Magazine

Read the fascinating story behind the first ever steelpan performance on these shores, 75 years ago this summer.

Join The History Gossip for a look back at the nationwide celebration that gave us the Royal Festival Hall.

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

Enjoy a collection of personal memories from the celebration that gave birth to the Southbank Centre.

Watch the 2015 debut concert of Chineke! Europe’s first professional orchestra made up entirely of Global Ethnic Majority performers.

Watch the legendary composer conduct a 1965 performance of The Firebird by the Philharmonia Orchestra.

Look back in bhangra (and sufi and raga and carnartic music…) at South Asian musicians who have performed on our stages from the 1950s to 2025.

How many of these popular poets have you seen appear on our stages?

See how the foyers and lobbies of our Royal Festival Hall have changed from its opening in 1951 to its newest refurbishment in 2024.

Our Royal Festival Hall organ celebrated 70 years in 2024. The organ’s curator William McVicker’s short history includes the story of its creation.

The Royal Festival Hall organ is celebrated through memories of those who have heard it, and those who have been lucky enough to play it.

The South Bank Book Market turned 40 in 2023 Read a history of the market and an interview with one of its original stall holders, still going strong.