Southbank Centre

southbank centre is the uk’s largest arts centre that sits in london’s most vibrant cultural quarter on the southern bank of the thames. the site is home to the much loved royal festival hall, queen elizabeth hall, purcell room, hayward gallery, poetry library and arts council collection of visual arts as well as all the spaces in between, indoors and outdoors. born out of the festival of britain in 1951, we are proud to be the uk’s only permanent festival site. the festival spirit is the very heart of southbank centre and inspires everything that we do. we work with some of the most important and influential artists and partners from around the world, including our outstanding resident orchestras, to deliver a programme that celebrates the diverse experiences of people and cultures. we believe that art has the power to help change society for the better and that art must be available to the many and not just the few. for these reasons we present as many free activities as possible and