An exhibition of the work of Francis Bacon (1909-1992) opening in September 2008 (Thursday 11 September 2008 – Sunday 4 January 2009) at Tate Britain will be a major celebration heralding the artist's centenary in 2009. As the first UK retrospective since 1985, it will afford a re-assessment of his work in the light of the new research that has emerged since the revelation of his studio and its contents following the artist's death.

Yesterday, thousands of people attended anti-war protests in London and Glasgow organised by the Stop the War Coalition. The event marks nearly five years since the 2003 invasion of Iraq which begun the Iraq War. The main themes were "Troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan", "Don’t attack Iran", and "End the siege of Gaza".

NEVER SO GOOD, a new play by Howard Brenton, will open in the Lyttelton on 26 March, directed by Howard Davies. Jeremy Irons makes his National Theatre debut as Harold Macmillan; the cast also includes Anthony Calf, Anna Carteret, Bertie Carvel, Anna Chancellor, Peter Forbes, Clive Francis, Robert Glenister, Terrence Hardiman, Ian McNeice and Terence Wilton.

FRAM, a new play by Britain's foremost theatre poet, Tony Harrison, will open in the Olivier Theatre on 17 April, as part of the Travelex £10 Season. The production will be directed by Tony Harrison and Bob Crowley, with set design by Bob Crowley, costume design by Fotini Dimou, lighting by Mark Henderson, choreography by Wayne MacGregor, music by Richard Blackford and video by Jon Driscoll. The cast includes Mark Addy (as Johansen), Jasper Britton (Nansen), Viviana Durante, Jeff Rawle and Sian Thomas.

A man, thought to be Asian or Arab, climbed over the perimeter fence and made his way onto the North runway, 27R, at Heathrow Airport at around 14:00 UTC. The man, who was carrying a rucksack, then attempted to run in front of a plane on the runway, however it is believed that he was tackled to the ground by armed police before reaching the runway.

Scottish hotel group agrees strategic association with the Royal Garden

Science books which have changed the world will go on display to celebrate the reopening of the Science Museum Library & Archives.

The Science Museum has unveiled its programme of Easter events for families to enjoy events during the coming holidays.

Belgian brothers David and Stephen Dewaele's indie live phenomenon Radio Soulwax will take over the spaces and foyers of the Royal Festival Hall on 24 April for a one-night party. The evening features the premiere of their new movie, Part of the Weekend Never Dies, directed by Saam Farahmand and Soulwax. Soulwax will perform live and 2manyDJs will play alongside a special guest on the night.

Vanessa Redgrave returns to the National in THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING, a play by Joan Didion based on her memoir, directed by David Hare and opening in the Lyttelton Theatre on 30 April. The production is designed by Bob Crowley with lighting by Jean Kalman and sound by Paul Arditti.

Centre today announced that the sensational Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela with conductor Gustavo Dudamel will return to London on 14 – 18 April 2009 for a special residency at Southbank Centre as part of the 2008/09 Shell Classic International season.

Shell Classic International continues to bring the world's greatest orchestras to the Royal Festival Hall, complementing Southbank Centre's Resident Orchestras' season. For the new season (October 2008 – May 2009) there are several major highlights.