Festival of Love

This summer, Festival of Love returns to Southbank Centre to celebrate the greatest human emotion, with a packed programme of music, art, dance and performance – half of which is completely free.

Explore love in its many forms, including love of cities and places, love’s power to inspire creativity and social action and the changing nature of love in the 21st century.

Come and get your culture fix in our summer playground. We’re joining forces with hundreds of artists, communities and partners to present inspiring shows, family activities galore, a range of free workshops and the most fabulous opening party in town.

This year’s shows include Klanghaus: On Air, an immersive musical experience in the roof of Royal Festival Hall, and Air Play, an awe-inspiring circus adventure for all the family, featuring flying umbrellas, giant balloons and floating kites.

Hear from Southbank Centre’s Change Makers, which are people or projects nominated for providing inspiration and making change in their community, in a series of talks, workshops and performances.

Encampment by Good Chance Theatre comes to Southbank Centre and reinvigorates the dialogue on one of the biggest human migrations in history. Visit the Good Chance Dome on Festival Terrace to explore a daily programme of theatre, art, music, discussion and workshops, with special guests and performances.

See our home on the River Thames transformed by indoor and outdoor installations and artworks, including two works by the internationally renowned artist Jeppe Hein: the ever-popular Appearing Rooms fountain and the UK premiere of his series of Modified Social Benches, which are creative reinventions of the park bench. Plus, look out for an artwork inspired by polar bears, designed by the 17-year-old winner of Southbank Centre’s nationwide Design Challenge.

Looking for a fun day out? Stop by to soak up some sun in the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, hang out at the copaCABANA beach or grab a bite to eat at one of our many pop-ups, markets and restaurants.