Southbank Centre Your culture fix
Travel across musical centuries or stroll around our artistically illuminated site.
Walking in a winter wonderland
The holidays have almost arrived, and we have some seasonal offerings for you. Our 11-acre site is all aglow with our brightly shining outdoor exhibition. Our website is bulging at the seams with videos, articles and podcasts. Our Resident Orchestras are a-playing and our Gift Memberships present your loved ones with 12 months of cultural experiences, to be activated any time in 2021. Let the festivities begin.
find out more →A matter of time
2020: Interrupted Stories
WED 30 DEC – WED 6 JAN
In this musical feat of time travel, the London Philharmonic Orchestra zooms (no, not that sort of Zoom) between 1720 with Vivaldi, 1820 with Louis Spohr and 1920 with Arthur Honegger. Arrive with them in 2020 to be greeted by James MacMillan’s optimistic Sinfonietta.
find out more →Light relief
Winter Light
UNTIL SUN 28 FEB
Lessen winter’s gloom with our outdoor exhibition, bringing together artworks that take inspiration from light and colour. Lighting up the faces of passersby from dusk until late, the radiant creations are installed across our central London site.
Image credit: Morley Von Sternberg
find out more →Believe it or not
The Cinematic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall
FRI 29 JAN
In the bleak midwinter, we have something for you to look forward to: the enigmatic electronic jazz group presents their first ever streamed performance from the Royal Festival Hall, playing tracks from their latest album, To Believe.
find out more →discover what’s onIn from the cold
John le Carré: An evening with George Smiley
We were saddened to learn of the death of John le Carré on Saturday 12 December. In 2017, we were lucky to welcome the gifted storyteller onto our Royal Festival Hall stage where he shared the secrets behind the creation of his most beloved character, George Smiley.
watch now →Yes, we know it’s Christmas
Playlist: Alternative Christmas songs
You might be settling down to wrap presents or plan the big shop, but that doesn’t mean you want a festive soundtrack that sounds like a school’s Christmas disco. Step away from the traditional pop numbers and try our alternative playlist.
listen now →Joy division
Jeremy Deller on Joy in People
Back in 2012, Jeremy Deller’s first retrospective, Joy in People, filled our Hayward Gallery. The Guardian commented, ‘He has expanded the traditional idea of how an artist may work.’ In our video interview, the artist sits down with Hayward Gallery Director Ralph Rugoff.
watch now →see all storiesSeason’s greetings
All of us at the Southbank Centre wish you a peaceful and relaxing festive season. Even during this difficult year, we’ve had moments to celebrate. Watch our video to see a few of the ways we’ve kept presenting great art during 2020.
We look forward to welcoming you back in 2021.
Image credit: Morley Von Sternberg
see our 2020 highlights →Raise a toast
Join Club Rakuten
We’re so pleased that some of you have joined Club Rakuten, our new partner in delivering great cultural experiences. If you’d still like to sign up, it’s free – and in December you’ll receive a free Rakuten TV movie voucher.
find out more →We’ll come to you
Philharmonia Orchestra – Watch On Demand
While we still can’t gather in the same room, you can join the Philharmonia Orchestra online for world-class classical concerts. Get the auditorium experience while wrapped up in your duvet, including the chance to watch headline soloists Nicola Benedetti, Stephen Hough and Alisa Weilerstein.
London Philharmonic Orchestra – In the Stream of Life
As the year winds down, there’s still time to take the best seats in your house for a full-length classical concert by the LPO. Catch up on their back catalogue with a subscription to Marquee TV.
OAE Player Annual Pass
The OAE has expanded the limits of the traditional concert this year. Watch their entire season online, in the form of cinematic, ultra-high-definition films, at a far lower cost than in person.
London Sinfonietta In Performance
Watch snippets from the Sinfonietta’s recent concerts and full performances by the orchestra. Highlights include Yet Unheard, partly inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.
find out more →A present for the future
We all need something to look forward to
Give a year of great experiences with our 12-month gift Membership. Your loved one can activate their account at any time in 2021, for a whole year of go-down-in-history gigs, blockbuster talks, sublime concerts and eye-popping art. Order now and collect from our Mandela Walk shop in time for Christmas.
find out more →Tie one on
Scarf Meadow
Warm up winter walks with a stylish scarf. We have a selection of classic patterns to wreath your chin, or choose for a friend with perennially cold ears.
There’s still time for home delivery if you order by the end of Sunday 20 December, or by Wednesday 23 December for click and collect.
shop now →Support the Southbank Centre
We continue to face challenges and uncertainty as we look to our future. If you feel that you can make a donation, no matter how small, you will be making a huge difference.
Text 70085 with the code SOUTHBANK 20 to donate £20, SOUTHBANK 10 to donate £10 or SOUTHBANK 5 to donate £5. Texts cost your donation amount plus one standard rate message. Thank you.