Quentin Blake: The Southbank Parade

It’s been 75 years since the Festival of Britain, an era-defining cultural event designed to boost national morale post-WW2, took place on London’s Southbank. There’s a whole host of events lined up throughout 2026 to commemorate the anniversary, from the You Are Here festival in May to a a celebration of the life and work of Benjamin Zephaniah in June. And to honour to the thousands of pioneers in dance, music, literature and art that have graced the Southbank Centre’s hallowed halls since 1951, legendary illustrator Quentin Blake has created thirty life-size characters who will be dotted around around the venue between now and November. Look out for dancers, skaters, parkour athletes, opera singers, a violinist and more.