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
Baba Yaga: Windmill Theatre CompanyBaba Yaga: Windmill Theatre CompanyThe Australian Windmill Theatre Company offers a contemporary take on an old Russian folk tale in Baba Yaga which comes to the Southbank Centre as part of the London Literature Festival. Vaselina lives the quiet life, working as a receptionist in a very tall apartment block. But all that changes when she is forced to confront a terrifying resident,2019-10-22T11:30:00+01002019-10-23T00:00:00+0100
Where:
event > Theatre > Kids shows
PRICING £14
DATES Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd October 2019
The Australian Windmill Theatre Company offers a contemporary take on an old Russian folk tale in Baba Yaga which comes to the Southbank Centre as part of the London Literature Festival. Vaselina lives the quiet life, working as a receptionist in a very tall apartment block. But all that changes when she is forced to confront a terrifying resident,... More about this event
London Literature FestivalLondon Literature FestivalTricky, Suede frontman Brett Anderson and broadcaster and novelist Elizabeth Day are at this year's London Literature Festival. Held over eleven days across Southbank Centre's 17-acre site, the festival features a packed programme of exclusive appearances, live readings, newly commissioned performances, talks, debates, poetry, visual displays, work2019-10-22T00:00:00+01002019-10-27T00:00:00+0100
Where:
event > Exhibitions > Lifestyle - Literary Events & Book Signings
PRICING Various, some Free
DATES 17th to 27th October 2019
Tricky, Suede frontman Brett Anderson and broadcaster and novelist Elizabeth Day are at this year's London Literature Festival. Held over eleven days across Southbank Centre's 17-acre site, the festival features a packed programme of exclusive appearances, live readings, newly commissioned performances, talks, debates, poetry, visual displays, work... More about this event
event > Exhibitions > Art exhibitions - Painting | PRICING Free
DATES 16th October to 17th November 2019 - 11am-8pm
Celebrate the 100th birthday of the Beat poet, publisher, painter and activist with examples of his visual work, and video and audio of him reading his poetry.
event > Exhibitions > Art exhibitions | PRICING Free
DATES 19th September to 3rd November 2019 - 10am-11pm
Musician Soweto Kinch curates an exhibition of artworks by incarcerated people. Presented by Koestler Arts in partnership with Southbank Centre.
event > Concerts > Classical
PRICING £14-£65
DATES Wednesday 23rd October 2019 - 7.30pm
Thomas Ades conducts the orchestra and ladies of the London Philharmonic Choir in Sibelius's Nightride And Sunrise, the UK premiere of his own Concerto For Piano And Orchestra with Kirill Gerstein and Holst's The Planets.
Bridget RileyBridget RileyBest known for her visually arresting Op art, 87-year-old British artist Bridget Riley is the subject of a major retrospective at the Hayward Gallery this autumn. Opening in October 2019, this comprehensive exhibition is the first museum survey of Riley's work to be held in the UK for 16 years. The exhibition, of early representational paintings, i2019-10-23T00:00:00+01002020-01-26T00:00:00+0000
Where:
event > Exhibitions > Art exhibitions - Multimedia
PRICING £15.50 / £12.50 (includes entry to upper galleries diane arbus: in the beginning)
DATES 23rd October 2019 to 26th January 2020
VENUE The Hayward Gallery
Best known for her visually arresting Op art, 87-year-old British artist Bridget Riley is the subject of a major retrospective at the Hayward Gallery this autumn. Opening in October 2019, this comprehensive exhibition is the first museum survey of Riley's work to be held in the UK for 16 years. The exhibition, of early representational paintings, i... More about this event
event > Concerts > Classical
PRICING Free, ticketed
DATES Thursday 24th October 2019 - 6pm
Jonathan Berman conducts Gerard Pesson's Branle De Poitou For Piano And Eight Instruments and the UK premieres of Six Transformations After Mozart's Minuet In D and Carmagnole For Ensemble.
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With an exciting calendar of entertainment, 2019 is another special year in London. Find out what's happening throughout the capital with our thorough guide to the best 2019 London events.
