London Heritage Quarter is proud to be an official partner of West End LIVE this year. Join us for a weekend of performances from top West End musicals, live and free in Trafalgar Square.
See the best of the West End, live and FREE in the centre of London! Expect spectacular performances from hit musicals and brand-new productions, performed by some of theatre’s biggest stars. Perfect for lifelong theatre fans as well as those discovering musicals for the first time, West End LIVE London is one of the capital’s most exciting cultural highlights.
Where to Watch West End LIVE!
See West End LIVE! performances live on Trafalgar Square on 20 and 21 June 2026, or enjoy every moment from our FREE big screen in Victoria Embankment Gardens. Relax in the beautiful surroundings while live performances are streamed throughout the weekend.
Victoria Embankment Gardens is located beside Embankment Station, just a short walk from all the action on Trafalgar Square.
Feeling hungry? Visit our World Food Market at Strand Aldwych on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June, featuring global flavours, international cuisines and a celebration of international food culture.
What is West End LIVE?
West End LIVE is a free outdoor theatre festival showcasing performances from top West End musicals and shows. Organised by Westminster City Council in partnership with Society of London Theatre, the event celebrates London’s world-famous theatre scene.
Audiences can enjoy:
- Live performances from hit musicals
- Appearances by leading cast members
- Exclusive previews of new shows
Previous performances have featured productions from across the West End including The Lion King, Disney’s Hercules, Six The Musical and more, making it a must-see event for theatre lovers.
When is West End LIVE 2026?
West End LIVE returns for 2026 and will take place across a full weekend from Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 June 2026 in Trafalgar Square.
The event runs throughout the day, with performances scheduled from late morning into the evening. A full line-up and schedule will be released closer to the event.
Where is West End LIVE held?
The event takes place in Trafalgar Square in The Northbank District of London Heritage Quarter, one of London’s most iconic public spaces.
A large stage is set up in front of The National Gallery, transforming the square into an open-air theatre.
Plus, this year we’re streaming the action in Victoria Embankment Gardens on a big screen. Sit in the grounds for free and soak up all the performances as they happen throughout the weekend.
How to get to West End LIVE
- By Tube: The nearest stations include Charing Cross Station, Embankment Station, Leicester Square Station and Piccadilly Circus Station.
- By Bus: Several routes stop nearby in central London.
- By Bike: Use nearby public cycle parking facilities.
- By Car: Driving is not recommended due to central London restrictions and event crowds.
What to Expect at West End LIVE London
West End LIVE London offers an electric atmosphere with thousands of theatre fans gathering to enjoy world-class performances for free.
You can expect:
- Songs and performances from top West End shows
- Crowd-favourite musical numbers
- Behind-the-scenes moments and cast interactions
The event is standing-only, so arriving early is recommended to secure a good viewing spot. If there is no space at Trafalgar Square, you can still watch the performances for free on our big screen in Victoria Embankment Gardens.
West End LIVE Line-Up 2026
The West End LIVE 2026 line-up will feature a wide range of popular musicals and theatre productions. Keep an eye on official announcements for performance times.
Performances at West End LIVE 2026 will include:
- Cabaret
- Disney’s Hercules
- Disney’s The Lion King
- Hadestown
- Hamilton
- Mamma Mia!
- Paddington The Musical
- Sinatra The Musical
- Six
- Wicked
- …and more yet to be announced!
Staying Safe and Secure
With large crowds expected, safety measures are in place to ensure a smooth experience.
Visitors should:
- Follow steward instructions
- Be mindful in crowded areas
- Keep personal belongings secure
- Report any concerns to event staff
Security checks may be in operation when entering the viewing area.
Food, Drink & Facilities
Visit our World Food Market at Strand Aldwych, located nearby to all the action. Taking place on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June, the same weekend as West End LIVE!, the market will feature global flavours, international cuisines and a celebration of international food culture.
If you’re watching performances on our free big screen in Victoria Embankment Gardens, we encourage you to enjoy food and drink from The Garden Bistro Bar within the gardens or stroll down Villiers Street to find gems including Blues & Royals Coffee, Gordon’s Deli & Gordon’s Wine Bar (London’s oldest wine bar), All Bar One and many more.
There are no dedicated food stalls within Trafalgar Square for the event, but visitors can take advantage of nearby cafés, restaurants and shops across central London.
Public toilets and facilities are available in surrounding areas, though queues are expected during peak times.
How to Attend West End LIVE 2026
- Free Entry: One of the best things about West End LIVE London is that it’s completely free to attend and no tickets required.
- Free Screen in Victoria Embankment Gardens: This year, you can catch all the action in these beautiful gardens with our free big screen streaming all the performances
- Plan Ahead: Due to its popularity, it’s recommended to arrive early, plan your journey in advance and check schedules before attending
Quick FAQs on West End LIVE 2026
- Is West End LIVE free? Yes, it’s completely free to attend.
- Do I need a ticket? No, entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Is seating available? No, it is a standing event.
- Can I bring children? Yes, the event is family-friendly, but it can get very busy.
To find out about other events happening in London Heritage Quarter, check out our Events Calendar or browse our blog to see what else is happening.
Hero image: Mamma Mia at West End LIVE 2025 © Danny Kaan