Southbank Centre
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London's hub of cultural arts, The Southbank Centre announced in March 2013 that it's set for a £100 million revamp that will see the 1960s design finally move into the 21st century with a proposal that includes a floating glass pavilion, two more roof gardens, a space for riverside arts and a large pedestrian area. Currently, the centre is a classic example of brutal 60s concrete architecture. Everyone has an opinion (usually negative) on its distinctive design - famous detractors include Prince Charles, who once described it as looking like a "nuclear power station". Yet, if the The West End is the centre of popular culture in London, it is the Southbank Centre that is the centre of true excellence in the arts. Comprising the Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery, the complex consistently produces classical and world music events and fine art exhibitions of high renown. Over 150,000 hours of music have been performed at the Royal Festival Hall - the largest venue in the Southbank Centre - since its completion in 1951. Welcoming over three million visitors a year, the Royal Festival Hall is primarily a classical music venue. It benefits from the residency of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonia and four associate ensembles. The programme also includes events from opera to the London Jazz Festival. The Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room host regular recitals, dance performances and choral concerts. Free lunchtime concerts held in the foyer offer a more relaxed musical experience. The Hayward Gallery has been the originator or host of influential exhibitions since 1968. The colossal Poetry Library houses the Arts Council modern collection, while the BFI Southbank (previously the National Film Theatre) shows 2,000 films (art house and classics) a year alongside many film festivals and director-led seasons. A happy architectural accident has also made this complex the best spot for skateboarding and BMXing in the capital, meaning it is loved by London's counter-culture as much as by its highbrow elite. In the last ten years, the building of Tate Modern and the London Eye adjacent to the centre has been the final step in making the South Bank of the Thames into the beating heart of a thousand years of British culture.
Southbank Centre events
Gravity and Other Myths: BackboneGravity and Other Myths: BackboneTen skilled acrobats explore the perception of strength, where it comes from and how it is measured, through jaw-dropping virtuosity and discipline, directed by Darcy Grant.2018-08-16T19:30:00+01002018-08-19T00:00:00+0100
Where:
event > Kids Events > Attractions Events - Circus
PRICING £15-£30, concs £12-£22.50
DATES 14th, 16th and 18th & 19th Aug 2018
Ten skilled acrobats explore the perception of strength, where it comes from and how it is measured, through jaw-dropping virtuosity and discipline, directed by Darcy Grant.... More about this event
event > Clubbing and Nightlife > Dance - Disco | PRICING Free
DATES Thursday 16th and Thursday 23rd August 2018 - 5pm-8pm
Get your groove on to summer tunes from the ever-popular Heart n Soul DJs at a free dance party overlooking the river.
Nelson Mandela: The Centenary Exhibition 2018Nelson Mandela: The Centenary Exhibition 2018This summer, the Southbank Centre marks the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birthday with a brand-new exhibition. Taking place in the newly renovated Queen Elizabeth Hall, Nelson Mandela: The Centenary Exhibition 2018 will explore the life and times of the iconic leader, from young freedom fighter to becoming the inspiration for an international move2018-08-16T00:00:00+01002018-08-19T00:00:00+0100
Where:
event > Exhibitions > Special exhibits - Galleries | PRICING Free
DATES 17th July to 19th August 2018
VENUE Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall
This summer, the Southbank Centre marks the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birthday with a brand-new exhibition. Taking place in the newly renovated Queen Elizabeth Hall, Nelson Mandela: The Centenary Exhibition 2018 will explore the life and times of the iconic leader, from young freedom fighter to becoming the inspiration for an international move... More about this event
The Jam Shed Supper ClubThe Jam Shed Supper ClubA brand new rooftop dining experience for summer 2018, The Jam Shed Supper Club brings summery menus from five MasterChef contestants to the sixth floor of Royal Festival Hall. As well as sunset views over the Thames, diners can enjoy sharing dishes and small plates by Steve Kielty, Nawamin Pinpathomrat, David Crichton, Alexandra Jorge, George Kall2018-08-16T18:00:00+01002018-09-08T00:00:00+0100
Where:
event > Foodie Events
PRICING £45
