Imagine, an arts festival for children and families, is returning to the Southbank Centre this February half-term with a packed line-up of authors, illustrators and free-to-attend events.
From Wednesday 11 to Saturday 21 February 2026, the Southbank Centre will transform into a cultural playground for the festival’s 24th year.
Designed for ages 0 to 11 years and their families, Imagine aims to introduce young audiences to the arts, and encourage creativity and curiosity.
This year’s programme is varied, spanning literature, music, dance, circus, visual arts and theatre. As Ruth Hardie, Head of Public Programming, explains, Imagine offers “an essential space for children and families to explore their curiosity, imagination and creativity together.”
From bestselling authors to immersive performances, the festival invites families to discover something new together.
Dates: Wednesday 11 to Saturday 21 February 2026
Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
Tickets: Tickets for each event are available on the Southbank Centre website: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/imagine/
Jacqueline Wilson – 15 February:
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One of the festival’s stand out events is an evening with author Jacqueline Wilson and illustrator Rachel Dean on Sunday 15 February, for just £14 per person.
The beloved author will discuss her bestselling Sleepover series, with a live-draw along designed to bring the stories to life in real time.
Later that evening, families can take part in The Sleepover Club, a brand-new after-dark adventure, priced at £82 per person.
Children aged 7 to 11 and accompanying adults are invited to explore the Southbank Centre by night, uncover stories, enjoy snacks and storytelling, and then camp overnight inside the Royal Festival Hall. All that’s required is a sleeping bag, pyjamas and a sense of adventure.
As Jacqueline Wilson herself says: “Imagine is a space for every child to delve into the depths of their creativity and imagination.
“I’m thrilled to be taking part during the Southbank Centre’s 75th year, bringing stories and dreams to life in an evening of exploration and adventure.”
Early years (0-5):
Designed for younger children, the festival opens with Early Weaves on Wednesday 11 February as a gentle, non-verbal introduction to dance theatre.
The session explores sound and movement through the weaving of willow and is free-to-attend.
Another experience, designed for babies aged six months to two years, is Fields of Tender, an immersive and soothing experience combining dance, music and interactive video. Tickets are £22 which includes one adult and one child.
Puppetry- 18 to 21 February:
Inspired by Sir Quentin Blake, the celebrated children’s illustrator known for his work on the Roald Dahl books, this puppet show will bring to life Mrs Armitage on Wheels.
This musical adaptation of Blake’s Box of Treasures series will take place from 18 to 21 February, with tickets priced at £22.
To mark the Southbank Centre’s anniversary, Blake will also create a brand-new public artwork featuring a parade of performers, displayed throughout the festival.
Dance:
An interactive dance rave hosted by three Deaf dance artists, called Mini SPIN, will be coming to the centre from 13 to 15 February, with tickets priced at £20.
Designed for children aged 5 to 11, the experience celebrates the connections between Deaf culture, dance and music in an inclusive, high-energy environment.
Older children can explore movement and identity in The Show for Young Men (13 to 15 February), which uses humour and heartfelt choreography to examine modern masculinity. Tickets are £16 per person.
Or burn off energy at Pop-Up Parkour with Ascension (17–19 February), featuring guided interactive stations including vaulting, climbing and jumping led by expert coaches. Tickets are £24 per child and the sessions last two and a half hours.
Storytelling:
Books and storytelling are a cornerstone of Imagine and will come to life with an interactive session with author-illustrator RAMZEE.
Other live events include An Afternoon with Liz Pichon (18 February) and a celebration of the hilarious world of Lottie Brooks with bestselling author Katie Kirby (21 February).
Theatre:
Theatre lovers can attend a playful performance of The Princess and the Pea (14–20 February), with tickets starting at £16. The show combines acrobatics, clowning and fairytale adventure for ages 2–8.
Fans of CBBC can catch Andy and the Odd Socks (15 February) for an afternoon of inclusive, joy-filled live music in partnership with the Anti-Bullying Alliance. Tickets priced at £18.
