 17 – Sun 19 Jul 2026
A takeover celebrating 50 years since the first Rough Trade record shop opened its doors
More info for Steel Scenes
Vintage black and white photo of two men playing steel pans outside

Steel Scenes

Fri 24 – Sun 26 Jul 2026
Our site thrums with the sound of pan at a weekend takeover marking 75 years of steel pan in the UK
More info for Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest
Composite image featuring the hosts of multiple Goalhanger podcasts against a black background.

Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest

Fri 4 – Sun 6 Sep 2026
Indulge in your favourite podcasts live as we welcome Goalhanger’s impressive starting line-up

Recently announced

More info for Beginnings of Pan with Impact Steel Band
A close-up shot focuses on a musician playing a polished chrome steel drum with a mallet, wearing a black graphic t-shirt and an Apple Watch.
Courses & workshops

Beginnings of Pan with Impact Steel Band

Major fun awaits! Learn simple scales, play your first song on pan and fill our terrace with music
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for The Social Infrastructure of Steel
A woman in a memorial t-shirt sits with a young girl holding a Trinidad and Tobago flag, watching an indoor stage performance.
Literature & poetry

The Social Infrastructure of Steel

Examine how steel pan functions in our society at this panel discussion
Purcell Room
More info for Hot Hot Hot with New Generation
A musician playing a chrome steelpan on an outdoor stage decorated with Caribbean flags and a
Gigs

Hot Hot Hot with New Generation

Capture the groove of legendary tune ‘The Merrymen’ at a hands-on steel pan workshop
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for Rhythm of History Exhibition
An archival display shelf featuring historical black and white photographs, concrete cylinders, and architectural signs.
Art & exhibitions

Rhythm of History Exhibition

Cast your eyes (and ears) back at an interactive exhibition about the steel pan’s incredible journey
Royal Festival Hall
Tickets Free
More info for Rhythms of Reggae with UFO Steelband
Close-up eye-level view of shiny steelpan drums on stands arranged across a stage in a modern, multi-story hall.
Courses & workshops

Rhythms of Reggae with UFO Steelband

Master the infectious skank and melodic drive of the all-time classic ‘Monkey Man’ on steel pan
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for Calypso Grooves with RASPO
Members of the RASPO steel orchestra perform outdoors in matching red shirts, playing chrome steelpans on a sunny day.
Courses & workshops

Calypso Grooves with RASPO

Pick up your sticks and learn to play like the pros with Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra.
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for futuretense: alya isha & The RA KHOLECTIV + FIZA
A side-by-side diptych presents a dreamy, warm-toned color shot of a band performing in a hazy, vintage-styled room next to an intimate, high-contrast black-and-white portrait of a curly-haired woman
Gigs

futuretense: alya isha & The RA KHOLECTIV + FIZA

A free gig of irresistible harmonies from singer-songwriter FIZA and global jazz funk from alya isha
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Tickets Free
More info for Defining the Modern Pannist
Close-up of a silver steelpan drum with hand-written musical notes and two wooden mallets resting inside.
Talks & debates

Defining the Modern Pannist

Join a vital talk on the education of steel pan and carving better paths to professional careers
Purcell Room
More info for Sing with Singing Resistance London
A mixed choir singing on stage, wearing all black
Performance & dance

Sing with Singing Resistance London

Let the collective energy hum as we learn and sing some simple songs of resistance, together
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for British Sign Language Tours: Anish Kapoor
Round mirror sculpture by Anish Kapoor
Art & exhibitions

British Sign Language Tours: Anish Kapoor

Dive deeper into our awe-inspiring exhibition at a BSL tour guiding you through its themes
Hayward Gallery

Free events

View all free events
More info for London Parks: An Exhibition
A diverse group of twelve people pose playfully on and underneath a bright yellow external concrete staircase outdoors.
Art & exhibitions

London Parks: An Exhibition

See London’s green spaces anew in a photo exhibition created by young refugees and asylum seekers
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for TONIC FLOW: A Communal Chorus in Colour and Sound
Two women jump in the air in front of a brightly colored, geometric mural on an outdoor basketball court.
Art & exhibitions

