One of London’s premier—and most beloved—family arts events, the Imagine Festivalis set to return to the Southbank Centre in February. Celebrating the 23rd anniversary of its first iteration (with no intention of growing up any time soon), the festival offers a diverse range of events tailored for children up to 11, as well as their families and parents so the grown-ups have fun too!
From a show-stopping variety of performances to unmissable workshops and interactive experienceseach fantastic offering allows kids to express their creativity and explore their artistic potential.
Imagine Festival at the Southbank Centre
Highlights at the festival include “There’s a Bear on My Chair,” a stage adaptation of the adored story by Ross Collins, and “The Colour of Dinosaurs,” a rip-roaring concert devoted to science and ancient biology.
For the youngest attendees, “Great Big Tiny World,” by Olly Cart offers a sensory-rich performance set amidst hundreds of real plants, designed specifically for children under 12 months.
Additionally, there will be an innovative play space crafted entirely from repurposed materialsencouraging creativity and environmental awareness — encompassing the festival’s ethos of providing some unmissable family fun through education and expression.
Bear in mind, we’re only talking about the highlights here. There’s a plethora of unmissable events and experiences on offer. For more information and the full lineup, click here to visit the official website.
Ruth Hardie, Head of Public Programming at the Southbank Centre, said: “The Southbank Centre was built for the nation’s enjoyment and to provide everyone of all ages and backgrounds access to arts and culture.”
“Imagine embraces that idea wholeheartedly, providing a place for children and their families to explore their creative potential together and be inspired by world-class arts.”
The festival also emphasises inclusivity, with all events adopting a relaxed approach to noise and movement, ensuring welcoming vibes for all families. Specific events will offer British Sign Language interpretation, captioning, and audio descriptions to accommodate diverse needs.
Tickets to the events at Imagine Festival are sold separately, with a couple of free things to do too. You can book or reserve through the Southbank Centre’s website. The Imagine Festival will be taking place during February Half Term, from Tue 18 – Sun 23 Feb 2025.
