KUALA LUMPUR (June 19): Battersea Power Station will host CelebrASIA for the third consecutive year this September, with organisers describing the 2026 edition as the most ambitious yet, featuring an expanded programme that highlights the cultural diversity of Southeast Asia.
The three-day festival, scheduled from September 11 to 13, is developed in collaboration with the High Commissions and Embassies of all 11 ASEAN member countries. It leverages Battersea Power Station’s historical and ownership ties to Southeast Asia to position the event as one of the largest Southeast Asian cultural showcases in the United Kingdom.
For 2026, the festival introduces new components including ticketed expert panel discussions curated by food and culture writer Anna Sulan Masing. The sessions will explore Southeast Asia’s global influence across fashion, food, literature and broader cultural industries. Confirmed speakers include figures from media, fashion and culinary sectors such as Helena Lee of Harper’s Bazaar, Audrey Khew from the British Fashion Council, writer MiMi Aye and chef John Chantarasak of Anglo Thai.
The programme also expands into culinary education, with cooking classes hosted at Borough Kitchen led by chef Ranie Saidi. Comedy performances will be featured for the first time, with acts from Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, reflecting the growing diversity of cultural expression within the festival.
A dedicated film series will run from September 7 to 13, screening Southeast Asian films from countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines at venues across Battersea. Organisers noted that many of these films are rarely shown in the United Kingdom, enhancing cultural exposure for international audiences.
Food and beverage offerings have also expanded significantly, with more than 35 vendors participating in 2026, the highest number to date. The lineup includes returning and new Southeast Asian brands offering regional cuisine, beverages and fusion concepts, reflecting strong commercial interest in cultural food experiences.
Beyond food and entertainment, the festival will feature hands-on craft workshops such as bamboo weaving, batik painting and traditional script writing. Family-oriented activities, cultural performances, wellness sessions and interactive installations will also be included, providing a broad range of cultural engagement opportunities.
Live performances will span the entire weekend, showcasing traditional music, dance and contemporary acts from across ASEAN countries. Cultural parades featuring national dress from multiple Southeast Asian nations will also take place throughout the Battersea neighbourhood, reinforcing the event’s regional identity.
The Artisan Market will feature around 50 independent traders selling crafts, food products and cultural goods, highlighting how the festival continues to support small businesses and independent entrepreneurs.
Organisers and stakeholders emphasised that CelebrASIA not only promotes cultural exchange but also strengthens community engagement and economic opportunities for small vendors. The event is positioned as part of Battersea Power Station’s broader strategy to integrate cultural programming into its urban development model.
What I Learned
This article shows how cultural festivals can serve as powerful platforms for international engagement, combining tourism, business opportunities and cultural diplomacy. CelebrASIA demonstrates how Southeast Asian heritage can be promoted globally through food, arts, film and performance, while also supporting small businesses and creative industries. It highlights the role of large mixed-use developments like Battersea Power Station in hosting cultural events that enhance place identity and community engagement. The article also reflects the growing importance of experiential events in urban destinations, where cultural programming is used to attract visitors, strengthen brand value and create year-round economic activity.
Yao Mu Realty, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specializes in industrial real estate for factories and land, delivering professional and efficient solutions.
Posted by Yao Mu Realty Sdn Bhd on 19 Jun 26
Malaysia