In 1951, a war-weary London looked toward the future with the Festival of Britain, a “tonic for the nation.” Today, as the calendar turns to 2026, the Southbank Centre celebrates the 75th anniversary of its crown jewel: the Royal Festival Hall.
As the only permanent cultural building to survive that 1951 vision, the Hall stands as a testament to the first chapter of a story that transformed London’s South Bank from a post-war industrial site into a world-leading arts destination. To honor this milestone, the Southbank Centre is inviting the public to the party with a nod to the number that started it all.
The “75” Celebration: Access for All
In the spirit of the Festival of Britain’s original mission—to bring art and design to the masses—the Southbank Centre has announced that 750 tickets priced at just £7.50 will be released for the opening weeks of its major 2026 exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery.
This initiative aims to make the landmark year accessible to the new generation of gallery-goers, offering a rare chance to see world-class installations for a fraction of the usual cost.
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A Textile Transformation: February’s Double Feature
The anniversary season kicks off in February with a powerful dialogue between two of the world’s most innovative female artists. From Tuesday, 17 February to Sunday, 22 February, the £7.50 ticket offer will apply to a monumental double-billing:
- Yin Xiuzhen: Heart to Heart
- Chiharu Shiota: Threads of Life
These artists will physically transform the Hayward Gallery weaving their textiles and found objects to create intricate art stories. While Yin Xiuzhen explores memory and identity through recycled materials, Shiota is renowned for her immersive, “web-like” installations of yarn that stretch across entire rooms. Together, they create a deeply personal reflection on the human condition, turning ordinary fabric into extraordinary experiences.
The Return of a Legend: Anish Kapoor
The celebrations will reach a fever pitch in the summer as the Southbank welcomes back a modern master. From Tuesday, 16 June to Sunday, 21 June, the anniversary ticket offer extends to a landmark exhibition by Anish Kapoor.
The Hayward Gallery holds a special place in Kapoor’s history; it was the first public gallery in the UK to host a major survey of his work back in 1998. This 2026 presentation marks a spectacular homecoming. Spanning the entire gallery and its outdoor terraces, the exhibition will feature:
- New Monumental Works: Sculpture that pushes the boundaries of physics and scale.
- Seminal Pieces: A look back at the “mind-bending” art that defined his career.
- Spectacular Encounters: Immersive installations designed to challenge the viewer’s perception of space.
75 Years of Vision
From its beginnings as a modernist beacon on the Thames to its current status as a global powerhouse, the Royal Festival Hall remains the beating heart of the Southbank. As these 2026 celebrations show, the “tonic” prescribed 75 years ago is still working its magic today.
Have a look at our theatre and dance page to see our selection of family friendly shows or visit our events and activities area for more ideas of things to do with kids in London this season.