TONIC FLOW: A Communal Chorus in Colour and Sound

Imagine a future overflowing with hope through a collaborative sound and visual installation
Royal Festival Hall
Tickets Free
More info for Quentin Blake: The Southbank Parade
A trio of illustrations by Quentin Blake depicting members of an orchestra; a woman in a long dress playing a violin, a person in a wheelchair plating the cymbals and a man in tails playing the flute
Art & exhibitions

Quentin Blake: The Southbank Parade

The much-loved illustrator and author celebrates the 1951 Festival of Britain for this installation
Site wide
Tickets Free
More info for Luke Jerram: Stepping Out
A young boy jumps across large colorful dots painted on the ground at London\'s Southbank Centre on a sunny day.
Art & exhibitions

Luke Jerram: Stepping Out

Your feet make the music in an interactive installation by artist Luke Jerram and composer Dan Jones
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for Kulpreet Singh: Indelible Black Marks
From above, people in white run through a dry field trailing long white banners that are being consumed by fire.
Art & exhibitions

Kulpreet Singh: Indelible Black Marks

A meditation on the urgent link between climate change and agricultural crises
Hayward Gallery
Tickets Free
More info for Teachers' Twilight: Anish Kapoor
A woman in an olive jacket gestures expressively while talking to two others in a bright, modern indoor lounge area.
Art & exhibitions

Teachers' Twilight: Anish Kapoor

Primary, Secondary and SEND teachers are invited to explore the exhibition
Hayward Gallery
Tickets Free
More info for Floating Together
A woman with long wavy dark hair wears a double-breasted red blazer, standing in front of an art studio wall with sketches.
Art & exhibitions

Floating Together

See a new artwork honouring people who’ve sought sanctuary, inspired by this year’s theme of courage
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for Lambeth Music Service: Musitrax Festival 2026
A large youth orchestra performs on a brightly lit indoor stage underneath hanging festoon lights and a festival banner.
Family & young people

Lambeth Music Service: Musitrax Festival 2026

Witness the infectious enthusiasm of young people early on in their musical journeys
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for Sing with Singing Resistance London
A mixed choir singing on stage, wearing all black
Performance & dance

Sing with Singing Resistance London

Let the collective energy hum as we learn and sing some simple songs of resistance, together
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for Our HeartBeats: Courage in Creativity
A man dj'ing in front of crowd on the Riverside Terrace
Gigs

Our HeartBeats: Courage in Creativity

Soak up the energy at a day-to-night celebration of global club sounds, community and music
Riverside Terrace
Tickets Free
More info for Gift to the Future
Collage of handwritten poetic notes about the future pasted over a black-and-white line drawing of city buildings.
Art & exhibitions

Gift to the Future

See our brutalist buildings transformed with a giant poetry installation
Site wide
Tickets Free
More info for European Poetry Festival: Latvia
Reader standing on stage in front of an audience at the National Poetry Library.
Literature & poetry

European Poetry Festival: Latvia

Celebrate continental poetry and hear new work by contemporary Latvian poets
National Poetry Library
Tickets Free
More info for Simmer Down
Two women dancing together
Gigs

Simmer Down

Get ready to feel the reggae rhythm at this free monthly meet-up and daytime dance
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for futuretense: alya isha & The RA KHOLECTIV + FIZA
A side-by-side diptych presents a dreamy, warm-toned color shot of a band performing in a hazy, vintage-styled room next to an intimate, high-contrast black-and-white portrait of a curly-haired woman
Gigs

futuretense: alya isha & The RA KHOLECTIV + FIZA

A free gig of irresistible harmonies from singer-songwriter FIZA and global jazz funk from alya isha
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Tickets Free
More info for Poetic Unity + Live Band
Group of people of varying ages sat down with their arms in the air smiling
Literature & poetry

Poetic Unity + Live Band

Poetry meets music as the Poetic Unity community share their words accompanied by a live band
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for Poetry International Festival Zine Fair
Rows of tables with zines and crowds of people walking between
Literature & poetry

Poetry International Festival Zine Fair

Unearth hidden treasures at a zine fair for innovative and affordable publishing
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free

While you’re with us

Make the most of your visit and explore all our venues and spaces have to offer.

Jeppe Hein: Appearing Rooms
People enjoying the Jeppe Hein Fountain at the Southbank Centre

Jeppe Hein: Appearing Rooms

A summer favourite returns to our site with water fountains to splash around and cool down in.

