FINALLY the Southbank Centre is getting (some of) the attention it deserves.
This week, the brutalist building on the Thames near the London Eye
has been listed for its brutalist appearance.
But its looks are only part of its appeal.
As a travel writer and mum living in London, I’ve long considered it
to be one of the capital’s greatest attractions for families.
I schlep up to Waterloo every other month with my 7 year old to one of
their many free, or affordable activities for kids.
We’ve done their soft play using recycled materials, seen at least
three of their excellent family theatre shows (where you can get
tickets from around £12 to £20 depending on the show), have built a
Moomin House at a free workshop using saws and hammers and, most
recently, had a free drawing lesson with a well-known doodle artist
and attended a free kids rave.
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So many of the events that Southbank puts on for families on weekends
and in school holidays are completely free, but what makes them even
better in my opinion, is how wonderfully varied they are.
Take next week, for instance, when they are holding an ‘Imagine
Festival’ for half term.
The nine-day roster includes an interactive dance rave for children and
their families with deaf hosts, a live gig by CBBC’s Andy And The Odd
Socks, the theatre production of Mrs Armtiage On Wheels, a wildlife
jamboree and a pop-up Parkour session – and this just scratches the
surface, there are MANY more activities too.
I’m particularly looking forward to taking my son to the musical
version of the Dog Man comic books, which will be shown at the centre
this summer.
Another free event coming to the destination soon is the Quentin Blake: The Southbank Parade from February 17.
The famous illustrator and author has made his memories of the 1951 Festival of Britain into an installation across the Southbank Centre.
I could probably go on for another 300 words about how wonderful this
institution is – so if you are planning a trip to London, do make sure
to check out the What’s On section of their website and see if anything appeals.
The 1960s Brutalist landmark has battled for a Grade II listed status for more than three decades, and finally got accepted this week.
Specific buildings at the site that have been given Grade II listed status include the centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery and terraced walkways and stairs.
The riverside centre opened back in 1967 and at the time it was voted as Britain’s ugliest building by Daily Mail readers.
The building was also the only post-war building on London’s South Bank to remain unlisted.
Twentieth Century Society and Historic England had recommended listing the Southbank Centre on six occasions since 1991, but the recommendation was rejected by the Secretary of State each time, until now.
Historic England argued that the Southbank Centre needed protection due to its “bold geometric formations, clustered to sculptural effect with a correspondingly dramatic silhouette”.
The use of exposed concrete was also praised, saying it had been “executed with exemplary technical skill”.
Twentieth Century Society director Catherine Croft said: “The battle has been won, and Brutalism has finally come of age.
“This is a victory over those who derided so-called ‘concrete monstrosities’ and shows a mature recognition of a style where Britain led the way.
“The lack of listing had become a complete anomaly.
“It is admired as one of the best Brutalist buildings in the world, so this decision is obviously very well deserved and long overdue.
“The arts complex is a highly sophisticated, sculptural masterpiece, with enormous richness of form and detail inside and out.
“The experience it gives concert goers and gallery visitors is unlike any other venue in the country, its virtuoso spaces still unrivalled.”
In other attraction news, how to get into hundreds of the UK’s top attractions for FREE next month.
Plus, new one-of-kind attraction at UK’s Warner Bros Studio is perfect for Harry Potter nerds like me .