{"id":82,"date":"2007-10-31T12:59:26","date_gmt":"2007-10-31T12:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dine-online.co.uk\/foodie\/southbank-centre-presents-an-alternative-christmas\/"},"modified":"2007-10-31T12:59:26","modified_gmt":"2007-10-31T12:59:26","slug":"southbank-centre-presents-an-alternative-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dine-online.co.uk\/foodie\/southbank-centre-presents-an-alternative-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"SOUTHBANK CENTRE PRESENTS AN ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS"},"content":{"rendered":"

SOUTHBANK CENTRE PRESENTS AN ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS \u2013 FROM ARTIST-DESIGNED LIGHTS BY ANYA GALLACCIO TO LONDON\u2019S FIRST SLOW FOOD MARKET <\/strong><\/p>\n

As part of this year\u2019s Christmas offerings at Southbank Centre, The Hayward has commissioned Anya Gallaccio to create artist-designed Christmas Lights. Southbank Centre is delighted to announce this collaboration with Turner Prize nominee Anya Gallaccio, who is famed for creating site-specific installations, often using organic materials as her medium. David Batchelor’s 2006 commission Festival Remix will also return to illuminate the site.<\/p>\n

In addition to the festive lighting, there will be a host of performances and free events for all the family that break the mould of traditional seasonal offerings, as well as a multitude of shopping and eating options. For the best the yuletide season has to offer make sure that Southbank Centre is on your Christmas list. Be transported by a contemporary take on the magical tale of Rapunzel; laugh you socks off at \u2018living cartoon\u2019 Ennio Marchetto and be entertained by our free series of Festive Ballroom events including a Christmas Tea Dance and Christmas Salsa Jam; sample the delights of artisan food producers at the first slow food market in London; admire Anya Gallaccio\u2019s Christmas lights and the return of David Batchelor\u2019s Festival Remix; shop \u2018til you drop with 50s-inspired Christmas gifts and decorations at Southbank Centre\u2019s Shop; and drink and dine with friends and family at one of the many onsite restaurants and bars. <\/p>\n

Southbank Centre is delighted to host the inaugural slow food market in London, brought to you by Slow Food UK. From Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 December, the Christmas market, outside the Royal Festival Hall on Southbank Centre Square, will feature more than 20 stalls offering outstanding fresh and preserved foods, as well as sustainably produced craft products – both local and countrywide. <\/p>\n

In addition, The Ballroom in the Royal Festival Hall will be transformed into an enchanting refuge by set designer and Associate Artist Michael Vale, providing the platform for free daytime performances and evening gigs throughout the Christmas period. Please see below for full listings information.<\/p>\n

CHRISTMAS AT SOUTHBANK CENTRE 2007<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rapunzel
\nQueen Elizabeth Hall
\nTuesday 18 December \u2013 Saturday 5 January 2008<\/strong>
\nKneehigh Theatre\u2019s Rapunzel, by Annie Siddons, brings a blend of puppetry, music and physical humour to the classic fairytale. Rapunzel is a truly special folktale of a feisty heroine, lovable rogues, magic pigs, evil brothers and, of course, enduring love. A live band accompanies this in-the-round production, including songs performed by the cast while the audience sits on hay bales and seats encircling the players in the centre. Recommended for ages 7+ <\/p>\n

Ennio Marchetto
\nPurcell Room
\nThursday 20 \u2013 Monday 31 December 2007<\/strong>
\nFollowing the huge success of his performances at Southbank Centre last Christmas, Ennio Marchetto transforms the art of origami into theatrical magic using nothing but paper costumes to create a multitude of celebrities, with new characters Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse as well as firm favourites such as Snow White and Rudolph. Marchetto is a unique character entertainer whose virtuoso performance is a display of technical ingenuity and extraordinary physical dexterity. Recommended for ages 8+<\/p>\n

Festive Lights
\n6 December \u2013 6 January 2008
\nSwitch on event at 6.30pm on Thursday 6 December<\/strong>
\nThe Hayward again spreads its Christmas twinkle across the site in the form of its annual Christmas Lights commission. The Hayward is delighted to announce the collaboration with contemporary artist Anya Gallaccio, who is famed for creating site-specific installations, often using organic materials as her medium. David Batchelor’s 2006 commission Festival Remix will also return to the site. Inspired by the refurbishment work to transform the Royal Festival Hall, Batchelor transformed mundane building tools such as bins, pallets and cement mixers into extraordinary glowing forms. These illuminated objects are complimented by festoons of lights, each in its own recycled plastic bottle. To see all this spectacle light lovers can gather for the switching on ceremony on 6 December, which coincides with a night of festive Christmas shopping across the site and special festive celebratory songs sung by Southbank Centre\u2019s Voicelab choir.<\/p>\n

