Imagine Children's Festival 2024, Southbank

Imagine Children's Festival returns to the Southbank for the 22nd year – proof, if proof were needed, of its enduring popularity. For 10 full days (7–17 February) the Southbank will be heaving with a variety of more than 100 events, many completely free to attend, that range from participatory fun and games, to talks, workshops, dance parties and some ticketed theatre shows.

The full festival programme can be accessed here. Below we highlight just a few of the events that have caught our eye.

--- Akram Khan, Chotto Desh – Queen Elizabeth Hall, 9 & 10 February at 14:30 and 18:30. Dur.. 50 mins approx. Tickets: £14–£24 Adults, £10.50–£18 Children
Always an engaging story-teller, Akram Khan uses dance, animation and especially composed music to create a dance-theatre work that encapsulates a young man's memories from Bangladesh to Britain. Here's the trailer:

--- Motionhouse, Starchitects: A Cosmic Adventure – Queen Elizabeth Hall, 15 February at 13:00 & 16:30; 16 & 17 February at 11:00 and 14:00. Dur.: 55 mins approx. Tickets: £12-£20 Adults, £9-£15 Children
Motionhouse dance company specialises in dance-circus productions, that make extensive use of digital imagery to shape clear and compelling narratives. Starchitects: A Cosmic Adventure, which has its London premiere at this festival, tells the story of five children who dream of reaching the moon from their bedroom.

Motionhouse, Starchitects: A Cosmic Adventure. Photo: Dan Tucker
--- ZooNation's Hip-Hop Half Term – Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, 11 February at 10:30 am. Dur.: 5 hours. FREE
The energetic and hugely talented youngsters of ZooNation Youth Company are on hand to offer a thrilling hip hop performance and lead a number of workshops on all things hip hop, as well as a lunchtime social jam with a live DJ. Ideal for ages 5 onwards, adults very much included.

--- The River – Blue Room, Royal Festival Hall, 12 February at 11:00, 13:30, 15:00. Dur.: 40 mins approx. Tickets: £16 (includes one child and up to three guests). Ages: 6 - 14
The River is Bamboozle Theatre Company’s newest show for disabled children with complex needs. This show introduces children to a range of river animals, from salmon to herons, and even mystical creatures such as the water goddess, with live music and instruments with tactile vibrations.

Among the many participating celebrities are CBeebies presenters, children's author Michael Rosen, and stand-up comedian Rosie Jones, who will tell her new story starring Edie Eckhart, a character who, like Rosie herself, has cerebral palsy.