This summer, London’s South Bank celebrates 75 years since the Festival of Britain, a landmark moment that created the incredible neighbourhood as we know it today.
Back in 1951, the Festival of Britain transformed this stretch of riverside from a bomb-damaged backdrop into a joyful celebration of creativity, colour and big ideas, reimagining South Bank as a place where art, design, music and innovation could be experienced by all.
That energy never left. Today, South Bank is one of Europe’s most exciting arts and cultural neighbourhoods – a riverside mix of iconic venues, outdoor performances, street food, skate culture and unbeatable views. Home to the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, the British Film Institute and more, this is also the place to experience London’s most famous attractions including the London Eye, The Paddington Bear Experience, the London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure! London and Sea Life London Aquarium. It’s a place where creativity spills out onto the streets and there’s always something new to discover. Whether you are a dedicated culture vulture, or here to see the capital’s most famous sights, make sure to join in the South Bank celebrations this spring.
Spring Cultural Highlights
On 3 May, the Southbank Centre marks the 75th anniversary of its opening with a huge immersive show created by the Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle. Starring a cast of hundreds performing across multiple spaces, You Are Here is ‘an electrifying journey through 75 years of British music, dance, theatre, fashion and film’.
Fill your Easter break and May half-term with Spring Family Fun (1-12 Apr & 23-31 May). Grow your creativity, watch super shows and enjoy musical adventures and amazing puppetry, plus loads of free fun.
Don’t miss Multitudes (16-30 Apr), a multi-arts festival powered by orchestral music. Leave your expectations at the door: this is orchestral music reimagined for all the senses by world-class orchestras, dancers, visual artists and filmmakers.
The National Theatre’s spring line-up is full of big names including Maxim Gorky’s Summerfolk (to 29 Apr), Les Liaisons Dangereuses (to 6 Jun) and War Horse (16 May-30 Jul). Also look out for a duo of contemporary art exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery by Chiharu Shiota and Yin Xiuzhen (to 3 May).
Interested in architecture and interiors? Peek behind the curtain on a Southbank Centre Tour (8 Apr-26 Jun) for exclusive access to the centre’s buildings led by an expert guide.
Drinks And A Stroll By The River
While culture is South Bank’s beating heart, once the sun is out, Londoners and visitors alike will tell you – there’s nothing they love more than a leisurely stroll beside the river. Browsing the second-hand book market, a pit stop for small plates on a restaurant terrace, enjoying the street performers and admiring the mesmerizing views across the river with a drink at sunset is all part of the experience. Along the riverfront there are dozens of restaurants, cafés and street food pop-ups to choose from serving everything from tapas to tacos, mezze and matcha. Or to see South Bank from above, stop for cocktails at Sea Containers London‘s 12th Knot, book a table at OXO Tower Restaurant or sit out on the terrace at Forza Wine.
Insider Tips And Hidden Gems
Follow the locals to these hidden spaces and discover a different side of South Bank:
Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel
Running for 300 metres below Waterloo Station, this is London’s longest legal graffiti tunnel. In addition to being a blank canvas for local street artists, it is also home to several bars and the underground theatre. The Vaults, known for its alternative
shows such as the queer parody musical Ancient Grease (to 31 May).
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
Accessed via the bright yellow staircase, this rooftop wildflower garden oasis has a small café-bar and deckchairs for making the most of sunny afternoons and evenings.
Big Belly Comedy Club
This independent comedy club is a popular choice for well-known comedians to debut their newest material. The club also boasts a bar and a quirky food hall showcasing street food from London’s most TikTok-famous foodies.
