Arts Emergency: Express
Arts Emergency young curators bring workshops, storytelling and music to the riverside, with open-mic night Special Guest and alt-soul artist Leah Cleaver.
Join us for a one-off edition of London’s buzziest open-mic night, Special Guest, this time with a curated line-up of actors, comedians and writers telling stories inspired by words given by the audience, and backed by brilliant musicians from Peng Femme Jam.
Named ‘Special Guest presents Special Request’, these artists have been given words from a giant diary of memories and notes collected across the weekend. Have your chance to share your inner feelings with the diary at the drop-in workshop with Camille Dawson, running through the day. It’s a celebration of all that happens when we open up to spontaneity and embrace big feelings.
Music bookends the day with sets from emerging DJs to start and a live set from rising star Leah Cleaver to close things out.
This event is part of the Southbank Centre’s Riverside Sessions, running throughout the summer as part of our 75th birthday celebrations. Curated by young people, the programme invites audiences of all ages to explore youth as a mindset, not a number.
Need to know
1pm: DJs
3.35pm: Special Guest present Special Request
4.45pm: Peng Femme 15 minute jam
5.15pm: Leah Cleaver
The diary workshop runs from 2pm – 4pm
Arts Emergency is a grassroots movement set up in 2013 by activist Neil Griffiths and comedian Josie Long to act as an ‘Alternative Old Boys’ Network’ for under-resourced young people curious about having a future in arts and culture but who lack the privilege and/or inside connections that can open doors for them.
Leah Cleaver is a London-based artist and activist whose music blends alt-pop with funk, hip-hop, electro and soul. The former frontwoman of the neo-soul group Zebede, Cleaver has performed at British Summer Time festival, recorded a session for Jamz Supernova and now begins her journey as a solo artist.
Camille Dawson is founder and artistic director of critically acclaimed multi-art theatre company, Frisky, making playful, personal and provocative work.
Special Guest is the open mic night where anything goes. Expect creative talks, shower thoughts, true stories, hidden talents, deep and meaningfuls, and much more.
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
23 Aug 2026, 1pm
Run time
5 hours (approx)
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Standard entry
Free – no ticket required
Concessions
Learn more about concession discounts
Refunds and exchanges
Find out more about our refund and exchange policy
Make a donation
Help us open up the arts to everyone by making a one-off or a recurring donation.
Access
This event might be crowded and feature loud sounds. If you need access to a rest space, ear defenders and sensory packs, please let a member of staff know.
A ‘What to expect guide’ will be available closer to the date.
You can join our free Access Scheme through your online Southbank Centre account or via email.
Find out more about our Access Scheme
All our access information
For your visit
This event is held at the Riverside Terrace Southbank Centre
The Riverside Terrace is open all day, every day*.
*If you’re attending an event on our Riverside Terrace, check the event listing for start and finish times.
Plan your visit
The Riverside Terrace is an outdoor space overlooking the River Thames, on Royal Festival Hall, Level 2.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
Through the glass from Riverside Terrace on Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.