Ever since it opened, Battersea Power Station has been at the centre of many of London’s most exciting events. It’s hosted everything from sports-packed celebrations to light festivals and some of 2023’s most festive Christmas activations. And now, Battersea Power Station is partnering with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) High Commissioners and Ambassadors to celebrate and showcase South East Asian culture with celebrASIA.
Taking over Battersea Power Station from September 13-15, celebrASIA takes visitors on a journey across the world (without leaving London). The cultural festival has transformed the site with decorations that evoke the South East Asian subcontinent. These include elephant sculptures, traditional kites, and an installation of hundreds of lanterns. There is also street food to try, an artisan market to browse, and much more.
Said celebrASIA ambassador Mandy Yin (Malaysian chef, food writer and founder of award-winning Sambal Shiok Laksa Bar):
“It’s not always easy for the South East Asian diaspora to travel home as often as we would like and festivals such as celebrASIA are an opportunity to come together and foster a stronger sense of belonging in our adopted home. It is also a chance for us to share what we love most about South East Asia with people who may have never visited the region before and are keen to experience everything its rich culture has to offer.”
At celebrASIA
Foodies, shoppers, and the culturally curious are equally in luck at celebrASIA thanks to a programme that packs tons of things to do into the weekend.
If you’re there for the food you’ll be well-catered for thanks to “renowned South East Asian chefs and street food vendors [serving] up the finest traditional cuisine from the region”. Food comes from the likes of APOY, Banh Mi Bay, Hanoi Ca Phe, Kopi House, Lahpet, Roti King, and many more. There are also some wonderful contemporary collaborations, such as the Chicken Satay Burger that Mandy Yin has created with Chick’N’Sours.
Visitors can also purchase “sauces, spices, snacks, jewellery, homewares, and accessories from across South East Asia” at the Artisan Market.
CelebrASIA will feature masterclasses and family-friendly workshops, in addition to the market and food. These courses focus largely on crafts that draw from the rich traditions of South East Asian countries. Adults can get to grips with the likes of Mid Autumn Lantern Making and traditional Batik art, while kids can try out Paper Lotus Flower Making, shadow puppetry, kite decorating, and more.
But all of that hardly even scrapes the surface of what’s happening at celebrASIA. So head over to Battersea Power Station and immerse yourself in South East Asian culture. Eat, shop, browse, and craft your way through the region’s diverse offerings.
CelebrASIA will take place at Battersea Power Station from September 13 – 15. Find out more here.
📍 Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd West, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD.
🚇 The nearest station is Battersea Power Station.