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A diverse group of people, including elderly women, joyfully dance together indoors, wearing green scarves, in a lively, well-lit setting

The Clore Ballroom

An open space for dancing, music and coming together

This large, open space on Level 2 of the Royal Festival Hall hosts many of our free events – from performances by our Resident Orchestras, to joyful social dances where everyone is invited to take part.

Even when there are no events taking place, you’re welcome to visit The Clore Ballroom whenever the Royal Festival Hall building is open. Take a moment here to catch up with friends, relax with a book or enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat from the Ballroom Cafe. And there’s plenty of room for little ones to run around and make some noise.

On now & coming up

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 Apples and Snakes: Managers’ Match
A woman performs spoken word poetry on stage with her arms outstretched, a large screen with text behind her.
Literature & poetry

Apples and Snakes: Managers’ Match

Ninety minutes of fast-paced, thought-provoking poetry performances from top-of-the-table poets
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for From the Lips to the Moon
Two musicians perform on a dark stage with red light projections; the singer wears red gloves and
Literature & poetry

From the Lips to the Moon

Surreal, misbehaving music, poetry and performance by Pouya Ehsaei, Tara Fatehi and guests
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for Apples and Snakes Word Cup – Showcase Final
A diverse audience sits on wooden benches in a large indoor hall, smiling and clapping after a performance.
Literature & poetry

Apples and Snakes Word Cup – Showcase Final

Seven teams of young poets go head-to-head in a high-energy poetic play-off
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for A Poet in Every Port: Live
Roger McGough seated on a wooden bench wearing a blue cap
Literature & poetry

A Poet in Every Port: Live

Join Roger McGough and the New Poets Collective for a celebration of the poetry of the UK
The Clore Ballroom
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 Bass in the Borough
From behind, a keyboardist plays for a cheering crowd while a brass band performs under purple and pink lights.
Gigs

Bass in the Borough

Live music and a DJ set feature in the return of Kinetika Bloco’s summer dance bonanza
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase
Dancers in teal tops and patterned skirts perform with colorful pleated hats on a stage lit by warm red spotlights.
Family & young people

Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase

See 150 young performers from the south London music charity in a joyful evening of music and dance
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for LIVE + BREATHE: Climate Futures Marketplace
Three people in casual clothing are standing in front of a tall building and trees. They are looking directly into the camera which is placed  on the ground.
Art & exhibitions

LIVE + BREATHE: Climate Futures Marketplace

Hear from local voices and explore how positive climate action can be collectively joyful
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for Exploration Bazaar
Glossy white molecular-style structures sit on a beige plane, linked by glowing pink and yellow light filaments.
Tours & activities

Exploration Bazaar

Ignite your curiosity, play with new ideas or join a debate at an exploration of creative AI innovation
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free
More info for THE DELUSION: I Can’t Move With You
Six people sitting around a circular table, which is a game board, and looking at a screen
Art & exhibitions

THE DELUSION: I Can’t Move With You

Brave a post-apocalyptic world and play artist Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley’s interactive game
The Clore Ballroom
Tickets Free

For your visit

The Clore Ballroom Southbank Centre

The Clore Ballroom is open six days a week.

Tuesday, 10am – 6pm*
Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.

*If we’re hosting a performance, the building will stay open until the event ends.

While you’re with us