CelebrASIA returns to Battersea Power Station in September with expanded programme and record food vendors

KUALA LUMPUR (June 19): Battersea Power Station will host celebrASIA for a third consecutive year from September 11 to 13, with organisers billing the free-to-attend festival as its most ambitious edition yet.

The three-day event, developed in partnership with the High Commissions and Embassies of all 11 Asean member nations, draws on the iconic riverside landmark's direct links to Southeast Asia through its Malaysian ownership to stage what it describes as the largest South East Asian cultural festival in the United Kingdom.

For 2026, organisers have added several new programme strands. A series of ticketed expert panel sessions, curated by food and culture writer Anna Sulan Masing, will examine Southeast Asia's global influence across fashion, food, literature and culture.

Panellists confirmed include Helena Lee, Features Editor at Harper's Bazaar; Audrey Khew from the British Fashion Council; writer MiMi Aye; and chef John Chantarasak of Anglo Thai.

Cooking classes will be held at Borough Kitchen, led by Ranie Saidi, while comedy sets make their celebrASIA debut, performed by Vera Chok from Malaysia, Ria Lina from the Philippines and Sam See from Singapore.

An extended film series, running from Sept 7 to 13 — a full week bookending the festival weekend — will screen titles from Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand at both The Cinema in the Arches and The Cinema in the Power Station. Organisers note that many of the films are rarely available to watch in the UK.

The food and drink offering has also grown substantially. More than 35 stalls are confirmed for 2026, described as a record number for the festival. New vendors include Ro Vietnamese, Syiok Lah representing Malaysia, and Bija Coffee from Indonesia. Returning favourites include Mambow's Abby Lee, who will serve her Hainanese Chicken Sando, alongside Ellen Chew of Singapulah and Rasa Sayang, Turo Turo from the Philippines, Farang from Thailand, Eat Lah, Mandy Yin x Chick'n'Sours, Old Chang Kee from Singapore, and FiliGrillz from the Philippines.

Craft workshops run across the full festival weekend, covering bamboo basket weaving, batik painting and Baybayin script writing, alongside new children's sessions on textile weaving and making three-dimensional coral reef models. Royal Selangor's pewter bowl workshops, a fixture in previous years, also return. The popular AI Photobooth and Thai Massage Corner are back, and for 2026 traditional Filipino Hilot practitioners join the wellness offering.

Live performances across the main stage span the three-day weekend, encompassing Malaysian Kompang drumming, the British Filipino Haraya Choir, DJ sets from Pinoy Grooves, Family of East and Half East Records, and dance performances from Malaysia's Sarawak cultural group, Indonesia's Lila Bhawa and the Philippines' Lahing Kayumanggi. National dress parades featuring representatives from Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and other ASEAN countries will take place throughout the neighbourhood across the weekend. A new performance and workshop space in Malaysia Square will host morning children's games from each member country, followed by afternoon performances and movement workshops covering martial arts, puppetry and more — all free to attend.

The Artisan Market, meanwhile, will feature 50 independent traders selling a range of goods including sauces, spices, gifts, accessories and snacks. Jan Kae, founder of Hana Blossom, returns to the market for the third year running. The brand's consistent presence illustrates the commercial value the festival has provided to small independent businesses since its inception.

"Over the past two years, celebrASIA has been a wonderful anchor for my brand, offering a lively space that genuinely champions heritage and the care that goes into independent, small-batch craftsmanship," Kae said. "It has also transformed my retail approach and boosted our visibility immensely."

Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, chairman of Battersea Project Holding Co, framed the event in the context of the development's ownership ties to the region. "We are delighted to welcome celebrASIA back to Battersea Power Station for its third year and to be working closely once again with the High Commissioners and Ambassadors from the 11 Asean member missions in London to bring the energy, creativity and cultural richness of South East Asia to the heart of London," he said.

James Saunders, CEO at Battersea Power Station Development Company, pointed to the festival's broader strategic role for the destination. "celebrASIA has become a standout event in Battersea Power Station's calendar and reflects the cultural exchange and community spirit that has helped shape the riverside neighbourhood's success," he said.

"The festival also serves as a window into our cultural ambitions for the future, showing how partnerships, creativity and inclusive programming can bring people together, support small businesses and enrich the destination year-round."

Admission to the main festival is free. The expert panel sessions are ticketed, though pricing details were not available at the time of publication. Further programme announcements are expected in the weeks ahead.

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