Since being created in 1951 for the Festival of Britain, the Southbank Centre has committed itself to make art available for everyone. It hosts a variety of cultural events both within the centre’s venues and along the streets of the Southbank.
Art of all forms is displayed at these events, from music, dance and spoken word performances to visual arts and theatre shows. Events are often free, given the Southbank Centre’s all-inclusive attitude. The centre attracts a more diverse audience than any other UK venue.
The Southbank Centre’s venues include the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery and the Poetry Library. As well as its art venues, the Southbank is home to many different restaurants, cafes and shops both in and outside of the Southbank Centre itself. From the Southbank Centre’s own shop to the secondhand books sold on the pavement under Waterloo Bridge, there are plenty of places to explore.
Located near world-famous attractions such as the London Eye, Borough Market and the Tate Modern, the Southbank Centre sits in a vibrant, diverse location which is considered by tourists and Londoners alike as one of the most vital parts of the city itself.
Lights, Restaurants, Action!
The Southbank Centre Winter Festival returns for 2019 with another eclectic programme of festive shows, performances, family fun and music.
The iconic Thameside venue will celebrate with a host of fun pop-ups and activities. The annual Winter Market will be back with mulled wine and seasonal treats galore, while other highlights include a musical puppet version of ‘Black Beauty’ (Dec 14-Jan 5), retro circus show (Dec 19-Jan 5), Christmas-themed concerts from the Philharmonia Orchestra (Dec 15).
Southbank Centre is so great! I’ve been here quite a few times and they always have something interesting on. I love that you get there by going over the river and that it’s surrounded by great restaurants so you can eat before or after. The best thing I saw here was Music from the Movies where we got to watch a full orchestra play pieces from classic films for the whole night. It was AMAZING! Highly recommend checking out what they have on.
You can find loads more information by Laura Porter at aboutlondonlaura.com
The south bank is such a fun and interesting place! Especially for kids.Theres always something going on there, great places to eat,skating and lots more.Its right next to the Thames so it’s very scenic!