SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S FESTIVAL OF LOVE
OPENING WEEKEND
Saturday 28 June – Sunday 29 June, across Southbank Centre’s site
Southbank Centre opens its summer Festival of Love with the first of a series of love-themed
weekends of talks and debates. The opening weekend will explore the seven Ancient Greek
concepts of love which the festival is based on, including Agape (love of humanity), Storge (love of
family) and Eros (romantic love), and will examine love’s place in society and how humans express
and experience love, with talks, workshops and performances.
Southbank Centre is offering the weekend with love, on a pay what you can basis, with a
suggested donation of £5 per day.
Throughout the summer there will also be new Festival of Love installations across the site
themed to the seven types of love, and a series of food and drink pop-ups including SNOG frozen
yoghurt, Look Mum No Hands!, B.O.B’s Lobster, The Bloody Oyster and Department of Good
Cheer.
Opening Weekend highlights include:

Cultural thinker and writer, Roman Krznaric will give the opening talk, The Different
Varieties of Love, with an introduction by Southbank Centre’s Artistic Director Jude Kelly
OBE

Husband and wife Omar Puente and Debbie Purdy (joining via video link tbc) will discuss
how they built their relationship through her incurable illness and their discussions about
assisted death

Award-winning historian, author and broadcaster Dr Bettany Hughes and philosopher
Professor Angie Hobbs will discuss the nature and power of erotic love

Professor Tanya Byron, Kids Company’s Dawn Howley and Helena Kennedy QC ask what
happens when a parent finds it impossible to love their child

Teenage super fans of Justin Bieber and 1D talk about devotion to their pop idols

Editor of DIVA Magazine, Jane Czyzselska, Paul Burston, Skye Sketshooki, Julie Bindel and
Vicky Beeching discuss gay marriage means to them and ask whether marriage is an
outdated concept the gay community should not aspire to

Professor Noel Sharkey explores whether having sex with robots will provide love and
intimacy in the future

Human rights campaigner and director of Liberty, Shami Chakrabarti, leads a discussion on
the place of love in struggles for freedom with author Colin Grant, rapper and historian
Akala, and the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet

A date night will be hosted by the glamorous Timberlina for everyone – whether they are
gay, straight, bisexual or just up for making new friends

