The Alehouse Sessions at the Southbank Centre

As part of its classical music programme, the Southbank Centre will be hosting a double-bill of performances which will see the venue transformed into a 17th century tavern.

The event on September 23 will start in the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room with a concert led by Norwegian violinist Bjarte Eike and his orchestral group Barokksolistene, inspired by the joyous end of Oliver Cromwell’s 18-year closure of theatres and music venues.

The audience will then proceed to the Queen Elizabeth Hall foyer for an immersive late-night experience dubbed

During this performance, Eike and his group will perform everything from Purcell overtures to English sea shanties and even Scandinavian folk songs, transforming the venue into a riotous glimmer of the 17th century Southbank.

The Alehouse Sessions are part of a wider programme at the Southbank Centre which will celebrate classic music in all of its diverse and innovative forms.

Toks Dada, head of classical music at the Southbank Centre, said: “We’re working with new partners to create new ways for people to experience classical music – in many cases for the very first time, including an immersive orchestral experience from Paraorchestra, Barokksolistene’s 17th-century alehouse, and events for young people, including The Multi-Story Orchestra’s musical journey around our site.

“We also celebrate our multicultural society with work that reflects cultures worldwide; celebrate 20th-century pioneers; and bring multimedia into the concert hall.”

Pictures: Alehouse sessions Picture: Mattew Lon