The Royal Festival Hall opened in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain and is at the heart of the Southbank Centre. The RFH welcomes orchestras, operas and contemporary music from around the world. Enjoy free events, festivals and performance series. The building is also home to the Clore Ballroom, Saison Poetry Library and the Southbank Centre Shop. Eat and drink al fresco on the riverside terraces.
Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX
0871 663 2500
![[Image] Free Events at Southbank Centre](/images/event/freeeven.jpg)
1 Jan 09 - 1 Jan 10
Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall
Free events and performances at Southbank Centre
Wind down at the end of the week and enjoy live music on Friday lunchtimes and evenings from leading musicians playing everything from jazz to folk. Free. See full listings
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![[Image] City of Dreams: Vienna 1900- 1935](/images/event/cityofdr.jpg)
28 Feb - 8 Oct 09
Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall
An exploration of the music of Vienna at the Southbank Centre
Esa-Pekka Salonen's first major project as the Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Philharmonia Orchestra. A nine-month exploration of the music and culture of Vienna between 1900 and 1935.
Esa-Pekka Salonen's first major project as the Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Philharmonia Orchestra. A nine-month exploration of the music and culture of Vienna between 1900 and 1935.
![[Image] Appearing Rooms](/images/event/Appearin.jpg)
27 Apr - 23 Oct 09
Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall
Danish artist Jeppe Hein's hugely popular Appearing Rooms returns to Southbank Centre
Cool off in Jeppe Hein's playful interactive water sculpture on the riverside terrace. Watch the jets of water disappear as quickly as they emerge. Bring a towel! More information
Free
Cool off in Jeppe Hein's playful interactive water sculpture on the riverside terrace. Watch the jets of water disappear as quickly as they emerge. Bring a towel! More information
Free
![[Image] Friday Lunch](/images/event/FridayLu.jpg)
8 May 09 - 11 Dec 10
Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall
Free lunchtime music at the Royal Festival Hall
A range of different musical genres with an emphasis on small-scale classical and contemporary music. Jazz, folk and non-Western music are also in the mix.
View full listings
A range of different musical genres with an emphasis on small-scale classical and contemporary music. Jazz, folk and non-Western music are also in the mix.
View full listings
![[Image] E4 Udderbelly](/images/event/udderbel.jpg)
27 May - 17 Jul 09
Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall
A giant upside-down purple cow! at Southbank Centre
A giant upside down cow has landed in Jubilee Gardens! This alternative performance space hosts a season of theatre, circus, comedy, magic, cabaret and music. View full listings
A giant upside down cow has landed in Jubilee Gardens! This alternative performance space hosts a season of theatre, circus, comedy, magic, cabaret and music. View full listings
![[Image] Summer Food Market](/images/event/124222731121.jpg)
10 - 12 Jul 09
Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall
Summer Slow Food Market at Southbank Centre
Head to Southbank Centre Square to sample all manner of gourmet delights from leading producers. Other summer dates: 7-9 Aug, 4-6 Sept, 18-20 Sept. More information
Free 11am - 8pm (6pm Sundays)
Head to Southbank Centre Square to sample all manner of gourmet delights from leading producers. Other summer dates: 7-9 Aug, 4-6 Sept, 18-20 Sept. More information
Free 11am - 8pm (6pm Sundays)
![[Image] Marianne Faithful](/images/event/marianne.jpg)
20 Jul 09
Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall
Marianne Faithful at the Royal Festival Hall
The singer, songwriter and icon performs a special concert interpreting songs by artists such as Billie Holiday, The Decemberists and Nick Cave.
The singer, songwriter and icon performs a special concert interpreting songs by artists such as Billie Holiday, The Decemberists and Nick Cave.
![[Image] Laura Marling and Friends](/images/event/lauramar.jpg)
11 Aug 09
Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall
A talented treasure at the Royal Festival Hall
The Mercury Music Prize-nominated singer performs songs from her debut album.
The Mercury Music Prize-nominated singer performs songs from her debut album.
![[Image] Dance Mob](/images/event/dancemob.jpg)
30 Aug 09
Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall
Free dance for everyone this summer at Southbank Centre
In preparation for Big Dance 2010, the London Mayor's initiative to get London dancing, Dance Mob is a fun, easy dance routine taught to people of all ages across London, which is then performed at Southbank Centre. Audience participation is mandatory. More information
Free
In preparation for Big Dance 2010, the London Mayor's initiative to get London dancing, Dance Mob is a fun, easy dance routine taught to people of all ages across London, which is then performed at Southbank Centre. Audience participation is mandatory. More information
Free