Workshops will include how to write a love poem, how to flirt, making friendship
bracelets, embedding a secret message in a loved one’s clothing and the chance to have a
new dating profile created by Creative Connections
Full listings follow below.
For further press information please contact:
Katie Toms, Press Manager, 020 7921 0926, [email protected]
Patricia O’Connor, Head of Press, 020 7 921 0632, [email protected]
Ticket line: 0844 847 9910
Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk/love
#southbankforlove
Notes to Editors
Southbank Centre is the UK’s largest arts centre, occupying a 21-acre site that sits in the midst of
London’s most vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Thames. The site has an
extraordinary creative and architectural history stretching back to the 1951 Festival of Britain.
Southbank Centre is home to the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and the
Hayward Gallery as well as The Saison Poetry Library and the Arts Council Collection.
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Festival of Love at Southbank Centre, Southbank Centre’s summer 2014 festival, is dedicated to
the theme of love. Hundreds of artists, communities and partners will participate in creating a
festival that will explore the many different facets of human love – from romantic love and the
breakdown of relationships, to the harmony (or disharmony) between nations and the concept of
memorials. The festival runs from 28 June to 31 August, and features a wide-ranging programme
of themed weekends, performances, talks, outdoor art installations and urban greenery across the
site. One of the highlights, in celebration of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act becoming law in
England and Wales this March, will be the mass wedding event for opposite sex and same-sex
couples on the finale festival weekend (30 and 31 August).
FESTIVAL LISTINGS
SATURDAY 28 JUNE
The events are given with love and therefore pay what you can – suggested donation £5 for a
day of talks and debates.
THE DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF LOVE – ROMAN KRZNARIC
The Clore Ballroom at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 10.30am-12 noon
Does love need a rethink? Writer and founding faculty member of The School of Life, Roman
Krznaric, explores historical and contemporary views on romance. How did the romantic myth of
monogamy evolve? And what can we do to overcome our addiction to romance? With an
introduction from Southbank Centre’s Artistic Director, Jude Kelly OBE.
HOW DO I LOVE THEE? LET ME COUNT THE WAYS
Level 2 Foyer at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, Saturday 28 June & Sunday 29 June, 11am6pm
A chance to get involved in free, fun love-themed activities designed for all ages and inspired
by the seven key ancient Greek definitions of love.
Storge – family love. An opportunity to bring in a piece of a loved-one's clothing and print a secret
message in it with artist Davina Drummond.
Philia – Shared experience. Make a friendship bracelet with jewellery maker Tanvi Kant.
Philautia – Self-respect. Artist Sophie Herxheimer offers an opportunity for people to tell her what
makes them their ‘best self’. She will then collect people’s life stories live in ink.
Ludus – flirting, playful affection. Ariadne Radi Cor and Federica Ciotti from Creative Connections
create new dating profiles to truly reflect people’s personality.
Eros – romantic and erotic love. The Emma Press will be giving saucy one-to-one poetry readings.
Under 18s can try their hand at re-writing classic love letters.
Pragma – love which endures. A chance to cosy up on the sofa and ponder long lasting love while
watching some inspiring films of those whose love has endured.
Agape – the love of humanity. A chance to create a paper crane for peace with award winning
artist Adam Quang whose installation 1000 Acts of Kindness will take shape over the weekend.
No booking required.
1000 ACTS OF KINDNESS BY ADAM QUANG
The Clore Ballroom at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 11am-6pm
Southbank Centre presents an opportunity to take part in award-winning artist Adam Quang’s
1000 Acts of Kindness installation. Southbank Centre invites participants to make a paper crane,
write an act of kindness on it, record a pledge of kindness on video, then perform this act within
48 hours.
The installation will remain on display until Thursday 3 July.
TOUR OF FESTIVAL OF LOVE SITE INSTALLATIONS
Festival Village under Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, Saturday 28 June & Sunday 29
June, 12.30pm
A guided tour of the artistic installations at Southbank Centre’s Festival of Love with a member of
the curatorial team.
EROTIC POWER
The Clore Ballroom at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Eros, the boy-god son of the goddess of sexual love, Aphrodite, has caused both pleasure and pain
with his poison-tipped arrows since the time of the Ancient Greeks. Award-winning historian,
author and broadcaster Dr Bettany Hughes and philosopher Professor Angie Hobbs discuss the
nature and power of erotic love.
LOVE BITES
St Paul’s Roof Pavilion at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Love Bites are short 15-minute talks on everything from aphrodisiacs and bromances, to postnatal depression and love songs.
