13 Nov 2015
Tags: South Bank London, South Bank, London, Winter, Festive, Family, food and drink, Film, Theatre
SOUTH BANK STORY IDEAS | WINTER 2015-16
For high res images or press tickets please contact Caroline Conway, Communications Officer at caroline.conway@southbanklondon.com or call (+44) 207 202 6918.
NEWS FROM KEY ATTRACTIONS IN THE AREA
London's South Bank is the heart of winter once more as world-class shows, one-of-a-kind experiences, seasonal exhibitions and festive food treats combine to make the area the must-see destination this winter.
Family fun
What? A Quackmas Carol Tour
Where? London Duck Tours
When? 1st – 31st Dec
How much? £27.50 pp
London Duck Tours will be presenting a Christmas themed sightseeing experience, 'A Quackmas Carol Tour' - writer Charles Duckins needs help to rescue the Spirits of Past, Present and Future from the dreaded Mr Scrooge! Visitors can climb aboard a Duck and relax as they drive and sail by the South Bank and beyond.
www.southbanklondon.com/a-quackmas-carol-tour
What? Winter Festival at Southbank Centre with NatWest
Where? Southbank Centre
When? Winter Market (20th Nov – 24th Dec), Bump Rollerdisco and Rekorderlig Cider Lodge 20th Nov – 17th Jan), La Soiree (27th Oct – 17th Jan), Slava's Snowshow (16th Dec – 3rd Jan), We are the Monsters (12th Dec – 23rd Dec)
How much? Free and variety of prices
Winter at Southbank Centre with NatWest returns for another year focusing on the themes of family and giving to others. The programme is packed with entertainment for all ages, from award-winning performances La Soirée and Slava's Snowshow, to festive concerts, social dances, choirs, a weekend dedicated to charitable causes and winter festivities including then Winter Market, Rekorderlig Cider Lodge and Bump Rollerdisco.
www.southbanklondon.com/winter-at-southbank-centre
What? Get Your Skates on at Frostival
Where? Coca-Cola London Eye
When? 14th Nov 2015 – 3rd Jan 2016
How much? Eyeskate from £9.45 per adult/ £6.75 per child Winter Cocktail Experience from £40.50 pp, Champagne Experience from £28.80 pp
Eyeskate is back with its biggest ever ice rink so visitors can once more glide on the ice with the illuminated London Eye providing the festive backdrop. Follow a spin on the ice with other festive offerings such as the Winter Cocktail Experience – sip expertly made cocktails created by The Cocktail Trading Co. whilst gazing below – or the Champagne Experience – enjoy a glass of champagne in the capsule.
www.southbanklondon.com/eye-skate
What? Santa Swims!
Where? SEA LIFE London Aquarium
When? 17th – 23rd Dec 2015
How much? From £19.98 per adult/ £14.41 per child
Home to one of Europe's largest collections of global marine life, SEA LIFE London Aquarium will welcome a new addition this December. At 11.45am every day, Santa himself will emerge from the depths to bring Christmas festivities to the display's inhabitants. Father 'fishmas' will hand-feed SEA LIFE London's rare green sea turtles Boris and Phoenix, dozens of rays, and colourful shoals of tropical fish.
www.southbanklondon.com/santa-swims
What? Enter The London Dungeon's Tavern
Where? The London Dungeon
When? Dec 2015
How much? From £18.95 per adult/ £16.50 per child
The London Dungeon Tavern opens this December - an all new interactive Victorian bar experience. A permanent expansion of this famous attraction, the Tavern will transport guests to a vibrant and decidedly dodgy Victorian pub. Guests can expect a sprinkling of Victorian festiveness with decorations and seasonal drinks available at the bar, which will be open throughout the performances.