DATES 24th July to 8th September 2018
VENUE Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall
A brand new rooftop dining experience for summer 2018, The Jam Shed Supper Club brings summery menus from five MasterChef contestants to the sixth floor of Royal Festival Hall. As well as sunset views over the Thames, diners can enjoy sharing dishes and small plates by Steve Kielty, Nawamin Pinpathomrat, David Crichton, Alexandra Jorge, George Kall... More about this event
Lee Bul: Wayward WanderLee Bul: Wayward WanderThe Southbank Centre's Hayward Gallery hosts a mid-career survey of the work of acclaimed South Korean artist Lee Bul. The first retrospective of the artist in London, Wayward Wander explores the artist's extensive investigation into the body and its relationship to architectural space. Lee Bul has explored questions of intimacy, gender, technology2018-08-16T00:00:00+01002018-08-19T00:00:00+0100
Where:
event > Exhibitions > Art exhibitions
DATES 30th May to 19th August 2018
VENUE The Hayward Gallery
The Southbank Centre's Hayward Gallery hosts a mid-career survey of the work of acclaimed South Korean artist Lee Bul. The first retrospective of the artist in London, Wayward Wander explores the artist's extensive investigation into the body and its relationship to architectural space. Lee Bul has explored questions of intimacy, gender, technology... More about this event
Jeppe Hein: Appearing RoomsJeppe Hein: Appearing RoomsTo the art world Jeppe Hein's 'Appearing Rooms' is a delightful mix of sculpture and architecture, playing with the viewers perception of solid forms. To the many kids and families who flock to the South Bank in the summer, the Danish artist's water jets provide a great way to cool off, dashing in and out of the unpredictable spurts of water. Watch2018-08-16T00:00:00+01002018-09-09T00:00:00+0100
Where:
event > Kids Events | PRICING Free
DATES 26th May to 9th September 2018
To the art world Jeppe Hein's 'Appearing Rooms' is a delightful mix of sculpture and architecture, playing with the viewers perception of solid forms. To the many kids and families who flock to the South Bank in the summer, the Danish artist's water jets provide a great way to cool off, dashing in and out of the unpredictable spurts of water. Watch... More about this event
Circus 250 WeekendCircus 250 WeekendCelebrating 250 years of circus, the Southbank Centre is putting on a weekend of free workshops and performances as part of the national #Circus250 celebrations. This weekend will include an array of free workshops where you can learn a new skill as well as live circus acts from Backbone performers, who are performing on the main stage at Royal Fes2018-08-17T00:00:00+01002018-08-19T00:00:00+0100
Where:
event > Concerts > Rock & Pop - Festivals | PRICING Free
DATES 17th, 18th and 19th August 2018
Celebrating 250 years of circus, the Southbank Centre is putting on a weekend of free workshops and performances as part of the national #Circus250 celebrations. This weekend will include an array of free workshops where you can learn a new skill as well as live circus acts from Backbone performers, who are performing on the main stage at Royal Fes... More about this event
event > Exhibitions > Art exhibitions | PRICING Free
DATES 22nd August to 14th October 2018
Radical self-portraiture from the 1960s to the present day by artists embracing drag as an art form, including Pierre Moliner, Valie Export, Robert Mapplethorpe and Cindy Sherman.
How to Catch a StarHow to Catch a StarBased on Oliver Jeffers' beautifully illustrated book, Branar Teatar do Phaisti return to the Southbank Centre to present the theatre show of How to Catch a Star. Following the story of a boy who dreamt of having a star as a friend, the performance combines puppetry and a magical original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire. Directed by Marc Mac Lochlain2018-08-23T00:00:00+01002018-08-27T00:00:00+0100
Where:
event > Kids Events > Theatre Productions - Kids Shows
PRICING £14 (Adult), £7 (Child)
DATES 23rd to 27th Aug 2018
VENUE Southbank Centre: Purcell Room
Based on Oliver Jeffers' beautifully illustrated book, Branar Teatar do Phaisti return to the Southbank Centre to present the theatre show of How to Catch a Star. Following the story of a boy who dreamt of having a star as a friend, the performance combines puppetry and a magical original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire. Directed by Marc Mac Lochlain... More about this event
event > Theatre > Puppet shows
PRICING £14, child £7, concs £10.50
DATES 23rd to 27th Aug 2018
An adaptation of Oliver Jeffers's award-winning book about a boy who dreamt of having a star as a friend. Directed by Marc Mac Lochlainn and featuring puppetry by Grace Kiely, Neasa Ni Chuanaigh and Suse Reibisch.
