CelebrASIA returned for its second year following a highly successful inaugural edition in 2024, drawing residents and tourists alike to explore flavours and traditions from across the ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Food and culinary exchange were central to the festival experience. More than 29 leading Southeast Asian chefs, street food pop‑ups and eateries offered dishes from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. Festival favourites such as the celebrASIA‑exclusive chicken satay burger from Chick ’n’ Sours in collaboration with Mandy Yin’s Sambal Shiok returned, alongside new offerings from Nha Trang Kitchen, Superlicious and others, inviting visitors to savour diverse regional tastes.

A new feature for 2025 was the Feasting Tent, a riverside communal dining experience where acclaimed chefs presented shared, open‑fire four‑course menus over the three days. Featured chefs included Budgie Montoya of APOY/Sarap, Abby Lee of Mambow and John & Desiree Chantarasak from Michelin‑starred AngloThai, bringing elevated interpretations of Southeast Asian cuisine to the Thames waterfront.

Inside the historic Turbine Halls of Battersea Power Station, an Artisan Market hosted over 30 independent brands offering authentic snacks, spices, jewellery, textiles and fashion. Among the highlights were pieces from Singaporean designer Oniatta Effendi’s sustainable label Baju by Oniatta, part of the festival’s ambassador programme that included Mandy Yin, broadcast host William Lee Adams and British‑Malaysian breaker Sunni Brummitt, known professionally as B‑Boy Sunni.

Beyond food and markets, celebrASIA offered a rich programme of cultural activities that reflected Southeast Asia’s artistic heritage and community spirit. Workshops enabled visitors to learn traditional crafts such as Batik painting, shadow puppet creation, beadwork and basketry. Children and families engaged with the Grand Tour interactive trail around the Power Station, discovering facts about ASEAN countries and collecting a commemorative passport stamp upon completion.

Live performance was a highlight across the weekend, with traditional music and dance shared on the main stage in Power Station Park. Cultural groups including the Indonesian Angklung Orchestra and the Filipino Lahing Kayumanggi dance troupe performed alongside local ensembles and community choirs. B‑Boy Sunni also hosted a breaking masterclass for young dancers, bringing contemporary cultural expression into the mix.

The Sarawak Tourism Board participated with immersive workshops and performances that showcased the rich heritage of the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Attendees learned rattan weaving and beadwork while engaging with live traditional dance performances that brought cultural narratives to life.

CelebrASIA 2025 also included film screenings of Southeast Asian cinema at nearby venues, broadening the festival experience through visual storytelling and creative dialogue.

For London’s diverse communities and visitors, celebrASIA offered a unique opportunity to experience the depth and vitality of Southeast Asian cultures in one space. By bringing together international chefs, artists, makers and performers, the festival underscored how cultural events serve as informal diplomatic platforms, fostering connection and mutual understanding across communities. The collaboration between Battersea Power Station and the High Commissions and Embassies of the ASEAN nations in London highlighted the role of cultural exchange in strengthening ties between countries and enriching the city’s cultural calendar.

CelebrASIA 2025 demonstrated that cultural festivals can bridge geographic and cultural distances, inviting Londoners and international visitors alike to celebrate shared creativity and diverse heritage along the Thames.

• Independent