The Level 1 Foyer at the Royal Festival Hall (informally known as the "cloakroom space") is a vibrant, open hub dedicated to supporting London’s creative community. Whether you are an individual dancer looking to practice or a small group of artists honing your skills, this space is designed to be a welcoming environment for all.
To ensure the foyer remains a safe and productive space for everyone, we ask that all users follow the guidelines and schedules outlined below.
1. Overview of the Space
The Level 1 Foyer is a modernist open space frequently used for:
- Dance & Choreography: Rehearsals and individual training.
- Artist Rehearsals: Creative sessions for performers.
- Informal Gatherings: Small groups or individuals working in a creative capacity.
2. Rehearsal Hours & Availability
While the Royal Festival Hall itself has broad opening hours, the Level 1 Foyer has specific times designated for rehearsal and training use:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am – 5:30pm
- Monday: Closed
Please note that these hours are subject to change based on the Southbank Centre’s main performance schedule. We recommend checking our monthly timetable before your visit.
3. House Rules for Creative Use
To maintain a respectful environment for staff, security, and other members of the public, all users must adhere to the following rules:
- Respectful Conduct: Treat all visitors and staff with courtesy. Ensure your activities do not prevent others from safely using the foyer.
- Music & Sound:
- Only small, portable music players are permitted.
- Music must be appropriate for a general audience (no swearing or offensive language).
- During certain Royal Festival Hall performances or rehearsals, music may not be allowed at all. Please follow the instructions of our staff.
- Equipment: Large equipment, machines, or complex setups are not permitted.
- Safety: Do not engage in activities that are risky or dangerous to yourself or others.
- Short-Notice Changes: We reserve the right to change the usage timetable at short notice due to venue requirements.
4. Timetables
We publish a monthly rehearsal and training schedule so you can plan your sessions effectively. You can find the current and upcoming links (e.g., March 2026, April 2026) on the main venue page (Level 1 Foyer Royal Festival Hall)
5. Practical Information
- Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
- Cash-Free Venue: We do not accept cash payments anywhere in the Royal Festival Hall.
- Accessibility: The foyer and all performance spaces are fully accessible with step-free access.
- Getting Here: The nearest stations are Waterloo (Tube and Rail) and Embankment (Tube).
- Food & Drink: If you need a break, you can visit the Ballroom Cafe for coffee and cake or the Festival Bar & Kitchen on Level 2.
For further assistance or specific enquiries regarding venue hire for larger, private rehearsals, please visit our Venue Hire page (Venue Hire)