Southbank Centre Christmas Market in association with Slow Food UK
\n11am \u2013 8pm, Thursday 20 \u2013 Sunday 23 December
\nSouthbank Centre Square<\/strong>
\nSouthbank Centre is delighted to host the inaugural slow food market in London, brought to you by Slow Food UK. The Christmas market will feature outstanding fresh and preserved foods, as well as sustainably produced craft products \u2013 both local and countrywide. The Slow Food Movement believes that the food we eat should taste good; that it should be produced in a clean way that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or our health; and that food producers should receive fair compensation for their work. A perfect opportunity to purchase unusual gifts for the foodie in your life!<\/p>\n

Ballroom Festive<\/strong>
\nThe Ballroom in the Royal Festival Hall will be transformed into an enchanting refuge by set designer and Associate Artist Michael Vale, providing the platform for free daytime performances and evening gigs throughout the Christmas period. Raising the roof, Southbank Centre\u2019s Voicelab Choir will perform Christmas carols (14 December) followed closely by a Gamelan showcase played on the organisation\u2019s own magnificent Javanese Gamelan (16 December). Visitors with dancing shoes need to get ready for the Christmas Tea Dance (17 December) and get down for swing band The Jive Aces (22 December) or dance away those Christmas calories to hot Salsa and Cuban rhythms for our Christmas Salsa Jam (26 December). Not to be missed out, music fans can catch the latest offering from The Blessing \u2013 the jazzy off-shoot of British trip-hop legends Portishead (21 December). There will also be storytelling and activities going on throughout the month.<\/p>\n

Alongside the Ballroom Festive Bellowhead blast off their tenure as Southbank Centre Band In Residence with their infectious and unique brand of cabaret folk with a special Christmas theme (18 December, Tickets \u00a317.50). If this has got you in the mood then New Years Eve is also warming up to be bigger, better and bolder than ever.
\n
\nEating and Shopping at Southbank Centre<\/strong>
\nTo celebrate the reopening of the Royal Festival Hall this summer, Southbank Centre\u2019s shops\u2019 Christmas offerings will include both classic 1950s and contemporary ranges. The 50s range is full of quirky, nostalgic greetings cards, starburst decorations and knitted baubles, traditional confectionery and collectable tin toys. Fun decorations in felt, candles in the shape of reindeer\u2019s heads and Michelangelo-inspired chocolate angels are on offer for those with a more contemporary taste. If you are still left wondering what to buy that special someone then let them decide with a Southbank Centre Gift Arts Voucher or a gift membership \u2013 a perfect present for arts lovers \u2013 or for that extra special gift name a seat for them in the Royal Festival Hall.<\/p>\n

All culinary tastes will be catered for at the 14 restaurants, cafes and bars on site many of which have Christmas menus to tantalise the taste buds. The Riverside Terrace Caf\u00e9 and Central Bar inside the Royal Festival Hall will be serving seasonal snacks and a full range of drinks and draught beers, whilst the adventurous can head to The Hayward\u2019s new bar and caf\u00e9 \u2018Concrete\u2019 for unusual beers and fresh new cocktails.<\/p>\n

BALLROOM FESTIVE LISTINGS
\nROYAL FESTIVAL HALL<\/strong>
\nAdmission is FREE for all events unless specified.<\/p>\n

Friday 14 December, 6.30pm
\nVOICELAB CAROLS <\/strong>
\nSing along with Southbank Centre\u2019s Voicelab choir to Christmas carols of all kinds. Song sheets provided.
\n
\nSaturday 15 December, 4pm
\nCOLIN CURRIE<\/strong>
\nPart of Close Up
\nThe dynamic young percussionist Colin Currie performs an informal and entertaining introduction to percussion music, presenting the music of Dave Maric and Louis Andriessen in conjunction with the release of his CD, Borrowed Time. <\/p>\n

Sunday 16 December, 12.30pm
\nTHE GAMELAN SHOWCASE<\/strong>
\nA free celebration of gamelan music featuring a mixture of gamelan groups affiliated with Southbank Centre, showcasing a variety of repertoire on the organisation\u2019s magnificent Javanese Gamelan. Experience the gamelan first hand by taking part in taster sessions throughout the afternoon.<\/p>\n

