This Bright Land Promotional Poster

This Bright Land FAQs

We will be following government Covid 19 safety guidelines and will advise in advance of any specific requirements.

Our full terms and conditions can be viewed below.
 

Times and Dates

This Bright Land will be open to the public from 12.00 – 22.30, Monday 01 August – Monday 29 August inclusive. 

Last entry to site will be 1.5hrs before site closure. 

For our special events on Fridays and Saturday evenings, we have a slightly different schedule:

Fridays 
Site closed 18.00 – 19.30 (before the Parties)
Friday Night Party – doors 19.30

Saturdays 
Site closed 17.00 – 18.00 (before the Vogue Balls) 
except Saturday August 27 where we will be closed from 16.00 – 17.00
Saturday Night Vogue Balls – doors 18.00 (except Saturday August 27 where doors are 17.00)

Please note these times are subject to change. 

Tickets

This Bright Land is about platforming communities and artists to create an open, inclusive, and welcoming space for everyone. We've created a range of ticket prices (below) to make This Bright Land as accessible as possible.

If you can afford to give a little more, we’d really encourage you to buy a Backer Ticket, to help us keep this event open and accessible for those who otherwise wouldn't be able to come. You’ll also have the chance to make a donation to support our mission.

DAYTIME AND WEEKDAY EVENINGS
 

  • Mon–Fri, 12.00 – 18.00 - FREE
  • Mon–Thu from 18.00 - Pay What You Can (£0-£5)
  • Sat until 18.00 - Pay What You Can (£0-£5)
  • Rides on the Observation Wheel cost £5 per person at all times

    FRIDAY WEEKEND WARM-UPS
     
  • FREE tickets - NHS workers and Job Seekers
  • £5 tickets - Disabled, children, those receiving a pension, those from the community represented by the programme that evening
  • Backer Tickets - £15.00
  • Standard tickets - £10.00
  • Rides on the Observation Wheel cost £5 per person at all times

    SATURDAY VOGUE BALLS
     
  • FREE tickets - NHS workers and Job Seekers
  • £5 tickets - Disabled, children, those receiving a pension, those from the community represented by the programme that evening
  • Backer Tickets - £22.50
  • Standard tickets - £16.50
  • Rides on the Observation Wheel cost £5 per person at all times

    SUNDAY STREET PARTIES
     
  • Pay What You Can (£0-£5)
  • Rides on the Observation Wheel cost £5 per person at all times
General Information

You will receive an email from us 48hrs before the event notifying you of any key information you need to know. 

This Bright Land is open-air and will go ahead come rain or shine - so come prepared! The majority of the courtyard area is not covered. 

There will be some limited seating in the courtyard, please be mindful of offering seats to those that may find it harder to stand. 

There is no age restriction for This Bright Land. Everyone attending requires a ticket. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. 

Somerset House operates Challenge 25. If you appear to be under 25 you will be asked for proof of age when purchasing alcohol and may be refused if you do not have the appropriate photographic ID to hand. 

During Vogue Balls on Saturday nights, there are some categories that have an adult theme and are not suitable for younger audiences. Please be respectful of the performers and staff at all times. Somerset House staff may ask you not to take pictures, please ensure you listen to staff when asked to stop photography.

Should you experience any problems during your visit please contact the nearest member of the Somerset House Team as every effort will be made to resolve the issues during the event.

Please note that This Bright Land is a cashless event.

Accessibility

Wheelchair users and disabled patrons are entitled to one free Personal Assistant/companion ticket which can be booked by calling 0343 208 1497. (subject to availability).

The courtyard is fully accessible for wheelchair users and disabled patrons. Please note that the flooring of the courtyard is cobbled with a flat pavement around the edges.

There is unreserved, backless seating available in the courtyard.

Our 35m observation wheel has a specially adapted gondola, designed for wheel chair access, so that the ride can be enjoyed by all including those with mobility requirement.

If you would like to discuss your access requirements or our facilities with a member of our Visitor Experience Team then please email visitor@somersethouse.org.uk so we can provide you with further information and assistance about your visit. 