Shopping
Wooden displays in the Southbank centre shop, featuring books, plushies, and colourful merchandise

Shopping

A vibrant range of inspiring books, homeware, prints, accessories and more.

Klaus Weber: Thinking Fountains
Two statues; a green human body with water spouting from its neck and another of human legs with water pouring down from above displayed outdoors

Thinking
Fountains

Water cascades and spouts over Klaus Weber’s bronze figures.

Modified Social Benches
Two children eating ice cream on a red cirrcular bench

Modified Social Benches

Benches that challenge the space and distance we place between one another.

William Pye's Zemran
A photograph showing Riverside Terrace at Southbank Centre, with the metal sculpture Zemran in the foreground, next to Queen Elizabeth Hall

William Pye's Zemran

Pye’s beautiful stainless steel sculpture sits overlooking the Thames.

Natura Nostra Forest
Bright sunlight bursts through green leaves with a lens flare, set against a blue sky and a textured concrete building.

Natura Nostra Forest

Our growing pocket forest creating a natural oasis.

Magazine

Get closer to the arts and artists shaping our culture.

Discover more stories

Who is choreographer Hofesh Shechter?
The choreographer Hofesh Shechter, pictured in 2013, sits among the empty red seats of a theatre auditorium
Article

Who is choreographer Hofesh Shechter?

Get an introduction to the celebrated choreographer ahead of the London premiere of his work for Shechter II, IN THE BRAIN.

Artist on artist: Neil Hannon on the ‘aesthetically brilliant’ William Morris
A man in a dark blue blazer and green sweater vest sits at a café table with a cup of coffee, looking contemplative.
Article

Artist on artist: Neil Hannon on the ‘aesthetically brilliant’ William Morris

The singer-songwriter and frontman of the Divine Comedy discusses his ever-growing admiration for the 19th century designer and polymath.

My mixtape: Thamarai’s 10 songs that shaped the independent British Tamil music scene
British Tamil musician Pritt , a young woman with long dark hair, lounges on some rocks. The words 'My Mixtape' appear over the top of the image.
Playlist

My mixtape: Thamarai’s 10 songs that shaped the independent British Tamil music scene

Listen to this playlist of artists who’ve shaped, and continue to shape the British Tamil sound, curated by Thamarai’s Ara Vetha.

How I create… with painter and illustrator Malak Mattar
A woman with long wavy dark hair wears a double-breasted red blazer, standing in front of an art studio wall with sketches.
Article

How I create… with painter and illustrator Malak Mattar

The Palestinian painter on how art saved her, and discovering the valuable skill of collaboration.

5 things to know about Refugee Week
A man sits on a stage floor beside a kora, silhouetted against a large, glowing orange circular backdrop.
Article

5 things to know about Refugee Week

Find out about how Refugee Week has grown, and how it will be celebrated here at the Southbank Centre this year.

Skating history: the story of the Undercroft Skate Space
Young skateboarders in action at the undercroft skate space in 1976; in the foreground one skateboarder pulls along a nother one who is sitting on his board.
Article

Skating history: the story of the Undercroft Skate Space

A brief look at the history of this iconic skateboard space on the South Bank that sits within the concrete of our buildings.

Artist on artist: Raymond Antrobus on the irreplaceable Benjamin Zephaniah
Poet Raymond Antronbus sits at a table in the covered area of a garden
Article

Artist on artist: Raymond Antrobus on the irreplaceable Benjamin Zephaniah

The multi-award-winning poet shares his personal lifelong connection with the hugely popular figure once dubbed ‘the people’s laureate’.

Playlist: South Asian Sounds 2026
Singer Shalini Rani sits cross legged in a patterned dark red outfit. The word Playlist is emblazoned over the top of her.
Playlist

Playlist: South Asian Sounds 2026

Listen to a playlist of contemporary and timeless South Asian music from artists appearing at the 2026 edition of South Asian Sounds.

More to explore

Create & learn
Artistic shot of a blue painted face person leaning over a yellow staircase over the blue sky

Create, learn & take part

Fuel your creativity and be inspired by connecting to the arts with us.

Become a Member
A performer on stage wearing a dramatic black dress smiling and holding a microphone with band behind lit by red lights

Our Members get more

Get a host of great benefits and help us to keep doing what we do.

About us
His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Royal Festival Hall’s opening concert

Our story

From our roots in the Festival of Britain to the impact we’re making today.