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Royal Festival Hall London

Royal Festival Hall Tickets

Bluey's Big Play

Bluey's Big Play
Opens 20 Dec 2023
from
£20.20
Christmas Actually

Christmas Actually
5 seat views
from
£63.70

What’s On at Royal Festival Hall

Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall events schedule includes artists from across the globe. Some highlights in 2023-2024 include Christmas Actually, Richard Curtis' festive variety show in aid of Comic Relief. Expect music, jokes, merriment and celebrity guests!

Other top shows to book tickets for include An Evening With David Sedaris in July 2024, for an insight into the award-winning author's life and work; and family-friendly show Bluey's Big Play over Christmas 2023 - the first tour based on the hugely popular children's television series. Expect fun, games and your little ones' favourite characters live on stage.

If you want to browse what's on, visit our page for events at Royal Festival Hall.

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.

Royal Festival Hall Seating PlanRoyal Festival Hall Seating Plan

Seating Plan

Use our interactive seating plan to view 217 seat reviews and 207 photos of views from seat.
Royal Festival Hall, London Map & Directions

Map and Directions

Whether by tube, car, train or on foot, discover essential travel information on how to get there.
Royal Festival Hall, London Accessibility InformationRoyal Festival Hall, London Accessibility Information

Accessibility

Explore the range of features and facilities for patrons with access requirements.
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.
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