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Royal Festival Hall London

Royal Festival Hall Tickets

Circa's Duck Pond at Royal Festival Hall, LondonCirca's Duck Pond at Royal Festival Hall, London

Circa's Duck Pond

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What’s On at Royal Festival Hall

Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall events schedule includes artists from across the globe. Whether you are attending with friends, your partner or the youngest members of your family, this riverside venue has something to book and enjoy for all ages and tastes. This year, experience Swan Lake in a whole new way as contemporary dance and circus group Circa bring their Duck Pond ballet to the venue; a quirky and entertaining Christmas treat for those aged 8+.

The venue has an incredibly varied line-up every year, with talks, concerts, musicals and comedians all visiting; it is one of the best places in London to experience the full gamut of cultural entertainment that the capital has to offer.

About the Royal Festival Hall

The Royal Festival Hall is the largest of three performance venues situated within the Southbank Centre complex. The venue was built in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain and was originally funded and managed by the London County Council, before it became an independent arts organisation in 1988. The venue was designed by Robert Matthew and Leslie Martin in the modernist style.

The Royal Festival Hall was refurbished in 2005 following a £15 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The refurbishment aimed to improve poor acoustics from some parts of the auditorium and the overall building layout. Situated within the Southbank Centre, there is a range of bars, cafes and restaurants on-site, including the Central Bar, Riverside Terrace Café and Skylon Restaurant.

The Royal Festival Hall hosts a varied programme of live events, from large-scale classical and orchestral performances and live music concerts, to conferences, awards shows and graduation ceremonies. This varied program of events, as well as its location on the Thames, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the venue every year.

Map and Address

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 8XX

The Royal Festival Hall is located within the Southbank Centre complex, where you can also find the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room venues. Nearby, you can find tourist attractions including the South Bank, London Eye, London Dungeon, Sea Life Centre, Shrek’s Adventure, and cultural institutions including the BFI and the National Theatre.
Royal Festival Hall Entrance - Credit: India Roper-Evans
Royal Festival Hall Exterior - Credit: Morley von Sternberg
Royal Festival Hall Foyer - Credit: Morley von Sternberg

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Royal Festival Hall box office open and how do I collect tickets?

The Southbank Centre box office is open from 10am until 8pm on Monday-Saturday for in-person bookings and collection for shows. Tickets are held at the box office for collection on the day of your performance. Patrons should try to arrive as early as possible to avoid queues and allow enough time to enter the auditorium. Please ensure you bring your confirmation email and a form of ID.

What time does the Royal Festival Hall open for a show?

The Southbank Centre complex opens at 12 noon every day, patrons can visit the Shop, Riverside Terrace Cafe and National Poetry Library. Doors open for shows around 90 minutes prior to the start time.

What food and drink are available at the Royal Festival Hall?

There are many bars, cafes and restaurants within the Southbank Centre complex, from chains including Pret a Manger, Giraffe and wagamama, to the Food Market at the rear of the building and bars on every level of the auditorium.

Does the Royal Festival Hall have a cloakroom?

There are cloakroom facilities at the Southbank Centre and items cost £1 to check. Occasionally the cloakroom can become very busy and items can only be checked on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's recommended to arrive in plenty of time.

Is the Royal Festival Hall air-conditioned?

Yes, the venue has air-conditioning.

Where should I eat near the Royal Festival Hall?

There's no need to travel far when seeing a show at this venue. Downstairs on the lower ground level, there are a range of chain restaurants perfect for grabbing a pre-show dinner. Alternatively, the Southbank Food Market has an excellent range of street food available from every corner of the globe. This can be accessed at the rear of the building.

What is the best hotel to stay at near the Royal Festival Hall?

For those on a budget, consider booking the Novotel Blackfriars and Holiday Inn Express Southwark, which are both just a short walk away. For a higher-end experience, the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is a popular choice due to its well-connected location and excellent spa facilities.

How do I contact the box office?

The Southbank Centre box office can be contacted directly on 020 3879 9555 or by emailing customer@southbankcentre.co.uk.

Past Shows

Bluey's Big Play

Bluey's Big Play

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Christmas Actually

Christmas Actually

9 reviews
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