Battersea Power Station will once again become a showcase for the vibrant cultures, cuisines and creativity of Southeast Asia when celebrASIA returns from 11 to 13 September 2026. Now in its third year, the free-to-enter festival has established itself as the UK’s largest celebration of the ASEAN region, bringing together the traditions and contemporary culture of all 11 member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Organised in partnership with ASEAN embassies and high commissions in London, the event continues to grow in both scale and ambition. Last year’s edition attracted more than 176,000 visitors, underscoring the appetite for cultural festivals that go beyond food and entertainment to foster deeper community connections and cross-cultural exchange.
Food, Culture And Creativity
Set against the backdrop of the Battersea Power Station, celebrASIA 2026 will feature an expanded programme spanning food, literature, film, fashion and the performing arts. Among the new additions is a series of expert-led discussions curated by writer and cultural commentator Anna Sulan Masing.
Covering topics from fashion and food to literature and identity, the talks will bring together leading voices from across the creative industries, reflecting Southeast Asia’s growing influence on the global cultural landscape.
The festival will also broaden its cinematic offering with a week-long programme of films from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, many of which are rarely screened in the UK.
Experience Southeast Asia In London
Food remains one of celebrASIA’s central attractions, and this year’s edition will feature its largest culinary line-up to date, with more than 35 food and beverage vendors participating. Visitors can expect everything from Malaysian street food and Singaporean favourites to Filipino specialities and Thai cuisine.
Returning names include Old Chang Kee, Eat Lah and Mandy Yin x Chick’n’Sours, while newcomers such as Syiok Lah, Ro Vietnamese and Bija Coffee add fresh perspectives to the line-up. Cooking workshops and demonstrations will further enhance the experience, offering festival-goers a chance to explore regional culinary traditions in greater depth.
Celebrating Heritage And Community
Beyond food, celebrASIA continues to distinguish itself through a rich programme of cultural experiences. Traditional craft workshops, artisan markets and family-friendly activities encourage visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, while live music, dance and comedy performances bring contemporary Southeast Asian culture to the forefront.
National dress parades, cultural showcases and interactive installations will take place throughout the weekend, highlighting the diversity and creativity of the region’s many communities. The festival’s growing success also reflects Battersea Power Station’s unique connection to Southeast Asia through its Malaysian ownership, helping to create a natural platform for cultural exchange in one of London’s most recognisable destinations.
As global interest in Southeast Asian culture continues to expand, celebrASIA 2026 offers a timely reminder that the region’s influence extends far beyond its celebrated cuisine. For one weekend in September, Battersea Power Station will once again serve as a gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic and culturally rich regions.