Filming and Photography

The unauthorised use of professional equipment for photographing, recording or transmitting (by digital or other means) any audio, visual or audio-visual material within the Venue is strictly forbidden.

By attending an Event, you give your express consent to your actual or simulated likeness to be included within any film, photograph, audio and/or audio-visual recording to be exploited in any and all media for any purpose at any time throughout the world. 

Please be respectful of performers and staff at all times. Somerset House staff may ask you not to take pictures, please ensure you listen to staff when asked to stop photography.

Food and Drink

As you enter This Bright Land you will be greeted by independent black-owned street food market Black Eats LDN who will be serving a mix of East African, West African, Caribbean, American and South American cuisine.

During the event our courtyard bars will be offering a selection of drinks, including summer cocktails with Bombay Citron Pressé. The bars will be hosted by leading sustainable bar operator The Natural Bar Company.

We kindly ask that you don’t bring your own food and drink to This Bright Land and support our independent suppliers.
 

At the end of your visit

We hope you have had an enjoyable time. Please consider our neighbours and leave Somerset House quietly in a safe and orderly manner.

We recommend you check travel details regularly as London Transport often changes at late notice. For more information go to tfl.gov.uk 

Event cancellations and alterations

Cancellation: If an event for which you have purchased tickets is cancelled in full (and not rescheduled), your order will be cancelled and you will be refunded the full price of your tickets including any booking fees. We will make reasonable endeavours to notify you of the cancellation and refund using the email address provided at the point of booking. Refunds will be issued within 2 weeks of notification of cancellation.

Rescheduling: If an event for which you have purchased tickets is rescheduled, your tickets will be valid for the new date. We will make reasonable endeavours to notify you of the rescheduling using the email address provided at the point of booking. If you notify us within the specified deadline that you are unable to attend the rescheduled event, you will be able to cancel your order and obtain a full refund. 

Alteration: We will make reasonable endeavours to notify you of any alteration using the email address provided at the point of booking. Changes to the line-up of any multi-performer event are not regarded as an alteration.  If you notify us within the specified deadline that you do not wish to attend the altered event, you will be able to cancel your order and obtain a full refund including booking fees. Failure to notify us within any specified deadline that you do not wish to attend the altered event will be deemed to be a reconfirmation of your order for the altered event, and you will not be able to claim a refund. 

What if I test positive for Covid-19 before the event, will I be refunded?

If you are unable to attend because you are isolating on the day of the event having tested positive for Covid-19 please contact our Visitor Experience Team at the earliest opportunity at visitor@somersethouse.org.uk. A refund will be processed once proof of a positive test has been provided.

New and returning customers

New customers, who haven’t booked for an event at Somerset House before, can set up a new account when booking. You can set up an account here: my.somersethouse.org.uk/account/register

Alternatively, there is the option to checkout as a guest.

Returning customers, who have booked and set up an account for an event at Somerset House before, will need to log in using the email address they have booked with in the past.

About your tickets

Please check your booking confirmation which you will receive shortly after making your booking. Please note this is not your ticket. Your e-ticket (along with essential information about security measures and site regulations) will arrive to the email address provided for your account 48 hours prior to your event to reduce the risk of ticket touting. We do not print or post physical tickets.

Somerset House operates a no refund or exchange policy.

If an event is cancelled, rescheduled or postponed you will be contacted directly by email to make necessary arrangements. 

Maximum 10 tickets per household per event can be purchased online. Group bookings can be made by calling 0343 208 1497.

Orders exceeding the ticket limit may be cancelled without notice at our discretion. This includes duplicate orders having the same name, email address, billing address or credit card. 

Ticket touting is strictly prohibited. Any tickets resold by anyone other than Somerset House Trust or an authorised agent, or at greater than the face value of the ticket, will be void and you will be refused entry to the venue.

You will be required to bring valid photographic ID with you as proof of purchase. 

Somerset House will not be responsible for any ticket that is lost, stolen or destroyed. 

Please click here for all our ticketing terms an.d conditions

Ticket exchange

Buying or selling tickets on any other resale platform/secondary source is strictly prohibited. This is to ensure full transparency and fair access to tickets.