Monday 17 December, 5.30 \u2013 8.30pm
\nCHRISTMAS TEA DANCE<\/strong>
\nThe magic of dance and the flavours of Christmas are joined together for a special evening of dance. Spend time dancing to your favourite Ballroom Latin and sequence music, with compere Nicky Miles, while catching a few special surprises.<\/p>\n

Tuesday 18 December, 7.30pm
\nBELLOWHEAD<\/strong>
\nBellowed blast off their tenure as Southbank Centre\u2019s Band In Residence with their infectious and unique brand of cabaret folk with a special Christmas theme.
\nTickets \u00a317.50<\/p>\n

Thursday 20 and Friday 21 December, 11.30am
\nMALIKA BOOKER<\/strong>
\nWriter and performer Malika Booker brings you a treasure trove of magical stories and poems for Christmas. Treat yourself to her myths and mysteries, and discover festive stories for young and old retold by a compelling storyteller.<\/p>\n

Friday 21 December, 6pm
\nTHE BLESSING<\/strong>
\nPart of Friday Tonic
\nJazzy off-shoot of British trip-hop legends Portishead, this quartet led by Jim Barr and Clive Deamer don their jazz hats and get down to some serious improvisation. With the release of their much-anticipated debut album, All is Yes (Candid) in early 2008, the group is arguably producing some of the edgiest and freshest jazz-rock tracks to date.
\n
\nSaturday 22 December,12.30pm
\nTHE JIVE ACES<\/strong>
\nInfectious rhythm, screaming horns and slapping bass all add up to The Jive Aces being the favourite band of swing and jive dancers across the globe.
\n
\nSunday 23 December, 12.30pm
\nSHANGHAI SYNCOPATED ORCHESTRA<\/strong>
\nPlaying original 1920s and 30s jazz and dance orchestrations that were rediscovered in a junk shop many decades on, a class act from the past returns to the Royal Festival Hall to concoct some magical and seasonal nostalgia.
\n
\nMonday 24 December, 12.30pm
\nTHE MELODI ENSEMBLE<\/strong>
\nDirect from Soweto, South Africa, this remarkable ensemble has come out of a project giving opportunities for disadvantaged children to read, write and play music.<\/p>\n

Wednesday 26 December, 5pm
\nCHRISTMAS SALSA JAM<\/strong>
\nWatch the best Salsa dancers perform, and dance away those Christmas calories to hot Salsa and Cuban rhythms. Top DJs and salsa shows combine for this spectacular festive treat, presented in association with Salsa UK. <\/p>\n

Thursday 27 and Friday 28 December, 11.30am & 1.30pm
\nTHE HOPE OF MIDWINTER<\/strong>
\nRenowned storyteller and musician Eric Maddern will take you on a midwinter journey – touching on ancient traditions through tale and song – into the darkness and out the other side. Suitable for all ages.<\/p>\n

Saturday 29 December, 12.30pm
\nINDIGO MOSS<\/strong>
\n“This young quintet have successfully transplanted the sounds of the Appalachian mountains to the land of St George’s Cross and Poundstretcher shops without turning the whole exercise into pastiche… a feeling for melody and harmony pulls the band beyond their obvious influences… vibrant and contemporary” – Mojo<\/p>\n

Sunday 30 December, 12.30pm
\nLONDON SALON ENSEMBLE<\/strong>
\nFull steam ahead towards the traditional New Year\u2019s Day celebrations with a fine selection of Viennese favourites and many other treasured gems from this unique ensemble that have been performing at the Royal Festival Hall at Christmas nearly every year since 1988.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SOUTHBANK CENTRE PRESENTS AN ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS \u2013 FROM ARTIST-DESIGNED LIGHTS BY ANYA GALLACCIO TO LONDON\u2019S FIRST SLOW FOOD MARKET As part of this year\u2019s Christmas offerings at Southbank Centre, The Hayward has commissioned Anya Gallaccio to create artist-designed Christmas Lights. Southbank Centre is delighted to announce this collaboration with Turner Prize nominee Anya Gallaccio, who read more …<\/span><\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[10],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dine-online.co.uk\/foodie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dine-online.co.uk\/foodie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dine-online.co.uk\/foodie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dine-online.co.uk\/foodie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dine-online.co.uk\/foodie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=82"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dine-online.co.uk\/foodie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dine-online.co.uk\/foodie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=82"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dine-online.co.uk\/foodie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=82"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dine-online.co.uk\/foodie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=82"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}