South Bank Marketing Group, the destination consortium promoting London's South Bank since 1994, announced its South Bank Winter campaign at a media reception held within London Marriott Hotel in County Hall.

Activities announced as part of the campaign include a new hand-illustrated poster, inspired by 1920th century travel posters; the poster will be on public display from November along The Queen's Walk and available to purchase at Southbank Centre's shops.

Part of the campaign will also be: a seasonal guide featuring winter events from November 2014 to February 2015; a digital South Bank Cookbook, featuring recipes especially compiled by chefs from South Bank's most renowned restaurants, such as OXO and Skylon; a South Bank Treasure Hunt, where area attractions will be hiding free tickets and other giveaways at various locations around South Bank; a  South Bank Twitter Tale, where South Bank London's 100,000 Twitter followers will create a tale in 140 characters, with winners being voted by South Bank's bookshops such as Foyles and the National Theatre Bookshop; a South Bank Winter Photo Competition, with winners' photos being displayed on the Riverside Walkway in view of South Bank's daily 30,000 visitors.

Announcing the campaign, Claudio Giambrone, Head of Marketing, said: “South Bank is a firm favourite for winter fun in London, and this year will be no exception. With its twinkling tree lights, unrivalled views and relaxed atmosphere, South Bank is London's coolest winter destination. Visitors will be able to soak up the festive spirit with world-class shows, one-of-a-kind experiences, seasonal exhibitions and festive foodie treats. From traditional riverside locomotives to immersive theatre experiences, South Bank is the place to be for a season of great events in the capital”. For more information on all the above, please visit: www.southbanklondon.com/winter. Media Contact: Emily Tallis, 0207 202 6900 / editorial@southbanklondon.com

BFI SOUTHBANK

As the winter nights draw ever closer, BFI Southbank invites audiences in from the cold for a special programme of films perfect for the Christmas season; an extended run of the joyous Guys and Dolls (1955) will keep the winter blues at bay, while Christmas classics such as It's a Wonderful Life (1947) and Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) will provide fun for all the family. Plus, in a new monthly slot, BFI Southbank will offer audiences the opportunity to pick their favourite film under a theme related to the programme, this month: your favourite Christmas film. We will screen the film that gets the most votes over 100 (subject to availability in the UK), so that audiences can have the chance to have their own specially programmed Christmas night out.

Puppets at Christmas: Celebrating Puppets With Attitude will look at the long tradition of puppets on British television. Hosted by Clementine the Living Fashion Doll, our guide for the evening will introduce us to the puppet stars of yesterday with clips from the likes of: Pinky and Perky; Basil Brush; Mademoiselle Zizi; Topo Gigio; Lamb Chop and Lord Charles. Finally, for those of the opinion that 'Christmas, sir, is humbug,' a visit to BFI Southbank to see Scrooge (1951) is highly recommended to reinstall some vital Christmas cheer. For more information, visit www.bfi.org.uk. Media Contact: Tim Mosley 020 7957 8918  Tim.Mosley@bfi.org.uk 

SOUTHBANK CENTRE'S WINTER FESTIVAL

Southbank Centre's Winter Festival with NatWest returns for a second year, focused around the theme of the Gift of Giving. Elements of Southbank Centre's Winter's Festival with NatWest begin opening from Wednesday 5 November with the festival in full swing from Saturday 6 December until Sunday 11 January. Invoking the spirit of Charles Dickens, Southbank Centre's Winter Festival with NatWest welcomes visitors to celebrate the joy and importance of generosity and giving at this special time of year.  The Festival will transform the 21-acre site into a magical landscape with giant illuminated white rabbits, a Christmas Tree Maze, bustling markets and twinkling canopies of lights. Highlights include:

• Gift of Giving theme to infuse the festival with a charity shop, a blanket knitting project to help keep vulnerable elderly people warm, and the return of Dickens's A Christmas  Carol lead by Griff Rhys Jones

• Over 60 community and school choirs to animate Southbank Centre with free festive singing twice a day

• Christmas shows for all ages including Meow Meow, axe-juggling Quebecois family Cirque Alfonse, La Soirée, Slava's Snowshow, an Oily Cart show for very small children and Fascinating Aida

• Brand new curated Christmas market with 50 wooden chalets featuring artisan food and bespoke crafts.

