Southbank Centre & Goalhanger Launch The Rest Is Fest 2026 | Landmark Live Podcast Festival

The Southbank Centre, the United Kingdom’s largest multi-arts centre, is stepping into its milestone seventy-fifth anniversary with a cultural statement unlike any before. In 2026, its iconic riverside location will host Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest — a spectacular, weekend-long live event created in partnership with Goalhanger, the production studio behind some of the world’s most influential podcasts.

This major festival is not only a celebration of the Southbank Centre’s rich artistic legacy but also a bold look at the future of conversation, storytelling, and global ideas. With live podcast events, cross-format collaborations, debates, interviews, and special guest appearances, The Rest Is Fest is primed to become one of the most anticipated cultural gatherings of 2026.

Southbank Centre & Goalhanger Launch The Rest Is Fest 2026

Table of Contents

A Collaboration Rooted in History and Ambition

The Southbank Centre’s partnership with Goalhanger is more than a programming collaboration — it is a deliberate nod to the optimism that shaped Britain’s post-war cultural identity.

The festival draws inspiration from the 1951 Festival of Britain, a moment in time when the United Kingdom used creativity, design, and public conversation to reimagine the nation’s future. Much like its predecessor, The Rest Is Fest channels that spirit of ambition, innovation, and cultural renewal.

Why 2026 Matters

This festival not only acknowledges the Southbank Centre’s history but positions it firmly within the digital media era.

A Festival Spanning the Entire Southbank Site

Unlike traditional single-hall events, Goalhanger’s festival takes over almost every major performance space on the Southbank Centre’s campus:

This full-site programming approach transforms the weekend into a cultural takeover, offering audiences a unique chance to experience podcasts — one of today’s most dynamic and democratizing media formats — on London’s biggest artistic stage.

A Weekend Fueled by the Future of Ideas

At the core of the festival is a curated focus on global issues shaping the world of tomorrow. Goalhanger’s most successful podcasts will explore the forces shifting our societies:

This future-facing theme positions the festival not simply as entertainment but as a public forum, echoing the Southbank Centre’s longstanding mission to foster open debate and cultural participation.

Headline Events: From Football Icons to Political Heavyweights

The Rest Is Football — First-Ever Live Show (4 September 2026)

One of the biggest draws of the festival is the first-ever live edition of The Rest Is Football, hosted by three giants of the game:

All three will take the stage of the Royal Festival Hall for an unmissable live event mixing humor, analysis, and behind-the-scenes stories from their unmatched careers.

This appearance marks a major crossover between sports commentary and live entertainment, bringing football culture to one of the UK’s most prestigious arts venues.

The Rest Is Money — Live Debut with Major Guest (4 September 2026)

On the same day, The Rest Is Money, hosted by top financial broadcaster Steph McGovern and political journalist Robert Peston, will present its first live version of the show.

A notable special guest — whose name has not yet been announced — is expected to join them, adding further anticipation to what promises to be a significant economic conversation in an era of rapid financial change.

The Rest Is History Takes Over the Southbank Centre — 5 September 2026

One of Goalhanger’s biggest global hits, The Rest Is History, will receive a full-site takeover on 5 September 2026. Hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, the show is known for its sweeping explorations of world-changing events, forgotten narratives, and curious human stories that shape the present.

During the festival, the pair will deliver:

This immersive takeover will likely be one of the festival’s most intellectually rich offerings, creating a day-long atmosphere in which history becomes a living conversation rather than distant memory.

The Rest Is Politics — Live at the Royal Festival Hall (6 September 2026)

In an era defined by political turbulence and ideological polarisation, The Rest Is Politics, hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, has become one of the UK’s most trusted and balanced political podcasts. Their live appearance on 6 September 2026 will focus on two of the most urgent issues shaping the global political landscape:

The hosts will explore how manipulated information, algorithmic bias, and online echo chambers are influencing democracies worldwide. They will also examine how populist rhetoric reshapes public debate, voter trust, and national identity.

This session is expected to draw one of the festival’s most diverse crowds — from young activists and students to journalists, policymakers, and the politically curious.