www.southbanklondon.com/london-dungeon-tavern
What? Meet Festive Shrek
Where? Shrek's Adventure! London
When? Ongoing
How much? From £23.10 per adult, £18.72 per child
Take a trip to Far Far Away in one of South Bank's newest attractions and meet Shrek in all his festive glory, exclusively at Shrek's Adventure! London. Soar above London on Donkey's 4D bus before exploring iconic sets from the DreamWorks films and helping to save the day in a series of live-action performances, complete with cutting-edge technology and fun for the whole family.
www.southbanklondon.com/shreks-adventure-london-christmas-experience
What? Gabriel's Wharf Magical Christmas
Where? Gabriel's Wharf
When? Sat 5th Dec
How much? Free
Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy an afternoon of free family fun at one of South Bank's most creative hubs, Gabriel's Wharf. Children can create unique decorations in a free Christmas craft session or enjoy festive treats and live music whilst browsing jewellery, fashion and more within this enclave of independent designer-maker shops. Topped off with a special performance of classic carols from the National Deaf Children's Society, Gabriel's Wharf has everything needed for a truly magical Christmas.
www.southbanklondon.com/gabriels-wharf-magical-christmas-2015
What? Festive Funfair
Where? Windrush Square, Brixton, London Borough of Lambeth
When? 14th Dec 2015 – 4th Jan 2016
How much? Free
This year the Benson family will bring some extra glow to lively Brixton with a few small, traditional children's Christmas rides. The mini festive funfair will entertain young children throughout December (excluding Christmas Day) and into the New Year.
www.southbanklondon.com/childrens-christmas-funfair-2015
What? Florence Nightingale's Wonderland Grotto
Where? Florence Nightingale Museum
When? 5th Dec. Booking times are: 12.45 - 1:00pm, 1.45 – 2.30pm and 3.15 – 4.00pm
How much? Free with admission. Tickets: £7.50 per adult, £3.80 per child
Children can book a personal audience with the legendary nurse, share their dearest wish and receive a complimentary seasonal gift, booking essential. Or, drop in for a Florence Nightingale performance and hear her extraordinary stories.
www.southbanklondon.com/florences-wonderland-grotto
Theatre, Film and Exhibitions
What? wonder.land – Alice for the Online Generation
Where? National Theatre
When? 23rd Nov 2015 – 15th Mar 2016
How much? From £15
A new musical inspired by Lewis Carroll's iconic story, wonder.land is a coming-of-age adventure that explores the blurred boundaries between our online and offline lives. Combining live theatre and digital technology with striking costumes, sets, lighting and video projections, wonder.land is brought to life on stage. And with a score by Blur's Damon Albarn, this is a musical like no other.
www.southbanklondon.com/wonder-land
What? LOVE Season: Films to fall in love with. Films to break your heart.
Where? BFI Southbank
When? Until 31st Dec
How much? From £8.35. 2 For 1 tickets on Mondays (excludes previews and special events)
Get tickets for the LOVE season at BFI Southbank. Fall in love with the movies all over again with a two-month celebration of the romance, passions and desires that have filled film and TV screens. See certified classics such as Brief Encounter, comedies including Four Weddings and a Funeral and the darker side of love shown in Fatal Attraction.
What? Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Where? BFI IMAX
When? From 17th Dec 2015
How much? From £19.50 per adult (15 and over), and £15.50 per child (3 – 14 years)
See the long-awaited return to the galaxy far, far away on the UK's largest cinema screen at BFI IMAX. Taking place 30 years after the death of the Emperor and the destruction of the second Death Star, there has been an awakening in The Force, and Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia – along with a new generation of heroes – must face a host of powerful foes.
www.southbanklondon.com/star-wars-the-force-awakens
What? Dr. Seuss's The Lorax – Theatrical Invention with Zany Humour
Where? The Old Vic
When? 3rd Dec 2015 – 16th Jan 2016
How much? From £12
Inspired by Dr. Seuss's classic tale, The Lorax tells of a moustachioed and cantankerous critter who's on a mission to protect the earth from The Once-ler. Adapted by David Greig and brought to the stage by acclaimed director Max Webster (James And The Giant Peach, Twelfth Night), The Lorax blends theatrical invention, puppetry, songs and zany humour in a timely and vibrant Christmas show with a message that will speak to audiences of all ages.
