Alchemy

The Southbank Centre’s ten-day celebration of South Asian culture, turns five in 2014 – and there’s an extra-special line-up to mark the occasion with a programme off free and ticketed events exploring everything from politics to fashion across the subcontinent. Musical highlights include concerts by Anoushka Shankar (May 23) and Bollywood singer Sukhwinder Singh (May 24). There’ll be comedy from Pakistani YouTube star Humza Arshad (May 24), an exploration of Gujarati cooking by writer Nikesh Shukla (May 25), and an exhibition. ‘The Citizens Archive of Pakistan’ (daily), that explores the country’s history through testimonies and mementoes. Design Wallah pop-up shop (May 15-26) offers a chance to peruse the latest in contemporary Southeast Asian interiors, jewellery and artwork. Food lovers won’t be disappointed, either – the Southbank Centre Square street food market will focus on dishes from across the subcontinent, and restaurant Roti Chai Chaat Shack and Bar will be serving up its signature Indian eats in Festival Village. That’s not all – there’ll be fashion shows, riverside DJing and much more. Check the festival website for full details.