Imagine, Southbank Centre's long-running festival for kids and their families, returns for its 24th edition during February half-term 2026, transforming the UK's largest arts centre into a vibrant cultural playground for children and their families. As the first festival of the Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary year, it presents a wide-ranging programme designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and shared experiences.
The Imagine festival brings together interactive performances and events across music, dance, circus, visual arts, and literature, including daily free-to-access events. Highlights include An Evening with Dame Jacqueline Wilson and illustrator Rachael Dean, followed by The Sleepover Club, an overnight adventure in the Royal Festival Hall for children aged 7–11. Meanwhile, puppetry and live music will bring to life Sir Quentin Blake's “Mrs Armitage on Wheels” in the world premiere of a musical adaptation of the hit CBBC animated series “Box of Treasures”. Blake will also produce a new public artwork for the Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary, featuring a parade of performers to be displayed during Imagine.
In addition to the ticketed shows, Imagine offers a varied array of daily free events, including an interactive guided trail across the Southbank Centre, the return of the giant Imagine Chalkboard, inviting little ones to doodle and draw to their heart's content, a live lip sync battle, and more.
The Imagine festival takes place at the Southbank Centre from 11 to 21 February. You can find out more about the programme and book tickets here.