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London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel from £99 41% 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 £146 24% 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 £365 33% 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 April 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: Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd October 2019
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 | Same location as Southbank Centre
The Australian Windmill Theatre Company offers a contemporary take on an old Russian folk tale in Baba Yaga which comes to the Southbank Centre as part ...More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 27th November 2019 to 29th February 2020
Southbank Centre, Northumberland Avenue, WC2N | 6 minutes from Southbank Centre
James McAvoy returns to the West End starring as the soldier and poet with a nose as huge as his heart, Cyrano de Bergerac. With Jamie ...More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 28th January 2019 to 4th April 2020
Southbank Centre, Savoy Court, Strand, WC2R | 7 minutes from Southbank Centre
Dolly Parton's signature sass is stamped all over this empowering musical version of the 1980 movie in which she co-starred. She has written all the songs ...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 specialises in the creation of amazingly tasty cakes which are also sold on to some of the finest restaurants in the city. This, the first ... 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
Also in Belvedere Road
Our recommendations in the same street as Southbank Centre
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Hotels Near Southbank Centre What's On Today Near Southbank Centre  Costume at the National Theatre Exhibitions | Until 27th June 2020 National Theatre: Olivier Theatre 2 minutes walk from Southbank Centre Featuring costumes from Follies and Antony and Cleopatra, Costume at the National Theatre shows just some of the exquisite outfits ...More  Translations Theatre | Until 18th December 2019 National Theatre: Olivier Theatre 2 minutes walk from Southbank Centre Following a sold-out run last year, Brian Friel's modern classic, Translations, returns to the National Theatre. Ciaran Hinds once again ...More The Antipodes Theatre | Until 23rd November 2019 National Theatre: Dorfman 3 minutes walk from Southbank Centre Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker directs the UK premiere of her own drama about the art of storytelling set around ...More  'Master Harold'... and the boys Theatre | Until 17th December 2019 National Theatre: Lyttelton Theatre 3 minutes walk from Southbank Centre A semi-autobiographical play by Tony Award-winning playwright Athol Fugard, 'Master Harold'... and the boys comes to the National Theatre this ...More  Hansard Theatre | Until 24th October 2019 National Theatre: Lyttelton Theatre 3 minutes walk from Southbank Centre A new play by Simon Woods, Hansard is a witty and devastating portrait of the governing class. Set on a ...More  Witness For The Prosecution Theatre | Until 13th September 2020 The Debating Chamber, County Hall 4 minutes walk from Southbank Centre Set the Debating Chamber of London's County Hall - a room which resembles a courtroom in every way - Lucy ...More The Guinea Pig Club Comedy | On 22nd October 2019 Tattershall Castle 5 minutes walk from Southbank Centre New material from top acts on the circuit and rising stars....More Ages Of The Moon Theatre | Until 24th November 2019 The Vaults 5 minutes walk from Southbank Centre Sam Shepard's drama stars Christopher Fairbank and Joseph Marcell as two old friends, and bitter rivals, reflecting on life and ...More  Red Palace Theatre | Until 12th January 2020 The Vaults 5 minutes walk from Southbank Centre Following on from last year's Divine Proportions, Shotgun Carousel return to The Vaults with another immersive experience, this time presenting ...More  The Permanent Way Theatre | Until 17th November 2019 The Vaults 5 minutes walk from Southbank Centre David Hare's award-winning play, The Permanent Way, comes to The Vaults this September in a brand-new site-specific production. Having originally ...More New on LondonTown  Other Side Fried Dining The first bricks and mortar restaurant from fried chicken street food favourite Other Side Fried....More Temple of Seitan Camden Dining Catering to vegans who are craving something naughty, Temple of Seitan serves a menu of plant-based junk food....More Temple of Seitan Hackney Dining Catering to vegans who are craving something naughty, Temple of Seitan serves a menu of plant-based junk food....More  Lele's Dining Set up by former Pop Brixton Marketing Director Valentina Fois, Lele's is a vegan café ...More  Folie Dining Taking diners on a journey from Marseille to Portofino through to St Tropez and Nice, ...More  Muse Dining A new venture from acclaimed chef Tom Aikens, Muse offers every guest a chefs' table ...More  Sam's Riverside Dining Overlooking Hammersmith Bridge and part of the redeveloped Riverside Studios, Sam's Riverside is a glamorous ...More  Daffodil Mulligan Dining For his third restaurant in London Irish chef Richard Corrigan gone into business with John ...More  Christmas With Katherine Jenkins Concerts | On 12th December The Welsh singer's Christmas appearance at the Royal ...More  Snarky Puppy Concerts | On 14th November Grammy Award-winning collective fusing rock, jazz and funk elements....More  Royal Opera: Death In Venice Concerts | From 21st November David McVicar directs a brand new Royal Opera ...More  Royal Opera: The Magic Flute Concerts | From 1st November David McVicar's classic production of Mozart's The Magic ...More  Dorrance Dance: Myelination and other works Dance | From 14th November Following the success of ETM: Double Down, performed ...More  Cyrano De Bergerac Theatre | From 27th November James McAvoy returns to the West End starring as the soldier and poet with a ...More  Halloween at King's Cross Seasonal | On 31st October Shining a light on the dance of the dead, the skeleton squad will rise from ...More Worlds Best 50 Bars in London Article The list of the World's 50 Best Bars was revealed in October 2019 and we learned that London has 10 of them. That's more than any other ...More  Halloween Afternoon Tea at Roast Seasonal | From 28th October Classic British restaurant Roast in Borough Market is ...More Autumn 2019 in London Feature Summer may be over but that isn't an excuse for hibernating - and why would ...More 
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 93% off. |
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