Jan Blake tells the twisted tale of a mother who has the laws of creation reeling after taking a risk
on how to love her son.
William Nicolson (economist) asks whether the dismal science can make you lucky in love.
Pauline Pearce talks about the London riots and speaking out for the love of community.
Akala presents a brief history of love, exploring a myriad expressions and ideas around love from
across the globe and throughout history.
TILL DEATH DO US PART
Level 5 Function Room at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Musician Omar Puente speaks about falling in love with his wife Debbie Purdy, how they built
their relationship through her incurable illness and their discussions about assisted death. He is
joined by Debbie’s closest friends, as well as Debbie herself, who will speak to the audience
through a video transmission tbc.
TELL ME THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE
JP Morgan Pavilion at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 12.30pm & 2pm
A chance for participants to learn how to write poetry about love through exercises and
discussions. This workshop is led by Mimi Khalvati, author of seven collections of poetry with
Carcanet Press, including award - winning book, The Meanest Flower. All abilities welcome.
TOUR OF MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS
Festival Village under Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, Saturday 28 June & Sunday 29
June, 2pm
This is a chance to tour the Museum of Broken Relationships exhibition in Heartbreak Hotel at
Southbank Centre’s Festival of Love. The Museum offers a chance to overcome an emotional
break-up through creation: by contributing to the Museum’s collection. 75 items from the
collection will be coming to Southbank Centre, including one half of a pair of handcuffs from
Singapore and a Slovenian sleepover bag from a relationship that included 20 breakups over 17
years. Southbank Centre did a public call out and members of the public have donated an extra 25
items to the collection, which will be shown for the first time at Festival of Love.
I CARRY YOUR HEART WITH ME – YOUNG POETS NETWORK
Level 4 Blue Bar at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 2pm, (Free but booking required)
A workshop on how to write the perfect love poem for the 21st century – for all those struggling
to tell a girlfriend or boyfriend how they feel about them and students spending English lessons
getting tangled up with Shakespeare’s Sonnets. The Poetry Society’s Young Poets Network and
poet Hannah Jane Walker present a workshop to satisfy aching, poetic hearts.
For ages 14 – 18
MAKE LOVE NOT WAR
The Clore Ballroom at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 2pm-3pm
Human rights campaigner and director of Liberty, Shami Chakrabarti, leads a discussion on the
place of love in struggles for freedom. Looking at examples of love in power-driven campaigns,
including the civil rights campaigns of Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X, the panel, including
author Colin Grant, rapper and historian Akala, and the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent
Lyse Doucet, examine how ideals of love play out in politics today.
LOVE BITES
St Paul’s Roof Pavilion at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 2pm-3pm
Love Bites are short 15-minute talks on everything from aphrodisiacs and bromances, to postnatal depression and love songs.
Jan Blake tells the twisted tale of a smitten young woman who sees love where there is none.
Brendon Walker (thrill engineer) will give seven formulae for seven forms of love.
Professor Noel Sharkey explores whether having sex with robots will provide love and intimacy in
the future.
Dr Malachi McIntosh discusses whether it’s okay to express love for a national character.
FLIRTOLOGY
Level 5 Function Room at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 2pm-3pm
FLIRTOLOGY
Level 5 Function Room at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 2pm-3pm, Pay What You Can Day
Pass, (Suggested Donation £5)
Audience members will be given the chance to sharpen their flirting skills with social
anthropologist Jean Smith, author of The Flirt Interpreter: Flirting Signs from Around the World,
and journalist Hannah Pool. Flirtology will pose questions about why people flirt, what it means
and provide insights for those looking to get better at it.
THE SCHOOL OF LIFE – HOW TO MAKE LOVE LAST
The Clore Ballroom at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 3.30pm-4.30pm
Both singles and couples are invited to join David Waters in this workshop designed to explore
what happens beyond the dizzying heights of passion when the honeymoon ends and question
whether love can be sustained over time.
A POETIC GUIDE TO LOVE AND SEDUCTION
Level 5 Function Room at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 6pm, £8 (not included in the pay
what you can pass)
At this event poets will give a lesson in how to find, keep and lose a lover. The poets performing
will appear in The Emma Press’s Poetic Primer for Love and Seduction.
SATURDATE
The Clore Ballroom at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 8pm
Southbank Centre presents a date night like no other. This evening provides a genuine dating
