Walking around Battersea Power Station in London during its annual celebrASIA festival felt like stepping into a paradise of colour, culture and joy.
For three days, the iconic British landmark was transformed into an immersive celebration of South-East Asia – from Sarawak’s traditional dances and dress parades to the Indonesian Angklung Orchestra, a breaking masterclass with British-Malaysian B-Boy Sunni, a screening of filmmaker Saw Teong Hin’s Penang Hokkien movie You Mean The World To Me, crafting pewter bowls with Royal Selangor, a silat workshop and the irresistible aromas wafting from more than 30 food trucks.
CelebrASIA, held from Sept 5-7, drew a record-breaking 176,000 visitors to experience South-East Asian performances, crafts, food and culture.
Diversity of the region
Returning for a second year, Battersea Power Station – the Malaysian-owned neighbourhood in central London – partnered with all 10 Asean nations to create an event rooted in collaboration.
CelebrASIA is the result of a generous cultural exchange, with each member state, through its high commissioners and ambassadors, teaming up with Battersea Power Station to showcase the best of their culture and heritage, offering a festival that captures the richness and diversity of the region.
“It was my pleasure to attend celebrASIA once again, and enjoy this unique spectacle which is like no other festival in London. The colours, sounds, and smells on display throughout the weekend are a true testament to the diversity of South-East Asia, and it’s a source of personal pride to see our local traditions on display in London, in a great vibrant venue that was brought back to life by Malaysian investors,” said Datuk Zakri Jaafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the United Kingdom.
Connecting communities
Battersea Power Station’s conversations with South-East Asian representatives in London led to new highlights for the 2025 festival, including traditional dress parades, walkabout performances, book signings with authors such as Ivy Ngeow and festival ambassador Mandy Yin, and a Feasting Tent offering riverside dining by some of London’s top South-East Asian chefs.
"The neighbourhood we have today at Battersea Power Station would never have existed without immense cross-country collaboration, combining our Malaysian shareholders’ exceptional experience with this iconic London landmark," said Sam Cotton, Interim CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company.
London’s South-East Asian diaspora already shares strong bonds, but festivals like celebrASIA serve as vital bridges – connecting communities, introducing new audiences to the region’s rich heritage, and fostering deeper understanding.
"It therefore fits that we should host a festival that celebrates the full breadth of South-East Asian heritage and culture, so that even more people can discover what makes this part of the world so special," he added.
For Battersea Power Station, as the developer maps out the remaining 6.5ha of the 17ha neighbourhood now being developed, celebrASIA is a timely reminder of the importance of cultural programmes and community-building within these plans.
