'The Southbank Parade' marches into the Southbank Centre
Tuesday 24th February 2026
Creating over thirty different figures, Quentin Blake pays tribute to some of the many performance artists who have graced the stages at London's Southbank Centre over the past seven decades.
2026 sees the 75th anniversary of the South Bank venues, which were inaugurated for the Festival of Britain in 1951. As part of the celebrations, Quentin's new figures have been reproduced at life size throughout the site. Though giving a nod to many of the famous names who have performed there, they also honour the Londoners of all backgrounds who fill the riverfront every day.
2026 sees the 75th anniversary of the South Bank venues, which were inaugurated for the Festival of Britain in 1951. As part of the celebrations, Quentin's new figures have been reproduced at life size throughout the site. Though giving a nod to many of the famous names who have performed there, they also honour the Londoners of all backgrounds who fill the riverfront every day.
See a procession of Quentin’s characters outside the Royal Festival Hall, with more illustrations to be discovered throughout the site's indoor spaces. Look out for rock stars, ballet dancers, authors, skaters, parkour athletes, dub poets, jazz singers and many more.
The installation is free to visit, and will be on display until 8 November.
The installation is free to visit, and will be on display until 8 November.