Your safety and security

Your safety at Somerset House is paramount and we continually liaise with the appropriate authorities to ensure robust security measures are in place. Please comply with all instructions given to you by the staff onsite.

Please do not bring rucksacks, suitcases or other large bags (A3 size/35cm x 40cm and above). There are no cloakroom facilities at Somerset House. Most mainline railway stations have left luggage facilities.

Empty refillable plastic bottle sized 1000 ml or less are allowed on site, please note that metal or glass bottles are not permitted. Water refill stations are available on site.

We advise that you arrive with your full party to ensure that you gain entry with ease.

Once on site, you will be able to stay at This Bright Land for as long as it is open. The last entry times and site closure times will be shown when you book your ticket. If you leave This Bright Land during your event, unfortunately there will be no re-admission. 

Safer Space Policy

Safer Spaces at Somerset House
We strive to ensure that all studios, shared spaces, events, exhibitions, and parties at Somerset House are fully inclusive and safe as possible spaces for any person to participate and enjoy without fear of feeling marginalised or unwelcome. By entering Somerset House, you agree to respect anybody, attire, gender, sexual orientation, race, belief and experience whatsoever, and should expect to receive that same respect. By entering the space, you agree to treat all people equally and without prejudice or presumptions, including our staff.
 
We ask that everyone: 

  • Be mindful of your own behaviour, and any behaviour by others, which may be interpreted as sexist
  • Seek consent for any interaction not just physical 
  • Never make comments or judgements on the physical appearance of others 
  • If commenting on attire only be positive  
  • Do not make assumptions about anyone’s gender and avoid using gendered terms such as ‘miss’ ‘mister’ ‘mam’ ‘sir’ ‘guys’
  • If an attendee is struggling physically let them know you are on hand if they need 
  • Avoid comments which single out, or prejudice, individuals by their ethnic or national background. Racist or xenophobic behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.  

How is the Safer Space policy implemented?  
All staff, including security, front of house and contractors working on any Somerset House event must attend a briefing before doors where this policy is re-shared by the team member leading the event. It is included in the code of conduct of all front of house staff and displayed in the security team staff room.

Visitors are also made aware that the policy is in operation in the terms and conditions of all ticket purchases.

What to do if you feel the Safer Space policy is not followed: 

If you are attending an event at Somerset House and feel this policy is not being adhered to by any attendee, artist, staff member or contractor, you can speak to any member of event staff who will contact the Duty Manager, who will raise it to the People & Culture Team to investigate, or if you want to raise it directly you can do so via speakup@somersethouse.org.uk a response will be made within 72 hours.

Safeguarding Policy
Somerset House is committed to the safeguarding of everyone at Somerset House, particularly children and adults at risk. This includes acting to protect individuals from harm or maltreatment and preventing and the impairment of health or development. 
 
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We therefore ask all individuals associated with Somerset House, including staff, artists, residents, freelancers, contractors, volunteers and our board of trustees, to share this commitment and enact the guidance in our Safeguarding policy

Conditions of Entry

Somerset House events are fully inclusive safe spaces for any person to participate and enjoy without fear of feeling marginalised, unrepresented, or unwelcome. By entering these spaces, you agree to respect any body, attire, gender, sexual orientation, race, belief and experience that are not your own. We also expect the same courtesy to be afforded to you.

As such, we have a few small rules in place to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time at This Bright Land. 

We kindly ask that you do not bring your own food or alcohol. Cans, glass, aerosols or any item that could be used as a weapon (including sharp or pointed objects) will not be allowed on site.  If you bring such items with you they will be confiscated by a member of our team.

Refillable plastic bottles sized 1000 ml or less are allowed on site, please note that metal or glass bottles are not permitted. Water refill stations are available on site.

We reserve the right to refuse entry to and/or ask people to leave the event in reasonable circumstances including without limitation for health and safety or licensing reasons; if you behave in a manner which has or is likely to affect the enjoyment of other persons at the event; if you use threatening, abusive or insulting words or mannerisms; if, in our reasonable opinion, you are acting under the influence of alcohol or drugs; if you are unable, when required, to produce proof of identity or age; if you don’t listen to our staff; if you breach these terms; or if your ticket is void.