Imagine Children's Festival

Every February half-term our festival for children and their grown-ups turns the Southbank Centre into one big playground.

For 11 days each February half-term, our Imagine Children’s Festival takes over the Southbank Centre with more than 100 events, including a huge number of free ones!

From theatre to comedy, music to dance, poetry to stories, and lots of flat-out family fun, it’s all about inspiring creativity, sparking imaginations, and celebrating the individuality of every child. The festival features events and activities for children aged 0 – 11, with the days before half-term week begins focusing on early years fun.

Imagine Children’s Festival is a relaxed festival, meaning all performances have a relaxed approach to noise and movement in the space – you are free to enter and exit throughout, and chill-out spaces and noise cancelling headphones are available for adults and children. There are also lots of events with BSL interpretation, as well as sensory-adapted and Audio Described shows, and non-verbal performances, allowing a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Around 50% of events at each Imagine Children’s Festival are free to attend.