On Wednesday, 22 April, we hosted our South Bank BID Annual Reception. This buzzing event is one of the real highlights of our year and a fantastic opportunity to bring together the businesses, partners and organisations that help shape this extraordinary neighbourhood.
This year's venue was the Southbank Centre's Weston Pavilion. Boasting stunning views of the South Bank from the Royal Festival Hall rooftop, it was a fitting place to reflect on South Bank’s past and future.
Looking out across the very site of the 1951 Festival of Britain, it was a reminder of the moment that sparked South Bank’s transformation – setting this neighbourhood on the path to becoming the world-class cultural and commercial destination we know today. The perfect backdrop for an evening reception celebrating the dynamic, collaborative work and forward-looking energy that permeates across the South Bank today.
Pictured above, from left: Simon Edward South Bank BID Chair, Nic Durston South Bank BID CEO, poet Erica Esketh, Elaine Bedell Southbank Centre CEO
The evening marked the launch of our 2026-27 BID Business Plan and our summer marketing campaign – shining a spotlight on everything there is to see, do and experience across South Bank as we prepare for what promises to be an incredible summer celebrating this important anniversary.
A huge thank you to our Chair, Simon Edward, for opening the evening and reflecting on the important work of the BID, the strength of partnership across South Bank, and the shared ambition that continues to drive this neighbourhood forward.
We also extend special thanks to our guest speaker Southbank Centre CEO Elaine Bedell, who shared insights into their phenomenal 75th anniversary programme of events taking place across the year.
And setting the scene for the evening and reminding us of the spirit of culture, creativity and inclusiveness that makes this such a cherished place, poet Erika Hesketh treated us to a beautiful recital of her inspiring poem Centrepiece (which you can read online here).
Thank you to everyone who joined us – your continued support and collaboration are what make South Bank such a special place!
>Read our Business Plan for 2026-2027 here
