Nelson Mandela Day
Trafalgar Square, London
Saturday 18 July 2026
Free public event
South Africa returns to Trafalgar Square
On Nelson Mandela Day, Trafalgar Square becomes a contemporary South African cultural stage, bringing together live music, food, storytelling and community to celebrate Mandela’s legacy, 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution and the power of culture to connect us.
At the heart of the event is a live music and cultural platform inspired by “Scatterlings of Africa”, the iconic song written and performed by Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu.
What to expect
Live music
South African artists and DJs live in Trafalgar Square.
Food & Drink
South African flavours and cultural experiences.
Community
A beautiful free event open to all.
CUlture
Storytelling, partner activations and moments of shared celebration.
Event Information
NELSON MANDELA DAY IS FREE TO ATTEND AND UNTICKETED
Saturday 18th June: 12 noon – 9pm
Travel
Nearest stations include Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Embankment and Piccadilly Circus. There is no parking at Trafalgar Square.
Accessibility
Accessibility information will be published ahead of the event.
The line up
Explore the artists performing at Nelson Mandela Day, Trafalgar Square.
Zakes Bantwini
Grammy-winning producer and Afro-house pioneer shaping South African dance music.
Jesse Clegg
Singer-songwriter honouring a remarkable musical legacy with a contemporary voice.
Sjava
Award-winning artist blending Zulu storytelling with hip-hop, soul and Afro-pop.
Msaki
One of South Africa’s most distinctive contemporary voices.
Sun El Musician
Influential DJ and producer redefining contemporary South African Afro-house.
Thakzin
Innovative DJ and producer pushing African electronic music into new territory.
Beatenberg
Cape Town trio crafting sophisticated pop with unmistakably South African influences.
Sipho Mchunu
Legendary musician, storyteller and Juluka co-founder whose influence spans generations.
MICASA
South African trio blending Afro-pop, house and soul.
Justin-Lee Schultz
South African-born multi-instrumentalist bringing jazz, soul, funk virtuosity.
Pearl Modiadie
Award-winning broadcaster and one of South Africa’s most recognisable media personalities.
Running order
Site opens
Justin-Lee Schultz
Beatenberg acoustic set
Mi Casa
Msaki & Jesse Clegg
Msaki
Jesse Clegg
With Sipho Mchunu & Msaki
Sjava
Thakzin
Sun-El Musician
Zakes Bantwini
Subject to change
About our Partners
Proudly brought to you by Brand South Africa. Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. South African Tourism
Supported by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the custodians of Nelson Mandela’s legacy and stewards of the Nelson Mandela Day initiative. Nelson Mandela Day is a global call to action, reminding us that each of us has the power to make a difference through simple acts of service, kindness and solidarity. Join millions around the world in honouring Madiba’s legacy by taking action.
Click on the logo below to discover how you can get involved.
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FAQs
Yes. Nelson Mandela Day, Trafalgar Square is a free public event.
Entry is open to the public and will be managed on a first come, first served basis, subject to site capacity.
No. You do not need a ticket to attend.
Once the event site reaches capacity, entry may be paused and a one in, one out system may be introduced. We recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment.
The site opens at 12 noon.
The concert is expected to finish at 9pm.
Event times and the programme may be subject to change, so please check this website and official social channels before travelling
The event is taking place in Trafalgar Square, London.
Nearest stations include Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Embankment and Piccadilly Circus.
We strongly recommend travelling by public transport.
Yes. This is an inclusive, family-friendly event.
The event is suitable for ages 5 and over. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over at all times.
Parents and guardians are responsible for the children in their care throughout the event.
You cannot bring external food or alcohol into the event site.
You may bring sealed soft drinks or water up to 500ml, or an empty reusable water bottle.
There will be water points available on site, and food and drink will be available to purchase.
If you need to bring food, drink or medication for medical reasons, please bring supporting documentation where possible. Medication should be clearly labelled and kept in its original packaging.
Yes. There will be water points available on site.
You are welcome to bring an empty reusable water bottle.
Yes. Searches are a condition of entry. You and your belongings may be searched by security staff when entering the event site, and searches may also take place within the site if needed.
Please allow extra time to enter and avoid bringing large bags or unnecessary items.
Small bags are permitted, but all bags may be searched.
Please avoid bringing large bags where possible, as this may slow down entry.
For everyone’s safety, please do not bring:
- Alcohol
- Glass
- Weapons or bladed items
- Illegal substances or drug paraphernalia, including nitrous oxide
- Fireworks, flares or pyrotechnics
- Aerosols over 250ml
- Laser pens
- Megaphones or air horns
- Drones
- Spray paint
- Sky lanterns
- Flags, banners or signage that could cause safety issues or offence
- Any item that event staff consider a risk to safety
A full prohibited items list will be displayed at the event entrance.
Anyone refusing to surrender a prohibited item may be refused entry or removed from the event site.
No. Drones are not permitted at the event.
No. Bicycles, scooters and hoverboards are not permitted within the event footprint.
Please use nearby public cycle parking where available.
No animals are permitted on site, except registered assistance dogs.
Yes. An accessible viewing platform will be available on a first come, first served basis, subject to capacity.
Further accessibility information will be shared ahead of the event.
Yes. First aid and welfare support will be available on site throughout the event. If you need help at any point, please speak to a steward, security team member or police officer.
Yes. This is a live music event, so there will be loud music. Some performances may include strobe lighting, smoke, lasers or pyrotechnic effects. Ear protection will be available at the welfare point.
Nelson Mandela Day, Trafalgar Square is an inclusive, welcoming and family-friendly event. Please treat other attendees, staff, performers and members of the public with respect.
Violence, threatening behaviour, harassment, discrimination, hate speech, excessive intoxication, illegal drug use, damage to property or obstruction of emergency services will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event site and/or referral to the police.
If you witness or experience anything that makes you feel unsafe, please report it to a steward, security team member or police officer immediately.
Yes. You are welcome to take photos and short videos for personal, non-commercial use. Please be respectful of others when filming or photographing, especially children and families. Commercial photography, filming, broadcast or press recording requires prior accreditation from the event organisers.
Yes. Photography, filming, CCTV and recording may take place at the event for safety, security, media, marketing and promotional purposes. By entering the event site, you may be photographed, filmed or recorded.
No commercial trading, sampling, flyering or promotional activity is permitted on site without prior written permission from the event organisers.
Yes. Please help us keep Trafalgar Square clean by using the bins and recycling facilities provided.
Sky lanterns and balloons must not be released within or near the event site.
Artists, timings and attractions may be subject to change. Please check this website and the official social channels for the latest updates before travelling.
Please check this website and follow the official Scatterlings social channels for the latest event information.
Instagram: @scatterlings_za
Facebook: ScatterlingsZA
For media enquiries, please contact:
Kellie Hasbury, Plaster
E: kellie@weareplaster.com
Sophie Jones, Plaster
E: sophie@weareplaster.com