Celebrating ESEA Cultures: 'Homegrown' Festival in London Showcases Tradition and Community

On 14 September 2025, the Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC) hosted the "Homegrown: Celebrating ESEA Heritage, Wellness & Community" festival at Pelican House in London. The event attracted a diverse audience to honor and experience the rich tapestry of East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) cultures.

The festival offered attendees a multifaceted experience, featuring traditional and contemporary performances, interactive workshops, film screenings, and a variety of culinary delights, all aimed at celebrating and promoting the integration of ESEA cultures within the UK.

Background

SEEAC is a UK-based organization dedicated to supporting migrants, refugees, and individuals of Southeast and East Asian heritage. The organization provides services such as mental health counseling, employment advice, and community workshops. Pelican House, the venue for the festival, is a social center in London known for hosting events focused on worker organizing, movement building, and experimental arts.

Festival Highlights

The event showcased a variety of traditional and contemporary performances, including Indonesian dances by INDUK, Philippine dance and song by UDWA, Lion Dance by ESEA Lions, Bataknese traditional dances by Nauli Dancer, Yapong dance by Alexandra Vie, singing by Monica Wat from Hong Kong, and Japanese drumming by Tamashii Drummers.

Attendees participated in interactive sessions such as Puso weaving and yoga workshops. The festival also featured screenings of films like "Tergenang" (2023) by Nis Murat, "Sometimes I Submit, Sometimes I Surrender" (2025) by Chris Kitisakkul, and "The Gossips of Cicadidae" (2022) by Vahn Pascual.

Food stalls offered a range of cuisines, including Thai dishes by Kim and Jessi, Indonesian food by Natalia and Madura Kitchen, Burmese food by UKMN, and offerings from Rahma.

Implications

The festival underscores the growing recognition and appreciation of ESEA cultures within the UK, contributing to the broader movement to celebrate ESEA Heritage Month. Events like this foster community building, promote wellness, and strengthen social bonds among ESEA communities.

The "Homegrown" festival not only celebrated the rich traditions and resilience of ESEA communities but also highlighted the importance of cultural integration and appreciation in the UK's multicultural landscape.