• Giant 7m high illuminated white rabbit sculptures by artist Amanda Parer

• Magical Christmas Tree Maze made up of 300 real blue spruce Christmas trees

• Southbank Centre Express train taking passengers across the riverfront

• A Vintage New Year's Eve Party with exclusive access to Southbank Centre and the London fireworks

• Festive classical concerts including Messiah by Candlelight, OAE's Messiah, The Sixteen at Christmas and The Snowman and Peter and the Wolf.

• Programme of free social dancing and festive gigs including New Year's Day Ceilidh with The Nest Collective

• New food & drink pop-ups including 18m-high Christmas Tree-shaped cafe in front of Royal Festival Hall, Viewing Deck Bar overlooking the Thames and traditional Scandinavian bar The Rekorderlig Cider Lodge

• Festival is supported for the second year running by NatWest. For information, visit: www.southbankcentre.co.uk/winter. Media Contact: press@southbankcentre.co.uk / 020 7921 0888

NATIONAL THEATRE

TREASURE ISLAND, playing in repertoire 3 December - 8 April.  NT  Live broadcast on 22 January.   This winter, Robert Louis Stevenson's story of murder, money and mutiny, TREASURE ISLAND, is brought to life on the National Theatre's Olivier stage in a thrilling new adaptation by Bryony Lavery, suitable for those aged 10 and over.  It's a dark, stormy night. The stars are out. Jim, the inn-keeper's granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger. At the old sailor's feet sits a huge sea-chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in – and her dangerous voyage begins. Arthur Darvill (Dr Who, Broadchurch) leads the cast as Long John Silver, in Polly Findlay's production. South Bank visitors and audiences can also enjoy the NT's brand new, unique spaces for eating, drinking and shopping. On the river front, Kitchen is an all-day café serving simple, healthy dishes, while The Understudy is a relaxed and friendly craft beer pub. House is our new destination restaurant, and the stunningly redesigned NT Bookshop offers an unrivalled selection of gifts, books and playtexts. Visitors of all ages can go behind-the-scenes with daily Backstage Tours, and talks and hands-on-workshops in the brand new Clore Learning Centre. For more information, visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Press contact: Martin Shippen on mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk / 020 7452 3233.

THE LONDON EYE

This Christmas the London Eye will be transforming into the perfect winter destination with the return of 'Frostival' (15 Nov-11 Jan). Whilst welcoming back the hotly anticipated open-air Eyeskate rink, guests are also invited to soak up the festive 'Frostival' atmosphere from 135m above the city with seasonal capsule experiences. With enchanting views, the magical multi-sensory Frosty Guided Experience and Winter Cocktail Experience make the London Eye the ideal place for all of your seasonal celebrations. London's most iconic open-air ice skating rink will return to the South Bank, for its 5th consecutive year. From 15th November 2014 until 4th January 2015, Eyeskate will welcome everyone from beginner Bambi's to perfect professionals to soar across the ice beneath the beautiful twinkling haze of the London Eye lights.The Frosty Guided Experience offers the ultimate festive family day out. From 29th November 2014 until 3rd January 2015, selected London Eye capsules will be transformed into frosty winter caves framed with ice-like sculptures. Guests will be delighted by the enticing smells of mint chocolate and the sounds of blowing wind and crackling ice as expert guides provide fascinating winter facts about London's most famous landmarks. And those looking to indulge in a very merry Christmas, the Winter Cocktail Experience will be available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 27th November 2014 to 3rd January 2015. The enchanting evening experience will allow guests to sip on specially designed Christmas cocktails whilst taking in the breathtaking views of the sparkling London lights below. For information, visit: londoneye.com/Frostival. Media Contact:  LondonEyeTeam@exposure.net  or call 0207 907 7130 and ask to speak to the London Eye team.

SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM

Between 15 and 28 December, Penguin Father Fishmas will be making daily special appearances at The SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Guests can meet the cuddly penguin who will be spreading Christmas cheer in the Penguin: Ice Adventure area, alongside the aquarium's resident colony of Gentoo penguins as they swim beneath the water and waddle about in their icy home.  Guests can learn fun penguin-y facts in daily talks in the Penguin: Ice Adventure area and can watch the loveable Gentoo penguins gobble up fishy treats during the talk.* PLUS there is an entire marine world to explore including rare giant Green Sea Turtles, tropical fish, rays, crabs and jellyfish – and for the intrepid, special VIP experiences like VIP Shark Feed, VIP Turtle Feed and Snorkelling with Sharks.  AND for those taking pictures for their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, on arrival they can ask at the booking desk for a Santa hat cardboard cut out complete with hash tag and twitter account information. Guests can then get into the festive spirit by taking funny aspect pictures of our animals 'wearing' the hats! Tweet them to us at @london_aquarium or post them on our Facebook page (SEALIFELondonAquarium) and we'll pick one winner to receive a free return visit for a family of four!**For further information please visit www.visitsealife.com/london contact Tansy Ratcliffe – James/ Amy Williams at freerange communications on 020 7402 9966 or tansy@freerange.eu

