Schools Concerts

Our Schools Concerts at the Barbican are designed especially for Key Stages 1 and 2 and Secondary School audiences, and feature music based on a theme, presented in a fun and educational way. We normally offer at least two Key Stage 1 and two Key Stage 2 concerts per term, and one Secondary School concert per year.

Teachers can apply for tickets for their class via an online form when booking opens. This is usually in the previous term for the following term’s concert. Please sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear when sign up for the next concert opens. Tickets are allocated via lottery, and you will be emailed once the deadline has passed to confirm if you have tickets. Priority is given to any schools who applied for the previous two consecutive terms but were not allocated tickets.

Tickets cost £4 per person (both student and adult tickets). The total is payable via invoice before the concert, sent to your school three to four weeks prior. We accept payment by BACS or cheque.

Jump to 2023/24 dates and booking forms

All concerts are fully wheelchair accessible, and there are spaces for wheelchair users in row U at the rear of the Stalls and the back row of the Circle, both with fold-down companion seats. Some seats in row S of the Stalls are suitable for people with very limited mobility.

A BSL interpreter is booked for every concert. If you are attending with young people who have specific hearing access needs, please get in touch to let us know how we can support you.

We understand that young people, particularly those with special educations needs and disabilities, may make noise during the concert or need to leave the Hall. This is completely fine, and LSO and Barbican staff will be there to offer support on the day. We are currently trialling the provision of a quiet space in the Stalls Lounge, next to Door 4 (Level -1).

Accessibility at the Barbican

Free INSET days are included in the ticket price for teachers attending Key Stage 1 and 2 concerts, and take place at LSO St Luke’s, Old Street, usually one morning before the concert. These are an opportunity for teachers to be introduced to classroom projects linked to the concerts and to get to know any participation songs, learning the best techniques of teaching these to their class.

All teachers will receive a Project Pack which outlines the classroom activities and includes any additional resources to help prepare their pupils for the concert, including those who are not able to attend the INSET day.

Header image © Kevin Leighton