More Special Collaborations Still to Come

While several headline events are already confirmed, the organisers have teased additional surprises, special guests, and cross-show hybrids that will be announced in the coming months.
These may include:

The aim is to use Goalhanger’s wide-ranging roster of podcasts to create a festival atmosphere full of unexpected moments — the kind of spontaneity that live podcasting thrives on.

Exclusive Commentary from the Creatives Behind the Festival

The announcement of The Rest Is Fest has sparked excitement across the UK’s arts and media worlds. Several key figures involved in the project have shared insights into why this festival matters.

Gary Lineker on the Festival’s Cultural Mission

BBC presenter and The Rest Is Football co-host Gary Lineker emphasised the deep synergy between Goalhanger’s work and the Southbank Centre’s founding vision:

“The Southbank Centre was created in 1951 to make the arts and culture more accessible to all, and that’s a mission we can really get behind.”

Lineker’s connection to the Centre’s history is deliberate.
The Festival of Britain in 1951 was conceived to lift national morale after the war and to bring people together through ideas, innovation, and creativity. Goalhanger aims to mirror that purpose by using podcasting — one of the most accessible modern media forms — to spark conversation, reflection, and inclusive cultural dialogue.

Lineker added:

“From the Festival of Britain until now, the Southbank Centre has been the beating heart of London’s cultural life, and we’re excited to respond to this major milestone with a festival of ideas across their iconic site.”

His comments frame podcasting not just as entertainment — but as contemporary public discourse.

Marina Hyde on Creativity & Live Experimentation

The Rest Is Entertainment co-host Marina Hyde also expressed enthusiasm about the scope and ambition of the upcoming festival:

“I absolutely love the Southbank Centre and can’t wait to be part of its seventy-fifth anniversary celebrations.”

Hyde, known for her sharp humor and cultural commentary, hinted at experimental formats and surprising show mashups:

“Not only will there be some special Rest Is Entertainment live shows, but we’ll also be crossing the streams with other Goalhanger shows — a wild experiment that could be a huge laugh or possibly give two of us mutant superpowers.”

Her playful tone encapsulates the festival’s aim: a blend of seriousness and fun, cultural depth and creative improvisation.

Southbank Centre’s Artistic Vision: Mark Ball Speaks Out

Southbank Centre Artistic Director Mark Ball highlighted the broader social context behind the festival:

“In a fast-paced world of rising misinformation, it’s now more important than ever that the Southbank Centre provides a trusted space for open discussion and debate. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Goalhanger on this seismic takeover.”

Ball’s remarks address a critical issue: the erosion of public trust.
With the rise of:

public dialogue is increasingly fragile.
This festival aims to counter that with transparency, clarity, and authentic conversation.

By hosting globally recognised voices across politics, entertainment, history, sport, and science, the Southbank Centre positions itself as a cultural refuge — a place where individuals can gather to make sense of a rapidly shifting world.

A Celebration of the Southbank Centre’s 75-Year Legacy

The festival is also a milestone in the Southbank Centre’s history. Founded in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, the Centre has become synonymous with artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and social inclusion.

Over the past seven decades, it has hosted:

Its twentieth-first-century evolution has included a deeper engagement with digital culture, new forms of storytelling, and global conversations — making The Rest Is Fest an organic next step in its mission.

Cultural Analysis: Why Podcasts Belong on the Southbank Stage

The rise of podcasting is one of the most significant media shifts of the 21st century. In a noisy digital world, podcasts offer something rare: long-form attention, nuanced debate, and human connection.

Hosting a podcast festival at the Southbank Centre signifies:

✔ The mainstream acceptance of podcasts as cultural institutions

✔ The growing appetite for intelligent conversation

✔ The shift from passive listening to interactive, in-person dialogue

✔ The blending of digital media with traditional arts spaces

This is more than a festival — it is a recognition that podcasting now plays a similar cultural role to radio in the 20th century or public lectures in earlier eras.

Tickets & Key Dates

The Southbank Centre has announced the ticket release schedule:

The Rest Is History Takes Over the Southbank Centre — 5 September 2026

One of Goalhanger’s biggest global hits, The Rest Is History, will receive a full-site takeover on 5 September 2026. Hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, the show is known for its sweeping explorations of world-changing events, forgotten narratives, and curious human stories that shape the present.