WATERLOO STATION

The Network Rail Property team have helped secure Waterloo balcony to host this year's 'Landscape Photographer of the Year' exhibition (1 Dec-31 Jan). The iconic location will provide a landmark backdrop for the awards and free exhibition which showcase Britain's landscape old and new. Stephen Bright from Hampshire has been crowned the 'Lines in the Landscape' category winner for capturing Britain's extensive rail network and its relationship with our landscape at London Bridge. The best images from this year's competition will be displayed at an exhibition at London Waterloo station from 01 December to 31 January and  David Biggs, Managing Director, Network Rail Property,  will present Stephen with his award at a ceremony at Waterloo on 1 December. “Although Britain is home to the oldest railways in the world, the rail network continues to evolve and improve, and stations such as Kings Cross and St. Pancras have become stunning visitor attractions in their own right,” said Charlie Waite, renowned landscape photographer and founder of the competition. His words were echoed by David Biggs, who said: “This competition celebrates something very special - the way this country looks from its coasts, cities and countryside, much of which can be viewed or visited by our rail network. “Stephen's striking image captures a view of the railway which is rarely seen but shows how it's like a vital artery through our capital city”. Info: www.networkrail.co.uk/london-waterloo-stationMedia Contact: kyne.levingston@Networkrail.co.uk

MBNA THAMES CLIPPERS

Start the festivities early and travel in style to your Christmas party with MBNA Thames Clippers.  Enjoy a stunning start to the night as you cruise along the sparkling banks of the River Thames. It may be cold outside but the climate controlled seating areas are luxuriously warm and comfortable. With licensed bars on board, offering Champagne, wines, beers, spirits and hot drinks, let MBNA Thames Clippers get the party started. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 10% discount when booking through the office. Find out more at thamesclippers.com/sightseeing-leisure/group-sales. Media Contact: Louise Errington, Head of Marketing, Louise.errington@thamesclippers.com

OXO RESTAURANT, BAR AND BRASSERIE

When the weather outside is frightful, hot foot it to the OXO Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie because there's a host of festive delights for all the family to enjoy. With a new exhibition in the Restaurant, Peter Dazeley showcases his latest photographic marvels captured in his recently published Unseen London book. In the Brasserie, become immersed in the edible version of Philip Pullman's captivating fairy tales as the #OXOfeast is available until Sunday 15 February 2015. Head Chef Keir Barry has channelled his inner Grimm to produce a feast of tales in the most spellbinding of ways, whilst Head Pastry Chef Penny Wabbit has conjured up an indulgent dessert platter with enchanting treats that leave a pastry-crumb trail all the way from the kitchen. It's all about a certain cocktail with a cause in the OXO Bar. Putting guests who purchase a Disa Goddess in the running to win a bespoke ring made by Fairtrade Jeweller Anna Loucah worth £16,000, this festive season could be the best yet.  Enjoy any OXO experience with spectacular views of London and revel in the merriment of Christmastime. For more information, visit: http://www.harveynichols.com/news/restaurant/the-oxo-tower/. For reservations call 020 7803 3888 or email oxo.reservations@harveynichols.com . Media Contact: Kerri McGuinness, kerri.mcguinness@harveynichols.com

THE LONDON DUNGEON

Christmas is a time for eating, drinking and making merry – unless you are at the London Dungeon that is. This year guests will experience a very 'Dungeon Christmas' (4 Dec - 4 Jan) as preparations for a Tudor festive banquet that's more festering than flavoursome.

Don't be deceived by the mistletoe and holly, the decadent displays of game and the delicious smells of roasting meat and spiced mulled wine. These welcoming scents and sights will soon fade away to reveal the fly infested, kitchen where preparations for the feast are in full swing with our resident cook. Foul in every sense of the word, the cook will reveals some very surprising culinary secrets and a Christmas menu that will turn the strongest of stomachs, in an impromptu cookery lesson. Then it's down into the depths of the Dungeon to meet a host of history's most horrible characters as they celebrate Christmas. Over 1000 years of London's dark past is brought to life in 18 shows, featuring a cast including Guy Fawkes, Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett and one of the most prolific torturers of all time. PLUS expect plenty of edge of the seat surprises and TWO great rides. For more information, visit: www.thedungeons.com/london Media Contact: Helen.Butler@merlinentertainments.biz

