The WordsOnBeauty team was invited to a lavish 75th anniversary celebration of one of the most influential cultural centres in London on 3 May.

It was a six-scene celebration titled “You Are Here”, planned across all the halls of the Southbank Centre facing the Thames. Most of the scenes involved immersive formats.

The Southbank team had been preparing the birthday present to themselves since last summer, based on a concept by Gareth Pugh, a fashion designer known for his Gothic aesthetic, with creative direction by Carson McColl and commissioned by the Southbank Centre, with Danny Boyle, a legendary film director, also involved.

Scene 1 featured ballroom dancers in 1950s costumes waltzing to “Teardrop” by Massive Attack. It was meant to depict the time after the Blitz, with smoke enveloping everything, and the stunning make-up by one of Britain’s best make-up artists, Val Garland, imitating a black-and-white film.

Scene 2 featured a huge refuse-collection vehicle as a backdrop for performances.

Scene 3 looked like an 80s club where Danny Boyle himself was DJing.

Scene 4 took place in the concert hall, featuring a light show and freestyle dancing.

Scene 5 was set on the terrace with DJing al fresco.

Scene 6 was a jam session by a young jazz band trained at the Southbank Centre.

Visitors could move freely between the spaces, creating an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The BBC has been filming a documentary about the event, which is due to be broadcast at the end of May.

SouthBank Center

Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX