Culture Pick of the Week: Imagine Festival at the Southbank Centre
If February half-term usually fills you with a very particular kind of dread, unpredictable weather, restless children and far too many hours to fill, consider this your nudge in the right direction. From 11–21 February 2026, the Imagine Festival returns to the Southbank Centre, once again transforming the UK’s largest arts centre into a buzzy, creative playground for families.
Now in its 24th year, and launching the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary celebrations, Imagine feels especially well judged this time around. Expect a smart mix of big names, clever ideas and a generous balance of ticketed and free events, all designed for children aged 0–11+, while still holding adult attention.
What we love most is how easy it is to make it work around real family life. You can anchor the week with one headline booking, or simply drop in and let the atmosphere do the heavy lifting. The programme spans theatre, music, dance, circus, visual arts and hands-on experiences that gently encourage children to try something new, without ever tipping into worthy or overwhelming territory.
There are a few standout moments worth locking in early. On 15 February, An Evening with Jacqueline Wilson and Rachael Dean sees the much-loved author and her illustrator bring the Sleepovers series to life with a live draw-along. That evening, things step up a notch with The Sleepover Club, a brand-new overnight adventure where children aged 7–11 (with an accompanying adult) explore the Southbank Centre after dark before camping overnight in the Royal Festival Hall. Snacks and stories are taken care of, you just need a sleeping bag, pyjamas and a sense of adventure.
Earlier in the festival, there is a strong focus on early years, with gentle, sensory-led shows and immersive experiences for babies and toddlers. Older children will be drawn to the higher-energy offerings, including Mini SPIN, an inclusive dance rave hosted by deaf dance artists, Pop-Up Parkour with Ascension, and The Show for Young Men, a funny, thoughtful piece of physical theatre for pre-teens.
From 18–21 February, puppetry and live music bring Sir Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels to the stage in a world-premiere musical adaptation of the CBBC animated series Box of Treasures. Blake will also unveil a new public artwork as part of the anniversary programme, on display throughout the festival. Book lovers are equally well catered for, with live events featuring Liz Pichon, RAMZEE and Katie Kirby, while younger theatre fans will adore The Princess and the Pea, a playful, acrobatic retelling for ages 2–8. Little music lovers should not miss Andy and the Odd Socks on 15 February, bringing joyful chaos and inclusivity in equal measure.
Then there are the free daily events, which are reason enough to visit on their own. Think interactive architectural trails, the much-loved giant Imagine Chalkboard for endless doodling, playful pop-ups and spontaneous moments of creativity scattered across the site.
If you are looking for one solid plan to anchor February half-term, this is it. Book a highlight event, layer in the free fun and let Imagine take some of the pressure off entertaining them.
To book tickets and for the full schedule of events visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/imagine