Arts Emergency: Saturday
Young members of the grassroots movement curate a line-up of free comedy and more for this Saturday edition of our Riverside Sessions.
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.
Since its formation it has empowered over 2,000 under-resourced young people across London, Greater Manchester and Merseyside to pursue their creative passions through 1:1 mentoring with industry professionals, real-life opportunities, network connections, peer support, and up to ten-years’ worth of tailored assistance.
Everybody, no matter their background, has the right to contribute to the culture they live in.
Check the website nearer the time for details of the line-up.
The Southbank Centre’s Riverside Sessions mark our 75th birthday with events curated by young people, for everyone. Whether you’re 15 or 75, come along to connect with the energy, complexity and joy of youth.
Need to know
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
22 Aug 2026, 2pm
Run time
8 hours and 30 minutes (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.