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River Stage

Our free outdoor festival returns for summer 2024

A large group of performers in colourful and vibrant outfits performing at an outdoor summer event in the evening. They are surrounded by a large crowd watching.

Join us for a variety of exciting performances on the South Bank from three brilliant partners, in collaboration with the National Theatre.

We welcome The Glory, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival and Rambert.

Expect live music, theatre, dance, family workshops and club nights across four weekends in July.

Save the date

River Stage takes place every Friday – Sunday from 5 – 28 July

Event times:
Friday: 6:30pm – 11pm
Saturday: midday – 11pm
Sunday: midday – 6pm

Find us:
River Stage, National Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 9PX
Get directions

Our weekend lineups

Two drag artists in black outfits performing on a stage.
Photo by Corinne Cumming.

The Glory

Friday 5 July- Sunday 7 July

The Glory is back for another spectacular weekend at River Stage 2024.

Hosted and curated by The Glory’s Grande-Dames of drag and performance, Jonny Woo and John Sizzle. They are calling on their top drag queens and kings, cabaret artists, DJs, and theatre makers to present probably London’s most exciting and radical, free weekend of queer music, performance and hi-jinx.

Laugh, dance, cheer, create and commune by the Thames at this annual summer jamboree.

Queer London at its best.

The Glory weekend line-up

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

Friday 12 July- Sunday 14 July

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival bring their much-loved mash-up of vibrant, inclusive and disruptive summer fun to River Stage 2024.

This celebratory line-up of street theatre, dance and circus will delight audiences of all ages.

The weekend begins the one month countdown to GDIF 2024.

GDIF weekend line-up

Two performers doing an inverted hang from a trapeze, one of whom is in a wheelchair, in front of an audience with a city skyline in the background.
Photo by David Levene.
A dancer captured mid-motion against a pale blue background, her pose expressing dynamism and grace. She is dressed in a pastel pink sports bra and high-waisted shorts with a white long-sleeved shirt flowing behind her.
Photo by Daniel Shea.

Rambert

Friday 19 July- Sunday 21 July

The brilliant Rambert dance company returns to curate another memorable weekend at River Stage.

Join their talented teachers and diverse, inspiring artists for an unforgettable weekend.

Experience awe-inspiring dance performances, exciting special guest announcements, and the chance to learn new moves, suitable for all ages.

It’s your move.

Rambert weekend line-up

National Theatre

Friday 26 July- Sunday 28 July

Join us as we bring River Stage to a close for another year.

We’ll be throwing open our doors, inviting everyone to dive into the diverse delights of our South Bank venue.

Expect the very best in family-friendly theatre, dance performances, live music, workshops for all ages, an NT Live screening, and our iconic tours of the building.

Prepare for a weekend brimming with free, exciting entertainment.

National Theatre weekend line-up

A group of vibrant and diverse individuals cheer enthusiastically in bright, summer attire at an outdoor event. Their expressions range from joyous singing to excited clapping, capturing a moment of collective enjoyment in the sunshine.
Photo by Stephanie Claire.

Support our free festival

You can make a donation online.

Or donate by Text*: Text NATIONAL 5 to 70470 to donate £5, Text NATIONAL 10 to 70470 to donate £10

*UK networks only, Texts cost your donation amount plus one standard rate message.

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Our Partners

Thanks to our partners for curating our 2024 River Stage line up.