2026 London’s best family concerts and shows
🎶 2026 London’s best concerts and shows for families, musical kids and music lovers all ages?
Here is our curated guide to memorable music moments — from magical performances and candlelight evenings, from inspiring soloists to legendary seasons, classical concerts in London for young children, to kid-friendly classics, teens and grown-up [kids].
🎻 Barbican with the LSSO
London’s 2026 season opened with a promise of youthful talent with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. And we were delighted to have a certain 12 years old on the stage of the iconic Barbican performing Prokofiev, Arutiunian and contemporary pieces. We celebrated community, creativity, and the thrill of live orchestral sound with over 20 friends — a perfect start to the year, musical family adventures in the city and grey January in London!
🎪 Cirque du Soleil: OVO — Royal Albert Hall (9 Jan – 1 March 2026)
One must-see epic performance, Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO” brings acrobatics, music, theatre, dance and stunning visuals to Royal Albert Hall in a colourful, joy-filled show loved by kids and adults alike. We have seen this insect-themed production over the years in Melbourne and London and can’t get enough of it! 2026 revamped version celebrates community, curiosity and wonder, with a love-story at its heart, brought to life by over 50 acrobats and musicians. Kids revel in the sight of crickets bouncing, butterflies soaring, ants juggling and spiders twisting in jaw-dropping physical feats set to vibrant music.
Why it’s great for families:
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Amazing movement and rhythm that captures young imaginations.
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A story told through action, laughter and music.
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Multiple performance times including matinees, perfect for children all ages.
2026 London’s best family concerts and shows : OVO Royal Albert Hall
Book early — the run is limited and has been extended due to demand! Originally scheduled to play a limited four-week residency in January and February, overwhelming interest has seen 38 additional performances added, extending the season through 1 March 2026.
🐛 OVO 2026 — What’s New This Season
For 2026, Cirque du Soleil isn’t just restaging an old favourite — it’s reinventing it. Reimagined design and performances: While the essence of OVO — life in a bustling insect world — remains intact, this season introduces:
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New acrobatic acts and reimagined choreography showcasing even more daring feats.
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Updated costumes and characters that enhance the immersive theme of biodiversity.
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Reinvented music that infuses fresh energy and rhythm into the narrative.
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Extra experiences: For travellers and theatre lovers looking for a luxury night out, exclusive VIP packages — including drinks, gourmet meals, premium seating and photo opportunities with performers — provide an elevated way to experience the show.
✨ What Sets the 2026 Version Apart
More than nostalgia: Where earlier productions leaned on the original choreography and design, the 2026 OVO is a clear evolution — a fresh take that reinvents the spectacle for a new generation. Audiences will notice:
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Refreshed scenes and pacing, keeping long-time fans engaged.
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Enhanced technical elements thanks to innovative staging.
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New music interpretations that breathe fresh life into classic moments.
Family travel appeal: OVO remains one of the most accessible Cirque productions for families — its story is simple yet heartfelt, its spectacle captivating both children and adults alike.
🎼 Must-See classical concerts London: 🎻 Santtu & Alena Baeva — Philharmonia at Royal Festival Hall
Date: 1 Feb 2026 – Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali leads the Philharmonia with violin star Alena Baeva in a programme rich with dynamic orchestral contrast, ideal for introducing older children to classical storytelling through music. Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, a work of striking contrasts and emotional depth; Rachmaninov’s brilliant Symphonic Dances – his last completed work, a soulful melody for a relative newcomer to the orchestra, the alto saxophone; Stravinsky’s ballet The Fairy’s Kiss.
What an awesome evening! We started with Philharmonia Social and thereafter indulged into Philharmonia’s first London concert in 2026 to celebrate its 80th birthday; look forward to more soon!
🎻 Hilary Hahn & Tom Poster — Wigmore Hall Recital
Date: 13 May 2026 – Violin virtuoso Hilary Hahn with pianist Tom Poster offers an intimate, expressive experience — perfect for budding string players and music lovers who want to hear world-class chamber repertoire up close.
🎻 Ara Malikian — Barbican Hall
Date: 3 Mar 2026 – Famous for his electrifying stage presence and genre-spanning violin artistry, Ara Malikian delivers a concert that’s engaging and theatrical — a great pick for kids who love energetic performance and storytelling through sound. We have seen Ara also in 2024 at the Royal Festival Hall and adored the show!