service exploring the most flirty and playful of the seven Ancient Greek types of love, for those
seeking something more than a two-minute chat. Facilitated by the glamorous Timberlina. Anyone
can take part whether they are gay, straight, bisexual or just up for making new friends.
SUNDAY 29 JUNE
The events are given with love and therefore pay what you can – suggested donation £5 for a
day of talks and debates.
LOVE, COFFEE AND PAPERS
The Clore Ballroom at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 11am
A chance for audiences to bring a coffee and a croissant and get clued up (and loved up) about the
week’s stories on love. The panel will feature Cosmopolitan’s sex expert Rachel Morris and will
discuss the week’s most important stories, from war zones to sex scandals. Chaired by Southbank
Centre’s Artistic Director, Jude Kelly OBE.
NOW I’M A BELIEBER!
Level 4 Blue Bar at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 12.30pm
Teenage super fans of Justin Bieber and 1D take centre stage to talk about their devotion to the
princes of pop. From the utter exhilaration of seeing the musician you love up on stage to the
darker side of ‘super fans’ and stalkers, how does admiration turn to obsession?
For ages 10+
FRIENDS AND SOLDIERS
The Level 5 Function Room at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Photographer and former soldier Alison Baskerville talks to soldiers and others who have been on
the front line as they tell stories about the bonds they forge in wars, what happens when they
come home, and the impact these strong connections have on their lives.
LOVE BITES
St Paul’s Roof Pavilion at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Love Bites are short 15-minute talks on everything from aphrodisiacs and bromances, to postnatal depression and love songs.
Meg Barker talks about embracing different ways of conducting relationships.
Nina Burrowes talks about the greatest love of all and why Whitney Houston was right about
learning to love yourself.
Hannah Fry discusses the mathematics of love and why maths will make you win at online dating.
Sheetal Banerjee explores Sufi Sutras and the Sufi search for the love divine.
SEX AND SENSIBILITIES
Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room, 12.30pm-1.30pm
How are sex, romantic love and marriage related? Around the world there are myriad approaches,
from Kenya’s new polygamy laws and China’s ‘second wives’, to the legalisation of same-sex
marriage in the UK and taboos around sex outside of marriage in the Arab world. Xiaolu Guo,
Shereen El Feki and Jeffrey Weeks discuss the impact laws and traditions about sex and marriage
have upon the way we love.
CREATE YOUR OWN PHILOSOPHY OF LOVE
JP Morgan Pavilion at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 12.30pm & 2pm
A rare opportunity for wannabe love philosophers to spend an hour with psychotherapist Jonny
Hollins in a small group and work to identify and discuss various philosophies on love, such as
what love is and ways to improve relationships with others.
Capacity is limited.
Over-18s only.
VOICELAB’S BIG LOVE SING
The Clore Ballroom at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 12.30pm & 2pm, with final
performance at 3.30pm on Southbank Centre’s Riverside Terrace
People of all ages, abilities and experiences are welcome to come and learn a selection of songs
celebrating the seven themes of love in two workshops and a performance, led by Laura Howe
and featuring guest artist Sharon D Clarke. This free afternoon of singing is for everyone –
whether they have sung with Voicelab before, or are new to singing at Southbank Centre.
SEX RE-EDUCATION
Level 4 Blue Bar at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 2pm
Non Pratt, author of Trouble, and Cosmopolitan sex therapist Rachel Morris lead a discussion for
young people about what is taught in school and what the reality in the school yard is.
For ages 14-20. Parents welcome.
GETTING MARRIED IN THE MORNING?
Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room, 2pm-3pm
Paul Burston, Skye Sketshooki, Julie Bindel and Vicky Beeching talk about what the legalisation of
gay marriage means to them and whether marriage in itself is an outdated concept the gay
community should not aspire to. Chaired by editor of DIVA Magazine, Jane Czyzselska.
LOVE BITES
St Paul’s Roof Pavilion at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 2pm-3pm
Love Bites are short 15-minute talks on everything from aphrodisiacs and bromances, to postnatal depression and love songs.
Josie Barnard talks about friendship from Boudicca to Jennifer Aniston, and from Nietzsche to
Morecambe & Wise.
James McConnachie discusses the Kamasutra – the myth of 64 positions and the truth about the
world’s most famous sex manual.
Adam Quang, director of the World Karma Project, gives advice about karma, love and how to live
to be 110.
Roman Krznaric explains how empathy can enrich our lives, improve our relationships and create
a political revolution.
FAMILIAL LOVE
Level 5 Function Room at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 2pm-3pm
Love between parent and child can be a strong, unbreakable and unconditional force of nature.
But what happens if a parent finds it impossible to love their child? Professor Tanya Byron and
Kids Company youth representative Dawn Howley discuss. Chaired by Helena Kennedy QC.