The Southbank Centre’s annual festival for children and their grown-ups is back, taking place over 11 days this February half-term, from Wednesday 7 – Saturday 17 February.
It’s all about inspiring creativity, celebrating the individuality of every child, championing diversity and sparking imaginations.
With more than 100 events to choose from, including fantastic theatre, comedy, music, literature, poetry and dance, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In addition, 40% of the events are completely free!
The week before half term focuses on early years fun: sing and dance along with The David Gibb Big Band and see Tom Fletcher’s beloved Who’s in Your Book? series go from page to stage with the new interactive musical production of There’s a Monster in Your Show – the perfect introduction to live theatre for younger audiences.
Marvel at Motionhouse’s award-winning show Starchitects: A Cosmic Adventure, a fusion of captivating dance and circus that tells the story of five children who dream of reaching the moon from their bedroom. Expect gravity-defying choreography and brilliant digital projections. Plus, go on a magical, musical and fun-filled CBeebies: Ocean Adventure with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, CBeebies friends Andy, JoJo and Gran Gran and presenters Maddie Moate and Nigel Clarke.
Music fans, get on your feet for festival favourite YolanDa Brown, who returns to share the joys of music with a new live version of her hit CBeebies TV show in YolanDa’s Band Jam and Friends. Go on a swashbuckling adventure with the Groove Baby Organ Trio at Grooving with Pirates, sailing the high seas in their jazz and funk-fuelled show. Or, groove at The Instrumentals, where comedy, puppetry and uplifting original music tell the story of Belle and some dusty musical instruments.
Dance and theatre fans, don’t miss Akram Khan Company’s enchanting and much-loved production Chotto Desh, blending Kathak and contemporary dance, and telling a heartwarming tale of a boy’s dreams and memories, from Britain to Bangladesh.
What’s more, there’s also a whole host of amazing talks and workshops, starring acclaimed writers and poets, including Rob Biddulph, Michael Rosen, Dr Ronx, Patrick Kane, Rosie Jones, John Agard, MG Leonard and Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho.
For free fun, there’s a Mish Mash Family Trail, art workshops, a day of games and competition to celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Dragon, dance workshops and performance at ZooNation’s Hip-Hop Half-Term, a disco party, comedy at Shelf: The Kids’ Show!, poetry events, mindfulness sessions and much more. You’ll find free events every day of the festival, except for the final day.
Imagine Children’s Festival is a relaxed festival, meaning that all performances have a relaxed approach to noise and movement in the space. In addition, there are loads 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.
There’s really no better place to be for flat-out family fun than the Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival this half-term!
Book tickets now and find out more at
www.southbankcentre.co.uk/imagine