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Discover what's on in London 2018 with our comprehensive guide to the best events. From theatre to art and music to sport, London 2018 has something for everyone - so read on to find out what London town has to offer.
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London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel from £112 21% off
1 Addington Street, SE1 | 6 minutes from Southbank Centre
Close to Waterloo, the 4 star Park Plaza is - as the name suggests - just behind County Hall. Near to the Thames, it's also convenient ... More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel from £117 30% off
2 Whitehall Court, SW1A | 6 minutes from Southbank Centre
Emulating the style of a French chateau, this grand Victorian residence, built in 1884, occupies a prime location within Westminster. It's worth staying at the Grade ... More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel from £244 22% off
Whitehall Place, SW1A | 6 minutes from Southbank Centre
With 294 bedrooms, multi-level penthouse suites and terraces offering spectacular views of the River Thames, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall - the £300 million restoration of the ... More
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
Arches 228-232 Station Approach Road, SE1 | 5 minutes from Southbank Centre
In the midst of Leeke Street tunnel, one of the biggest graffiti canvases in London, and opposite The Vaults you'll find House of Vans, ... More
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
Strand, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 7 minutes from Southbank Centre
Somerset House, once the site of a spectacular Tudor palace, now includes a magnificent 18th century art gallery housing celebrated collections belonging to the Courtauld Institute ... More
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
44 Lambeth High Street, Albert Embankment, SE1 | 17 minutes from Southbank Centre
Once the fire engine workshops of the London Fire Brigade, The Workshop on Albert Embankment in Lambeth is opening its doors once again, as a temporary ... More
London > Entertainment > Classical Music
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
Housed in the same modernist block as the Royal Festival Hall and sandwiched between it and the Hayward Gallery, the Purcell Room has a 372-seat auditorium, ... More
London > Entertainment > Live Music
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
Located by the River Thames, with sweeping views of the capital from the London Eye to St Paul's Cathedral, the Southbank Centre is a unique metropolitan ... More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
Each summer, from May to September, a Speigeltent (from the Dutch for 'mirror tent') is set up in the shadow of the Southbank Centre, to host ... More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: Thursday 16th August 2018 - 9.15pm
Southbank Centre, Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
Queen Diva Tempest Rose hosts the 10th anniversary show of provocative performances, audience sing-alongs and epic soundtracks, bursting out with sass, glamour and girl-power....More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 8th November 2018 to 5th January 2019
Southbank Centre, South Bank, Covent Garden, London SE1 | 3 minutes from Southbank Centre
This moving adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's World War I epic War Horse returns to the theatre where it all started, the National Theatre, eleven years after ...More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 19th November 2016 to 25th September 2018
Southbank Centre, Savoy Court, Strand, WC2R | 7 minutes from Southbank Centre
A multi-award winning hit on Broadway and a 2006 film starring Beyonce, Dreamgirls returns thirty-five years after the original 1981Tony Award-winningmusical was first staged.The story, based ...More
Sights and Attractions near Southbank Centre
London > Attractions > Museums
Level 5, Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
The most comprehensive and accessible collection of poetry from 1914 in Britain, The Poetry Library within the Southbank Centre contains 90,000 items and is still growing. ... More
London > Attractions >
South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
This stretch along the Thames is one of the cultural and social hubs of London with the Southbank Centre - which includes Royal Festival Hall, Queen ... More
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | 1 minute from Southbank Centre
The Hayward Gallery has been the originator or host of influential exhibitions since 1968. It mounts temporary exhibitions of contemporary and historical art. The gallery, named ... More
London > Shopping > Books
Riverside, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, South Bank Centre, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
