London's Royal Festival Hall: A True British Treasure

London's Royal Festival Hall is one of the best known musical centres in all Europe. Since it opened in 1951, the world's top musical and dramatic performers has graced its stage. The chance to play Royal Festival Hall is considered by many to be the pinnacle of their career. Mastering it's some times challenging acoustics has long been taken as a sign of true talent.

The hall, located on the south bank of the River Thames near Hungerford Bridge, is home to the London Philharmonic Orchestra. It also hosts dances, concerts by the world's top musicians and talks among governmental bodies. The building, designed by a group of young architects led by Leslie Martin, has an unusual shape. Mr. Martin called it 'egg in a box' and he explained he chose the design to keep the noise of the nearby railway from penetrating the hall.

With many great London hotels nearby, The Royal Festival Hall stands at the middle of the Southbank Centre Complex which includes the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Clore ballroom, Southbank Centre Shop, the Purcell Room, the Haywood Gallery and the Saison Poetry Library and numerous places to eat and drink. Most of them are open to the public with the exception of the exclusive Members Bar on the sixth level. Level Two offers free WiFi internet access. Getting there is easy. It is situated near the Waterloo, Charing Cross and Embankment London Underground and British Rail Stations. The Southbank Centre Complex is also accessible by boat, bus and bike allowing all and sundry to be easily transported there.

One of the most poplar elements of the Royal Festival Hall is the Foyer spaces. This area, added in 1964, encircles the building and provides spectacular panoramic views of the area which includes the London Eye, Westminster, the Thames and the Jubilee Gardens. Admission to the Foyer is free and all are welcome. Reasonable decorum is required however. Each day thousands visit the foyer to lounge, take in the views or take pictures. It is one of the most beautiful places in London.

The Royal Festival Hall is a permanent legacy of the Festival of Britain which was held on the South Bank of the Thames. The hall has gone through numerous renovations to improve its looks and acoustics. Today it is a vital part of everyday life in London and is a Grade 1 site, the first post-war building to be so protected.