IWM LONDON

Visit IWM London this winter to learn more about the Christmas Truce of 1914 in the First World War Galleries and take part in free family activity to make Christmas tree decorations directly inspired by First World War Princess Mary gift tins. Winter 2015 at IWM London will be the last time to visit some of our most popular exhibitions including children's exhibition Horrible Histories©: Spies and major First World War art exhibition Truth and Memory.  In March 2015 IWM London will open a new exhibition Fashion on the Ration and from July families can visit Horrible Histories: Blitzed Brits at IWM North marking the 75th anniversary of the Blitz. For more information, please visit: www.iwm.org.uk. Media Contact: Charlotte Sluter, T 020 7416 5420. M 07966 626 241, CSluter@iwm.org.uk  

COIN STREET COMMUNITY BUILDERS (GABRIEL'S WHARF, OXO TOWER WHARF, GALLERY@OXO, BARGEHOUSE)

Grimm Tales for Young and Old, Bargehouse, 21 November – 15 February
This winter, Philip Pullman's compelling Grimm Tales return in a brand new immersive storytelling experience to Bargehouse, that will plunge adults and brave children alike into the subversive world of the Brothers Grimm.

Dazzle, gallery@oxo, 9 November – 11 January
Exhibition dedicated to showing the best of contemporary designer jewellery. With prices spanning £12 to £3,500, there is a Dazzler for everyone.

Stress-free Christmas shopping at Oxo Tower Wharf. Looking for inspiration for gifts to satisfy discerning tastes of friends and family? Exhausted by the prospect of fruitless shopping sprees in crowded high streets? Take a leisurely stroll along London's South Bank to the independent design shops at Oxo Tower Wharf for a stress-free shopping experience.

Framing Perceptions, 14-18 January, gallery@oxo, Free
Sightsavers exhibition featuring portraits by Guardian photographer Graeme Robertson, taken in Uganda, East Africa and Rajasthan, North India. For more information visit www.oxotower.co.uk/whats-on/ and www.coinstreet.org. Press contact: Natalie Ridgway on 020 7021 1680 n.ridgway@coinstreet.org / Amber Davis on a.davis@coinstreet.org

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

Winners Assembly Christmas Carol Charity Busk - outside Norwood Leisure Centre, Wednesday 17 December 2pm

Crystal Palace Band & Cambria Choir - Ruskin Patk Bandstand, Saturday 20 December 1.45pm

Children's Christmas Funfair - St Matthew's Peace Gardens, Saturday 20 December, open 10am - 7pm (until Sunday 21 December)

Latin American Choir - Windrush Square, Saturday 20 December, 2pm

London Saxophone Choir Collections for the Mayor of Lambeth's Charity, Girl Child Network Worldwide - Ruskin Park Bandstand, Sunday 21 December, 2pm - 5.30pm

Children's Christmas Funfair - Windrush Square, Sunday 21 December, 10am - 7pm                                                           

For more information, visit: www.eventlambeth.co.uk . Media Contact: lconway@lambeth.gov.uk 0207 926 0474.

THE OLD VIC

Kristin Scott Thomas and director Ian Rickson reunite to bring Sophocles' tragedy to The Old Vic in the round. Frank McGuinness delivers a charged adaptation of this classic tale of power and revenge.Electra is bound by grief following the murder of her father Agamemnon, unwilling to forgive and consumed by a desire for revenge, her anger builds. On the return of her brother Orestes, Electra's fury explodes without mercy, leading to a bloody and terrifying conclusion. Kristin Scott Thomas' television and film credits include Four Weddings and a Funeral, The English Patient, Gosford Park and most recently Only God Forgives. Theatre includes The Seagull (Royal Court and Broadway), Betrayal and Old Times all directed by Ian Rickson. Ian Rickson's directing credits include Mojo, Old Times, Betrayal and The Children's Hour (West End), Hamlet (Young Vic), The Seagull (Royal Court and Broadway), and Jerusalem (Royal Court, West End and Broadway). Frank McGuinness' plays include The Hanging Gardens, The Match Box, Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme, Someone Who'll Watch Over Me and Speaking Like Magpies.