www.southbanklondon.com/the-lorax
What? Lee Miller: A Woman's War
Where? IWM London
When? Until 24th Apr 2016
How much? £10 per adult, £5 per child, Concessions £7
This exhibition explores the impact of the Second World War on women's lives through the photography of Lee Miller, one of the most important female war photographers. This exhibition is the first to address Miller's vision of gender and features many photographs, objects, art and personal items never before seen on display.
www.southbanklondon.com/lee-miller-a-womans-war
What? IPF: Independent Photography Festival
Where? House of Vans
When? 18th – 29th Nov 2015
How much? Free
This annual event is created by young photographers for a local and global network of photo fiends, independent publishers and creatives who want to share their work in the real world. House of Vans will be hosting the London stop of this world travelling festival and will be complementing the exhibition with an array of workshops and talks. Following the exhibition visitors can visit The Wall SE1 cafe for an extensive food and drinks menu, including seasonal cocktails.
www.southbanklondon.com/ipf-common-strangers
Festive feasting
What? A New Year's Eve Spectacular
Where? Skylon Restaurant, Bar & Grill
When? Dec 31st 2015
How much? £350 pp
Celebrate the close of 2015 with an evening centred around a bespoke tasting menu, created by Skylon's Executive Head Chef, Tom Cook, and a Champagne reception with live music on the terrace of Royal Festival Hall – the perfect vantage point for London's legendary midnight fireworks.
www.southbanklondon.com/skylon-nye
What? Chef's Warming Winter Carvery
Where? London Marriott Hotel County Hall
When? Ongoing
How much? £95 pp
Hold a private or corporate party in one of the historic rooms at Marriot Hotel County Hall and enjoy 'Chef's Winter Carvery' exclusively served at the table. As well as the choice of Prime Rib, Turkey, Lamb or Pork carvery, this seasonal package includes a special cocktail, English starter, half a bottle of wine per person and a wide selection of desserts.
www.southbanklondon.com/winter-carvery
What? Party menus for Christmas and NYE
Where? Brasserie Joël at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
When? Throughout Dec
How much? Christmas party three-course menu, £34 or £39 pp. New Year's Eve four-course menu, £139 pp
A wide range of dishes have been created for Brasserie Joël's Christmas party three-course menus and New Year's Eve four-course menu, including home-made salmon gravlax, roast guinea fowl supreme with cider sauce and salted caramel parfait. With the option to start and finish the evening with live music and cocktails at PRIMO Bar London, diners can experience two venues under one roof.
www.southbanklondon.com/brasserie-joels-christmas-nye-menus
What? Indulge in OXO's Traditional Afternoon Tea
Where? OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie
When? Ongoing, Mon to Fri between 3pm and 4.30pm
How much? £35 pp (£45 with a glass of Champagne on arrival)
Enjoy this seasonal menu which includes mini Yorkshire puddings filled with braised venison and Dorset crab choux buns and sweet dishes of mini trifles packed with autumn fruits and a feather-light chocolate truffle. The OXO's teas and infusions have been carefully selected with Tregonthan, the only estate to grow tea on English soil.
www.southbanklondon.com/traditional-afternoon-tea
What? Alternative Christmas Menu
Where? Chino Latino, Park Plaza Riverbank London
When? From 25th Nov
How much? Christmas four-course menus: £36, £49 or £50 pp. NYE menus: £108 per person/£65 per child (16 and under)
Chino Latino are offering a Christmas Asian-style menu inspired by the three wise men - diners can choose from Balthazar's Gold, Melchior's Frankincense or Gaspar's Myrrh. Welcome in the New Year with either a Champagne buffet in the Thames Suite with views overlooking the River Thames or a tasting menu in the main restaurant. Both meal options are followed by music and dancing.
