Are you tired of watching the BAFTAs from afar? Do you want to be part of the action?Â
Here is our guide to entering the exclusive fan ballot and planning the perfect starry weekend in the British capital.
The BAFTA Film Awards isn’t just an awards ceremony; it’s the night when London becomes the centre of the cinematic universe. For film buffs across the UK, watching the red carpet arrivals on television is a yearly ritual.
But what if you could swap your sofa for a spot just inches away from the nominees, watching the likes of Cillian Murphy or Margot Robbie step out of their cars at the Royal Festival Hall?
If you are based outside of London, entering the ballot is the perfect excuse to plan a glamorous weekend getaway in the capital.Â
Whether you win a Golden Ticket to the pens or just want to soak up the electric atmosphere nearby, here is how to plan the ultimate BAFTA-themed break.
The Main Event: How to Enter the Red Carpet Ballot
The most important thing to know is that you cannot buy these tickets. Any website offering to sell you access to the BAFTA fan pens is likely a scam.
BAFTA manages all public access exclusively through their ticketing partner, ApplauseStore. It is a free audience ticketing service that handles many of the UK’s biggest television events.
The Timeline for 2027
While the 2026 awards have just passed, it is never too early to prepare for next year—or the upcoming Television Awards in the spring.
- Registration Window: The ballot for the Film Awards usually opens in December or early January. This is your window to register your interest here: ApplauseStore.com.
- The Deadline: Online requests typically close about two weeks before the event in mid-February.
- The Notification: Successful applicants receive their e-tickets via email roughly 10 days before the show.
The Process
- Register early: Head to ApplauseStore.com and create an account well in advance of awards season.
- Search: Keep an eye out for “BAFTA Film Awards Red Carpet” when the window opens.
- Request: You can typically request a maximum of two tickets, making it perfect for a weekend trip with a friend or partner.
A Crucial Reality Check: This is a lottery. Thousands apply for limited spaces. Furthermore, ApplauseStore often overbooks to ensure the pens look full for the cameras, meaning entry on the day is usually first-come, first-served. Dedicated fans often start queuing very early in the morning so be prepared for a short night.
Planning Your Star-Studded London Weekend
If you are travelling down for the awards, you want to base yourself near the action. The Film Awards are currently held at the Royal Festival Hall on the Southbank. This is a fantastic, vibrant area of London to spend a weekend, regardless of whether you win the ballot.
Where to Stay: The A-List Options
If you want to be within walking distance of the red carpet:
- Blow the Budget: Sea Containers London. Located right on the Thames, a short walk from the venue. Its rooftop bar, 12th Knot, offers stunning views over the river and is a prime spot for pre-award cocktails.
- Mid-Range Chic: The Hoxton, Southwark. Trendy, comfortable, and incredibly well-located for the Southbank.
- Practical Comfort: Premier Inn London County Hall. Situated in the historic County Hall building right next to the London Eye, you can’t get much closer to the venue than this.
Where to Eat and Drink
The Southbank buzzes with energy on awards day. Even without a ticket, you will feel the atmosphere.
- Skylon: Located inside the Royal Festival Hall itself, this restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Thames. It’s ideal for a high-end lunch before the crowds arrive, but check as it may be closed or only offer limited access on the day of the award ceremony.Â
- Southbank Restaurants: As the Southbank food market will be closed on the day of the award show where you can usually grab incredible street food, there are still plenty of restaurants nearby to check out like Las Iguanas, Wahaca, Pizza Express and more.
- Southbank Bars: If you like a river view with your drink then don’t miss some of the quirky bars nearby like the National Theatre’s bar, the BFI’s bar and more, great for a post-stargazing drink.
The Backup Plan
Even if you miss out on the ballot, don’t cancel your trip. The atmosphere around the Southbank on the day of the BAFTAs is electric.
While security barriers are high, the entire area around Waterloo and the Royal Festival Hall is thronged with excitement, media, and well-dressed guests arriving. Dress up, book a nice dinner nearby at warm and cosy restaurants, and enjoy being in the city where it’s all happening. You never know, you may spot a celebrity somewhere out on the balcony of Skylon or catching some fresh air in the outdoor area of the Southbank Centre.Â
Get your ApplauseStore account ready, set your calendar reminders for December, and start planning that London outing. Good luck!
Follow @UKNewsBlog for more insider tips and news on what’s happening in the capital.
