Southbank Centre’s summer 2012 Festival of the World, in association with MasterCard, opened on June 1 for the Diamond Jubilee Weekend, and closes on September 9, 2012.

The three-month celebration features a variety of musical, literary and artistic events, including performances from resident orchestras the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment; 'All Eyes On Korea', bringing the best of Korea’s creative content to London; 'Sounds Venezuela', a four-day residency from Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra; and 'BrynFest', a four-day festival celebrating bass-baritone Bryn Terfel. 

The Southbank Centre site has been transformed with art installations including a giant robot sculpture; a mammoth baobab tree made from fabric; a multi-coloured beach; and an exhibition in the Royal Festival Hall of those who have inspired and contributed to the Festival. The reopening of the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, weekly food markets, and a pop-up cafe complete the transformation.

Click the first image to launch the gallery

All photos © Linda Nylind / Southbank Centre