During the festival, the pair will deliver:

This immersive takeover will likely be one of the festival’s most intellectually rich offerings, creating a day-long atmosphere in which history becomes a living conversation rather than distant memory.

The Rest Is Politics — Live at the Royal Festival Hall (6 September 2026)

In an era defined by political turbulence and ideological polarisation, The Rest Is Politics, hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, has become one of the UK’s most trusted and balanced political podcasts. Their live appearance on 6 September 2026 will focus on two of the most urgent issues shaping the global political landscape:

The hosts will explore how manipulated information, algorithmic bias, and online echo chambers are influencing democracies worldwide. They will also examine how populist rhetoric reshapes public debate, voter trust, and national identity.

This session is expected to draw one of the festival’s most diverse crowds — from young activists and students to journalists, policymakers, and the politically curious.

More Special Collaborations Still to Come

While several headline events are already confirmed, the organisers have teased additional surprises, special guests, and cross-show hybrids that will be announced in the coming months.
These may include:

The aim is to use Goalhanger’s wide-ranging roster of podcasts to create a festival atmosphere full of unexpected moments — the kind of spontaneity that live podcasting thrives on.

Exclusive Commentary from the Creatives Behind the Festival

The announcement of The Rest Is Fest has sparked excitement across the UK’s arts and media worlds. Several key figures involved in the project have shared insights into why this festival matters.

Gary Lineker on the Festival’s Cultural Mission

BBC presenter and The Rest Is Football co-host Gary Lineker emphasised the deep synergy between Goalhanger’s work and the Southbank Centre’s founding vision:

“The Southbank Centre was created in 1951 to make the arts and culture more accessible to all, and that’s a mission we can really get behind.”

Lineker’s connection to the Centre’s history is deliberate.
The Festival of Britain in 1951 was conceived to lift national morale after the war and to bring people together through ideas, innovation, and creativity. Goalhanger aims to mirror that purpose by using podcasting — one of the most accessible modern media forms — to spark conversation, reflection, and inclusive cultural dialogue.

Lineker added:

“From the Festival of Britain until now, the Southbank Centre has been the beating heart of London’s cultural life, and we’re excited to respond to this major milestone with a festival of ideas across their iconic site.”

His comments frame podcasting not just as entertainment — but as contemporary public discourse.

Marina Hyde on Creativity & Live Experimentation

The Rest Is Entertainment co-host Marina Hyde also expressed enthusiasm about the scope and ambition of the upcoming festival:

“I absolutely love the Southbank Centre and can’t wait to be part of its seventy-fifth anniversary celebrations.”

Hyde, known for her sharp humor and cultural commentary, hinted at experimental formats and surprising show mashups:

“Not only will there be some special Rest Is Entertainment live shows, but we’ll also be crossing the streams with other Goalhanger shows — a wild experiment that could be a huge laugh or possibly give two of us mutant superpowers.”

Her playful tone encapsulates the festival’s aim: a blend of seriousness and fun, cultural depth and creative improvisation.

Southbank Centre’s Artistic Vision: Mark Ball Speaks Out

Southbank Centre Artistic Director Mark Ball highlighted the broader social context behind the festival:

“In a fast-paced world of rising misinformation, it’s now more important than ever that the Southbank Centre provides a trusted space for open discussion and debate. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Goalhanger on this seismic takeover.”

Ball’s remarks address a critical issue: the erosion of public trust.
With the rise of:

public dialogue is increasingly fragile.
This festival aims to counter that with transparency, clarity, and authentic conversation.

By hosting globally recognised voices across politics, entertainment, history, sport, and science, the Southbank Centre positions itself as a cultural refuge — a place where individuals can gather to make sense of a rapidly shifting world.

A Celebration of the Southbank Centre’s 75-Year Legacy

The festival is also a milestone in the Southbank Centre’s history. Founded in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, the Centre has become synonymous with artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and social inclusion.

Over the past seven decades, it has hosted:

Its twentieth-first-century evolution has included a deeper engagement with digital culture, new forms of storytelling, and global conversations — making The Rest Is Fest an organic next step in its mission.