🎺 Royal Albert Hall & BBC Proms — Summer Magic
🎶 First Night of the Proms
Date: 18 Jul 2026 The legendary BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall begin with festive atmosphere and big-band energy — a brilliant way for families to experience the city’s favourite summer music festival together.
🌟 Relaxed & Family-Friendly Proms
Throughout the season there are concerts designed specifically for children, with familiar themes, relaxed audience etiquette, and opportunities to discover orchestral music in a welcoming way. Tip: Promming (standing) tickets are often the most affordable and adventurous way to attend. We raved about the Proms for years including with very young children; read all about our adventures in here.
🎉 Last Night of the Proms
Date: 12 Sep 2026 The celebratory finale brings together patriotic tunes, rousing favourites and communal singing — perfect for older kids ready for a long, joyful concert experience.
🎻 Cadogan Hall – Diverse & Inspiring Concerts
Cadogan Hall in Belgravia presents a rich mix of programmes that suit families with music-curious kids:
🎼 The Four Seasons & The Lark Ascending by Candlelight
Date: 8 Apr 2026 Experience Vivaldi’s iconic Four Seasons and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending performed by London Concertante beneath a warm candlelit glow — an atmospheric, sensory-rich experience that enchants listeners of all ages. This kind of candlelight chamber concert inspires imagination and emotional connection — ideal for older children who enjoy vivid musical storytelling.
Other highlights at Cadogan Hall during spring 2026 include:
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Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra – works by Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Stravinsky — great for kids interested in orchestra repertoire.
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Discovering Morricone – film music favourites that many kids will recognise from cinema classics.
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Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Reflections – with conductor Sir John Rutter and pianist Steven Osborne delivering a varied, engaging evening.
Cadogan Hall also offers occasional backstage tours — perfect for curious kids who want to see how a concert hall works behind the scenes. We raved about few concerts and shows at the Cadogan over the years including: The Definitive Rat Pack , Jules Vernes Around the world in 80 days and The bear hunt.
🕯️ Candlelight Concerts Across London
Beyond Cadogan, candlelight-style concerts offer a magical twist on classical and contemporary favourites — from string quartets to film music themes set in atmospheric venues. These events combine immersive lighting with familiar music, making them especially appealing for families with older children who enjoy a more relaxed concert vibe. We absolutely adored Victor Carpanagiu and his Homage to Paganini January 23rd at St George’s Hanover Square; some additional suggestions:
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The Seven Sins of Tango by Candlelight – blending fiery tango rhythms with classical artistry.
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Valentine’s & themed Candlelight shows featuring beloved classics (dates and themes vary through the calendar).
🎟️ Family Concert Tips
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Book early — iconic venues and celebrity artists often sell out weeks in advance.
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Mix experiences — pair a big orchestral Prom with a smaller, intimate candlelight or chamber concert for variety.
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Engage before the music — look for talks, workshops, or instrument-try-out events offered around larger concerts.
| Child’s Age | Recommended Concerts & Shows | Why It Works for This Age |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years / babies & young toddlers | • BBC Proms – Relaxed & Family Concerts • Cirque du Soleil: OVO (short visits, aisle seats) |
Sensory-friendly atmosphere, movement, music, easy exits if needed |
| 3–5 years | • Cirque du Soleil: OVO • BBC Proms – Family & Relaxed Concerts |
Strong visual storytelling, colour, acrobatics, and flexible concert formats |
| 6–7 years | • London Schools Symphony Orchestra (Barbican) • BBC Proms – First Night • Family-friendly Proms concerts |
Big sound, exciting venues, great first exposure to orchestral music |
| 8–9 years | • Candlelight Concerts (select themes) • Ara Malikian – Barbican Hall • Cadogan Hall: Film Music & Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra |
Magical atmosphere, familiar melodies, theatrical performances that hold attention |
| 10–12 years | • Hilary Hahn & Tom Poster – Wigmore Hall • Cadogan Hall: Four Seasons by Candlelight |
Longer concerts, deeper listening, appreciation for refined musical settings |
| 13+ years / teens | • BBC Proms – Last Night • Major Philharmonia concerts |
Full-length performances and iconic London cultural experiences |
London’s 2026 music season has something for every young listener — from star soloists like Hilary Hahn to festival-scale Proms, elegant Cadogan Hall programmes, and atmospheric candlelight evenings that make classical music feel fresh and unforgettable.
PS: Many thanks to Cirque du Soleil, Royal Albert Hall and Philharmonia Orchestra for the invites! Pictures & opinions – Zenbabytravel & the kids.
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