Free Events

Cabaret Stages

The Front Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall & The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall
Daily – times vary

From the sublime to the outrageous, two cabaret stages over the festival showcasing soloists, singing groups and small ensembles varied, eclectic and downright funny — a taste of what’s on show over the weekend peppered with vignette appearances by some of our visiting artists.

Friday Lunchtime Concert

Central Bar at Royal Festival Hall
Friday 1 May 13:00

Southbank Centre’s weekly free lunchtime music series presents a Various Voices special – artists to be announced! The Friday Lunch series features a range of different musical genres, with an emphasis on small-scale classical and contemporary music, often presented by students from music colleges or in association with Southbank Centre?s Resident Orchestras. The concerts also feature jazz, folk, and non-Western music. Take some time out and enjoy some great music-making in intimate surroundings. Drop by Southbank Centre at any time over the Bank Holiday weekend and you’re bound to catch something to see, hear or do in our packed programme of free events and performances.

Friday Tonic – Featuring Lea DeLaria

The Front Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall
Friday 1 May 17:30

Wind down at the end of the working week and experience some great music and performance for free. Lea DeLaria has distinguished herself in every form of entertainment that she touches. The “famously controversial” DeLaria is a major figure in the world of lesbian stand-up comedy, noted for her raunchy persona and inflammatory, irreverent political commentary. Jazz Musician, Broadway Diva, Actor Writer and Stand- Up Comic, it is plain to see why the New York Times describes her as “Every inch a star.”

“Talks like a coffee grinder, sounds like a cross between Ella Fitzgerald and a Broadway diva.” — The Guardian

Out Late!

The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall
Saturday 2 May 22:30

Stay OUT LATE! Join in the party and let some of the capital?s hottest talent keep you dancing ?til dawn. The perfect way to celebrate the festival‘s half way point – whether you want to wind up or wind down, this event is for you – guaranteed good times with dancing, DJs and dicso divas?. Be sure not to miss this fantastic free event.

Out Ballroom Live!

The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall
Monday 4 May 14:00

Kicking off with an introductory lesson for beginners to try out Ballroom and Latin Dancing, Jacky‘s Jukebox will host with music spanning six decades including chart music alongside classics from the 40s and 50s. Same-sex and mixed partnerships all welcome. The event includes a performance by the Pink Dancers. There will also be a demonstration of ‘how to dance beautifully’ by the number one world same-sex female couple Caro and Petra.

Slow Food Market

Southbank Centre Square
Daily 12:00 – 20:00

Sample and buy wholesome, seasonal food from a choice of 40 Slow Food stalls offering fresh, sustainable and traditionally prepared produce. It‘s the perfect place to buy rare-breed meats, seasonal game, vegetables, cheeses, pâtés, pies, cakes and Middle-Eastern mezze. Come along and learn all about the growing Slow Food movement, pick up some culinary tips and support these small specialist producers.
www.slowfoodlondon.com