The EE BAFTA Film Awards stand as a luminous celebration of cinematic brilliance, honouring the storytellers, visionaries and craft masters who shape the way the world sees, feels and understands itself. Each year, this distinguished ceremony gathers the finest talent in film to recognise bold creativity, technical mastery and performances that move audiences across continents. More than an awards night, the EE BAFTAs embody the spirit of artistic courage and innovation, championing new voices while applauding enduring excellence, and reaffirming the United Kingdom’s vital role at the heart of the global film industry.
Situated in the heart of London, on the banks of the River Thames is the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, a beacon for arts and culture for over 70 years.
The 2,700 capacity Royal Festival Hall auditorium fast became one of the world’s landmark performance venues when it opened as part of the 1951 Festival of Britain. And since the introduction of the Greater London Council’s ‘Open Foyer’ policy in 1983, this Grade I listed building has been open daily, free for anyone to visit and enjoy its light spacious interior. It is situated on the South Bank of the River Thames, not far from Hungerford Bridge, in the London Borough of Lambeth. It is a Grade I listed building, the first post-war building to become so protected.
A riverside icon where music, imagination, and national pride resound. Gracefully positioned along the Thames within London’s dynamic Southbank Centre, the Royal Festival Hall stands as a triumphant symbol of Britain’s cultural confidence. Opened in 1951 for the Festival of Britain, it was conceived as a beacon of post-war optimism, a place where creativity would flourish and the arts would be accessible to all.
Its modernist design, filled with light and open space, reflects a philosophy of inclusion and possibility. Expansive foyers invite the public to gather, converse and dream, while the sweeping auditorium draws audiences into moments of shared wonder. The Hall does not merely host performances; it cultivates connection, transforming individual artistry into collective experience.
Over decades, the world’s most celebrated orchestras, composers, and performers have graced its stage, each adding a new chapter to its living legacy. From classical symphonies to contemporary innovation, every note played beneath its iconic ceiling reinforces London’s standing as a global cultural capital.
Yet the Royal Festival Hall is more than a venue for music. It has become a stage for national milestones, international ceremonies and creative celebrations that resonate far beyond its walls. Its presence on the South Bank is both architectural and symbolic—a reminder that art, dialogue and expression are essential pillars of society.
In every season, the Hall inspires emerging talent alongside established masters, nurturing future generations who will shape the sound and spirit of tomorrow. Through education programmes, collaborations and bold programming, it continues to evolve while honouring its proud heritage.
Enduring, elegant and ever forward-looking, the Royal Festival Hall remains a luminous testament to the power of culture to uplift and unite. It stands not only as a concert hall, but as a living symbol of artistic resilience, national identity and boundless creative ambition.
The Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room are all open and welcoming audiences as part of the vibrant Southbank Centre programme. The Hayward Gallery continues to present major contemporary exhibitions, while the Royal Festival Hall hosts a dynamic calendar of concerts, cultural events and international ceremonies. Across the riverside site, outdoor art installations, live performances and a diverse selection of food markets and pop-ups create a lively atmosphere throughout the year, making the South Bank one of London’s most exciting cultural destinations.
Our address is: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX.
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