Cultural Analysis: Why Podcasts Belong on the Southbank Stage

The rise of podcasting is one of the most significant media shifts of the 21st century. In a noisy digital world, podcasts offer something rare: long-form attention, nuanced debate, and human connection.

Hosting a podcast festival at the Southbank Centre signifies:

✔ The mainstream acceptance of podcasts as cultural institutions

✔ The growing appetite for intelligent conversation

✔ The shift from passive listening to interactive, in-person dialogue

✔ The blending of digital media with traditional arts spaces

This is more than a festival — it is a recognition that podcasting now plays a similar cultural role to radio in the 20th century or public lectures in earlier eras.

Tickets & Key Dates

The Southbank Centre has announced the ticket release schedule:

High demand is expected, particularly for events featuring celebrity hosts, political figures, and cross-show specials.

The Rise of “Live Podcast Culture”: A New Entertainment Era

The launch of Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest comes at a time when podcasting is no longer just a digital pastime — it has become a global cultural force. The popularity of live podcast tours throughout the 2020s shows that audiences are no longer satisfied with listening passively. They want to participate, engage, and be part of the moment.

The festival capitalises on several major shifts:

1. The Move from Digital to Physical Experiences

Despite the rise of streaming, people crave real-world connection. Live podcasting fills that gap by blending intimacy with performance.

2. Audiences Want Meaningful Conversation

Listeners today value thoughtful discourse amid a world of short-form content and algorithm-driven feeds. This festival creates space for depth.

3. Podcasts Have Become Trusted Voices

Many people trust podcast hosts more than traditional broadcasters. Their voices feel personal — familiar — and audiences want that relationship to exist beyond headphones.

4. Hybrid Media is the Future

By combining live performance, discussion, comedy, and investigative storytelling, The Rest Is Fest represents a future where podcasting merges seamlessly with theatre, debate, and public events.

What This Festival Symbolises for British Culture

The Southbank Centre has always been a barometer of British creativity. It represents openness, artistic freedom, and the belief that public spaces should incubate ideas.
This festival amplifies those values by:

In an era of fast news and fractured communication, the Centre’s commitment to trustworthy conversation is especially relevant.

The Festival as a Democratic Space

One of the most compelling aspects of The Rest Is Fest is how it restores a sense of democratic public square — a place where people from all backgrounds can gather to understand the world together.

This matters because:

By bringing politicians, historians, economists, entertainers, and sports icons under one roof, the festival recreates a setting for collaborative thinking.

The Economic & Tourism Impact for London

Beyond culture, The Rest Is Fest is expected to bring significant value to London’s hospitality, travel, restaurant, and entertainment sectors. September festivals historically draw international visitors, and the combination of podcast celebrities, political thinkers, and sports personalities will attract diverse audiences.

Projected impacts include:

For London — recovering from global challenges and digital disruption — festivals like this strengthen the capital’s reputation as a world-class creative hub.

The Power of Goalhanger’s Podcast Universe

Goalhanger has developed some of the biggest podcasts in Britain, each commanding loyal fan bases and millions of monthly listeners. What makes the festival uniquely powerful is the crossover appeal of these different shows:

This fusion of interest groups makes the festival unusually wide-reaching.
For many attendees, it will be their first time visiting the Southbank Centre — a significant win for the institution’s long-term audience development.

The Southbank Centre’s Next 75 Years

As the Centre prepares for its next chapter, The Rest Is Fest sets an ambitious tone. It demonstrates:

If the festival becomes an annual or recurring event — something insiders believe is possible — it could redefine the Centre’s identity for the decades ahead.

Conclusion: A Transformative Cultural Event

Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest isn’t just another festival — it’s a milestone moment where digital culture meets physical space, and where public conversation becomes live performance.

From star-studded sports panels to political debates, from historical deep dives to comedic cultural explorations, the festival promises a rich tapestry of ideas that reflect both Britain’s past and its future.

As the Southbank Centre enters its 75th anniversary, this festival stands as a testament to its enduring mission:
to bring people together through creativity, conversation, and culture.

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!