www.southbanklondon.com/chino-latino-christmas-nye-menu
What? All-American Thanksgiving Meal
Where? Mondrian London at Sea Containers
When? From 26th Nov
How much? £65 pp
The Sea Containers Restaurant at Mondrian London will be offering an authentic all-American Thanksgiving meal, with New York Chef Seamus Mullen at the helm. Dishes on the menu include Cornish Crab with green apple, courgette, red pepper, roasted Norfolk turkey with all the trimmings and, of course, a pumpkin pie cheesecake.
www.southbanklondon.com/thanksgiving-menu
What? Celebrate the festive season at L'Italiano
Where? L'Italiano, Park Plaza County Hall London
When? From 23rd November to 24th December – 5:30pm to 10:15pm
How much? Four-courses £29.50 pp. Celebration packages including drinks and nibbles from £20 pp per hour.
Celebrate the festive season with an Italian twist including slices of beef fillet, virgin olive oil, lemon dressing, pea cress, black truffle or veal ragú tortellini with a light veal broth. For a more drinks and nibbles sort of affair, visitors can choose from various packages at Spectrum Bar and Café for a casual and lively atmosphere.
www.southbanklondon.com/celebrate-the-festive-season-at-litaliano
Cruise into Christmas
What? Sail with Santa
Where? City Cruises
When? 28th & 29th Nov, every Saturday & Sunday in Dec
How much? £25 per adult, £15 per child (3 – 17 years)
For a festive twist to a cruise along the Thames, meet Santa on-board City Cruises' special Thames Grotto boat. Every child gets a gift from Santa and for the adults there is mulled wine and mince pies. A café-bar is also available should visitors feel like drinking hot chocolate or champagne.
www.southbanklondon.com/sail-with-santa-sightseeing-tour
What? MBNA Thames Clippers
When? Ongoing
How much? Adult Daily River Roamer £17.35, Child Daily River Roamer £8.65, Family River Roamer £36.00
Arrive refreshed and ready to explore South Bank on a MBNA Thames Clipper boat after sailing through London taking in the sights. The fastest and most frequent fleet on the river have two brand new vessels, Neptune and Galaxy, to transport visitors around the city in style. Keep warm sightseeing with climate-controlled indoor cabins and on-board Costa coffee bars.
www.southbanklondon.com/mbna-thames-clippers
Notes to Editors
For further information on winter events in South Bank, and our Heart of Winter campaign, visit the winter microsite at www.southbanklondon.com/winter
For further press information, press tickets and images, please contact Caroline Conway, caroline.conway@southbanklondon.com, 020 7202 6918
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About South Bank Marketing Group
South Bank London is the consumer-facing brand of South Bank Marketing Group, an association of key attractions, cultural venues, restaurants and hotels in the area committed to promoting South Bank as one of London's top destinations, including: BFI IMAX, BFI Southbank, City Cruises, Coin Street Community Builders, Coca-Cola London Eye, Florence Nightingale Museum, House of Vans, IWM London, London Duck Tours, The London Dungeon, London Marriott Hotel County Hall, Mondrian London at Sea Containers, National Theatre, OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie, Park Plaza County Hall, Park Plaza Riverbank, Plaza on the River, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge , SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Shrek's Adventure! London, Skylon, Southbank Centre, MBNA Thames Clippers, The Old Vic.
Our role is to:
• Provide destination leadership
• Maintain and grow South Bank's profile as one of the capital's top destinations
• Increase visitor dwell time and spend throughout the year
• Build strategic alliances which enhance the area's profile and its influence
• Influence local public realm schemes which impact on the visitor
South Bank Marketing Group is run by South Bank Employers' Group, a not-for-profit organisation in the South Bank, Waterloo and Blackfriars area committed to achieving the best possible experience of South Bank for visitors, employees and residents.