The family-run Foyles book shop has been in the book selling business since 1906. Around 30,000 books are stocked at this branch on a broad range ... More
London > Shopping > Delicatessens
22 Cornwall Road, South Bank, London SE1 | 6 minutes from Southbank Centre
Konditor & Cook specialise in the creation of amazingly tasty cakes which are also sold on to some of the finest restaurants in the city. This, ... More
London > Shopping > Markets
Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1 | 7 minutes from Southbank Centre
On weekdays a street food market runs along Lower Marsh displaying a diverse range of global food for all tastes, from Italian ... More
Restaurants near Southbank Centre
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
South Bank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
Food to go in its simplest form. Freeshly baked bread for hand-made made sandwhiches; home made soups; simple salads. Another high street option for fresh. fast ... More
London > Restaurants > Italian restaurants
Unit 6, Royal Festival Hall Riverside, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
Strada has started something of a pizza revolution. The chain has blossomed thanks largely to its focus on fresh, high quality ingredients, and efficient, friendly service. ... More
London > Restaurants > International restaurants
Unit 1, Royal Festival Hall Riverside, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
If you happen to be with the kids on the South Bank this summer this is a great little eatery in which to recharge their batteries. ... More
London > Education > Arts and Drama
Somerset House, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 7 minutes from Southbank Centre
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and prime ... More
London > Education > Universities and Colleges
1 Sheffield Street, Holborn, London WC2A | 12 minutes from Southbank Centre
The award-winning Saw Swee Hock Student Centre, designed by Irish architects O'Donnell + Tuomey and awarded the RIBA London Building of the Year Award in 2014, ... More
London > Education > Universities and Colleges
24 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, WC2H | 13 minutes from Southbank Centre
The London Film School is the oldest-established international school of film technique in the world. The school has contributed significantly to ... More
Leisure near Southbank Centre
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1 | 4 minutes from Southbank Centre
Fancy detoxing in the building where the Greater London Council used to run the city? The Spa at the London Marriott County ... More
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
3 Belvedere Road, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 4 minutes from Southbank Centre
The concrete promenade along the South Bank greatly benefits from this large patch of green grass for striders, strollers and sightseers to relax on. Not ... More
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
Upper Ground, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 6 minutes from Southbank Centre
Located between Oxo Tower Wharf and Gabriel's Wharf, Bernie Spain Gardens is a pleasant green space to stop off on a riverside walk along the South ... More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
25 Roupell Street, South Bank, London SE1 | 6 minutes from Southbank Centre
A short walk from the South Bank Centre, The Old Vic and The National Theatre this traditional old watering hole is a good place to have ... More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
10 Northumberland Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 7 minutes from Southbank Centre
Thirsty Sherlock Holmes fans look no further than this homage to the great detective himself and to original Victorian pubs. While you indulge in a soothing ... More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
62 Stamford Street, South Bank, London SE1 | 8 minutes from Southbank Centre
If you're the kind of drinker who gets thirsty, very thirsty, and you don't have the time or patience to queue for at a very busy ... More
Nightlife near Southbank Centre
London > Nightlife > Bars
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
Designed by the Eden Project, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden is the place to be on a summer's evening for stunning sundown views over the ... More
London > Nightlife > Bars
Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A | 6 minutes from Southbank Centre
The cocktails in the Bassoon Bar are very good, expensive, yes, but very, very good. Not only that but the bar has a piano which is ... More
London > Nightlife > Wine Bars
47 Villiers Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 6 minutes from Southbank Centre
Home to Samuel Pepys in the 1680s, the building housing Gordon’s is now home to a regular, thriving crowd of drinkers of all ages and all ... More