For more information, please visit: www.oldvictheatre.com. Media contact: Kitty Greenleaf |Jo Allan PR kitty@joallanpr.com  | 07545 131 539

LONDON MARRIOTT HOTEL COUNTY HALL

The London Marriott Hotel County Hall has got Christmas wrapped up for anyone planning a private Christmas party or event over the festive season. Events for two to two hundred can be catered for within many of the 12 private dining rooms to include the historic King George and Queen Mary which can accommodate up to 90 for a cocktail reception.

The Parliament Suite is self-contained and overlooks the Houses of Parliament.  Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar can be privately hired as can the incredible iconic Library Lounge. All have spectacular views across the River Thames to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Menus can be specially created for theming from Executive Head Chef Gareth Bowen and his talented team.  The Hotel will also be offering guests the chance to extend their festive celebrations by staying overnight in a luxury bedroom with an exclusive 20% discount for all Christmas party accommodation using code LPR when booking on Marriott.com.  For information, please visit: www.marriottcountyhall.com Suzy Brown/Harry Newell-Wise at Mason Williams: 0845 0941 007 suzy@mason-williams.com/harry@mason-williams.com M: Suzy Brown – 07850 320773 M: Harry Newell-Wise – 07850 320771

MONDRIAN LONDON

Spread the festive cheer at Mondrian London this Christmas with an array of options on offer. Indulge in some pre-Christmas pampering at agua Bathhouse, our award-winning spa, offering a range of treatments and glamour packages – vouchers and products are also available and would make the perfect Christmas gift. Sample delicious food at Sea Containers with our Christmas Party menus, available for groups of four or more. Dishes include Christmas pudding with brandy custard and milk chocolate yule log with vanilla ice cream (£55pp for lunch or £65pp for dinner).  Or for something extra special, spend Christmas Day with us and enjoy our festive package - an overnight stay with complimentary upgrade (subject to availability), breakfast and Christmas Day Lunch, including a glass of bubbly, a choice of starters, mains – including roast turkey with traditional trimmings - and desserts. Christmas Day Lunch is also available for non-residents for £115pp. Mondrian London at Sea Containers has also unveiled its boutique 56-seat screening room, which sees a weekend collaboration with Curzon Cinemas. In line with the hotel's stylish nautical theme, the intimate screening room is an artwork in itself, with 1970s inspired 3D wall sculpture, soft navy furnishings and authentic brass features salvaged from the original Sea Containers building. Over the festive period, guests can expect a host of festive family favourites, including A Muppets Christmas Carol and Polar Express (www.curzonmondrianlondon.com). For more information please visit www.mondrianlondon.com. Media Contact: Sophie Coughlan, Contagious Agency, +44 (0)20 7017 1808, mondrian@contagiousagency.com

PARK PLAZA HOTELS AND RESORTS

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge offers partygoers an "all-under-one-roof" offering this season combining cracking drinks and music at PRIMO Bar followed by deliciously imaginative twists on French classics at Brasserie Joel. From 24 November to 21 December, Chef Walter Ishizuka is offering 3 or 4-course feasts at Brasserie Joel from £34 per person. Dishes include smoked salmon, black mushroom-stuffed turkey, grilled bream with pumpkin puree and indulgent puddings such Christmas pudding with a salted caramel sauce. A welcome glass of bubbles is also offered as well as the use of an on-site festive coordinator.  Christmas Day lunches start from £79 per person. In addition, groups can add on a PRIMO Bar drinks reception package to suit any budget, from £19 - £79 per person. Chino Latino Pan-Asian Restaurant & Latin Cocktail Bar, located in Park Plaza Riverbank has three tempting party season tasting menus: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, running from 25 November from £38 per person.  On Christmas Day Chino Latino will serve up a “roast with all the trimmings” with a twist as well as some pan-Asian favourites for the less traditional. Roast dinner will be priced at £40 per head which includes a glass of Rose Champagne.

For more information, please visit: www.parkplaza.com/christmas. Media Contact: Emma Jamieson
T: +44 20 7034 1344 M: +44 78 8000 8552 ejamieson@pphe.com

LONDON DUCK TOURS

Why not make the festive season a little bit different this year?! It's always a chore trying to find something new to wow your family and friends...so why not treat them to a London Duck Tour.  Surprise them by arranging for them to travel in a big yellow DUKW around London and what better time to journey round the capital's sights and history, than when it's decked in a million twinkling lights? Or why not buy a London Duck Tours Gift Voucher for the family or that someone special. So what are you waiting for? Jump aboard a London Duck Tour for some festive fun!

For more information, please visit: www.londonducktours.com. Media Contact: Kelly Thompson, 07879 041707/ kelly.thompson@londonducktours.co.uk