London

The Royal Festival Hall is the Southbank Centre's major venue, and it reopened in 2007 after a £90 million renovation. Access has been improved, but the real meat of the project is the acoustic refurbishment of the 3,000-capacity main hall. Showcase events include the summer's Meltdown festival which is curated by a different iconic artist, band or figure every year (including John Peel, Laurie Anderson and Jarvis Cocker), and the Shell Classic International Season. As well as a full programme of classical and contemporary music concerts, the Royal Festival Hall usually puts on one or two blockbuster theatre shows a year, recently 'The Wizard Of Oz' and 'Carmen Jones', plus literature events. Additionally, the Royal Festival Hall's foyer and outdoor terrace areas often host free exhibitions, children's events, lunchtime jazz and after-hours cabaret. Sister venues the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room are next door.