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[title]Already dreading the end of summer? Don’t worry, there’s still plenty to look forward to, as celebrASIA returns to Battersea Power Station for the third year running from September 11-13. With it a veritable feast for the senses, it celebrates everything South East Asia has to offer.
Even bigger and better than last year – which was pretty great, we have to say – the 2026 edition will serve up even more food, culture, fashion, music and literature alongside cooking masterclasses, expert talks, comedy sets, film screenings, craft workshops (bamboo basket-weaving, anyone?) and a whole load more. Here’s why you need to check it out.
1 The location, location, location
Dressing to impress for the occasion, Battersea Power Station – which has risen like a phoenix after its extensive restoration – will play host with the most to the free-to-enter festival. As a collaboration with the High Commissions and Embassies of the Association of Southeast Asian Countries, there’ll be plenty to see, do and, crucially, taste at the spectacular riverside location across the weekend. Why not make a day of it and arrive in style by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers before exploring 170 brands and a trip on The Chimney Lift for sweeping views across London while you’re at it? It’d be rude not to.
2 The food, glorious food
Love the food of Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines or Cambodia? Well, no less than 35 food and drink vendors will be serving up everything from Hainanese chicken sandos to Filipino BBQ without you having to step foot outside of the capital. You can expect dishes from the likes of Med Salleh, Syiok-Lah, Turo Turo, Kasa & Kin, Singapulah, Bija Coffee and FiliGrillz. With special collaborations from Mandy Yin x Chick’n’Sours, Farang x Duck Shed and MamaPen x From The Ashes BBQ. And as if that wasn’t enough to satisfy your appetite for South East Asian fare, there’ll also be a slew of cooking classes at Borough Kitchen with cookbook author Ranie Saidi to help you recreate recipes at home that are traditional and authentic. Get in our belly!
3 The talks
Like to chew the fat? Then the panel sessions curated by journalist and academic Anna Sulan Masing will be right up your street. Across the fest, she’ll explore topics ranging from food and literature to fashion and culture with relevant experts from across the board. Already confirmed are the likes of Malaysian author Ivy Ngeow, Burmese food writer MiMi Aye, Helena Lee from Harper’s Bazaar and John Chantarasak, the chef and co-founder of the Michelin-starred AngloThai. There will be a lot to unpack, no doubt, so grab a front-row seat. Chins will be wagging!
4 The razzle-dazzle
From DJ sets and full-on choirs to traditional drummers and dancing queens, the main stage at celebrASIA will play host to a charismatic display of live performances over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Talk about putting on a show! Comedy will also play a starring role with Vera Chok from Malaysia, Ria Lina from Philippines, and Sam See from Singapore all taking to the stage.
5 The best of the rest
Finally, there’s the Artisan Market where you can shop ‘til you drop with sauces, handicrafts, spices and more, as well as national dress parades, film screenings and family-friendly activities. Don’t miss the Grand Tour – an interactive trail to follow around the festival that culminates in a quiz and the chance for the kids to get their souvenir passport stamped. They'll also love the new workshop space in Malaysia Square where games from the 11 South East Asian countries will be played, alongside workshops covering martial arts, puppetry and so much more. Adults, meanwhile, can kick back in the Massage Corner featuring traditional Thai and Filipino techniques, to ease the stresses and strains of everyday life, or book one of the craft workshops in advance, from candlemaking to Batik art painting. Utter bliss.