Meeting venue hire near Southbank Centre
London > Business > Venue Hire
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
The Royal Festival Hall's refurbishment has done away with 'The People's Palace', the marvellously 1950s restaurant that used to occupy this space, and replaced it with ... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
Located by the River Thames, with sweeping views of the capital from the London Eye to St Paul's Cathedral, the Southbank Centre is a unique metropolitan ... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 3 minutes from Southbank Centre
The Deck is a modern roof-top venue with stunning views over the Thames, available for hire at the National Theatre, part of the Southbank Centre which ... More
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Hotels Near Southbank Centre What's On Today Near Southbank Centre  Nelson Mandela: The Centenary Exhibition 2018 Exhibitions | Until 19th August 2018 Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall This summer, the Southbank Centre marks the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birthday with a brand-new exhibition. Taking place in the ...More House Of Burlesque Revue Theatre | Until 16th August 2018 Queen Diva Tempest Rose hosts the 10th anniversary show of provocative performances, audience sing-alongs and epic soundtracks, bursting out with ...More  The Jam Shed Supper Club Foodie Events | Until 8th September 2018 Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall A brand new rooftop dining experience for summer 2018, The Jam Shed Supper Club brings summery menus from five MasterChef ...More  Circa Peepshow Dance | Until 18th August 2018 The Brisbane-based circus ensemble, Circa, known for their "artful acrobatics" (The Guardian) and described as "human poetry in motion" by ...More  Underbelly Festival Theatre | Until 30th September 2018 The unrivalled Underbelly Festival returns to South Bank, between the Southbank Centre and London Eye, from April 2018 and they're ...More  Aliens Love Underpants Theatre | Until 30th September 2018 "Aliens love underpants, of every shape and size, but there are no underpants in space, so here's a ...More  Lee Bul: Wayward Wander Exhibitions | Until 19th August 2018 The Hayward Gallery 1 minute walk from Southbank Centre The Southbank Centre's Hayward Gallery hosts a mid-career survey of the work of acclaimed South Korean artist Lee Bul. The ...More  Exit the King Theatre | Until 8th September 2018 National Theatre: Olivier Theatre 2 minutes walk from Southbank Centre This July at the National's Olivier Theatre, Patrick Marber (the author of Closer, who more recently adapted Three Days in ...More  The Lehman Trilogy Theatre | Until 22nd September 2018 National Theatre: Lyttelton Theatre 3 minutes walk from Southbank Centre From July 2018, Sam Mendes directs the epic story of Lehman Brothers from its beginning in 1844 to its end ...More  The Star Seekers Kids Events | Until 1st September 2018 National Theatre: Dorfman 3 minutes walk from Southbank Centre Children aged between three and eight are invited to join The Star Seekers, Alph, Betty and Gammo on a journey ...More New on LondonTown  Summer Jazz Weekender Concerts | From 18th August A weekend of free jazz hosted by Harry Christelis, the Summer Jazz Weekender brings award-winning ...More  Pergola Olympia Dining Pergola is back in west London and this time it's fully enclosed and open all ...More  1251 by James Cochran Dining James Cochran leaves his EC3 restaurant in the City to set up 1251, a modern ...More  POPfit and Fabletics Celebrate Queen of Pop, MADONNA'S, 60th Birthday Dance | On 17th August Hard to believe that Madonna is 60 - ...More POPfit Studio Sport POPfit's boutique UK studio and the UK's first Fabletics store is on Sidworth Street in ...More  The Great Fete Exhibitions | On 18th August A celebration of Alexandra Palace and its role since it first opened in 1875, The ...More  Paradise Now Exhibitions | From 7th September This is just what we need after our hectic summer holidays... a free wellness playground ...More Gasholder 11 Attractions Gasholders No. 11 is one of three gasholders, now in their new home north of Regent's Canal and next to Gasholder Park, known as the 'Siamese Triplet' because their frames are joined....More  Eyam Theatre | From 15th September A drama set in Derbyshire in 1665 when plague strikes a village at war with ...More  Guy Barker's Big Band Christmas Concerts | On 14th December A mixture of jazz classics, unearthed treasures and ...More  Whose Line Is It Anyway? 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Hotels near Southbank Centre
From cheap budget places to stay to luxury 5 star suites see our discounts for Southbank Centre hotels, including Corinthia Hotel London from 97% off. |
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