Prepare for a spectacular opening to the festival as a vibrant procession winds its way from Allen Gardens through the heart of Brick Lane.
Press images available HERE
Tower Hamlets Council, the Bangla Town Business Association (BTBA) and Brick Lane Community Forum (BLCF) are pleased to announce the return of the Brick Lane Curry Festival on Sunday 20 September 2026.
Following its hugely successful comeback in 2025 after a nine-year hiatus, the festival returns with a vibrant celebration of Bangladeshi and South Asian food, culture and community. Showcasing the rich culinary traditions of East London's Bangladeshi community, the festival will serve up a day of exceptional flavours, live entertainment and cultural experiences in Brick Lane.
A flagship event in Tower Hamlets' cultural calendar, the Brick Lane Curry Festival highlights the area's diversity, heritage and creativity while supporting local businesses, boosting footfall and bringing communities together. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a varied programme of activities celebrating the people, stories and traditions that have made Brick Lane famous around the world.
The festival's main day will take place from 12pm on Sunday 20 September, transforming Brick Lane into a lively street festival packed with free activities and experiences. Participating restaurants will offer affordable regional and speciality dishes from street-side stalls, alongside chef demonstrations, cultural showcases and festival-themed street art as Brick Lane serves up its biggest curry festival yet reclaiming its crown as the UK's Curry Capital.
The day will begin with a colourful procession from Buxton Street to the iconic Brick Lane Arch, featuring themed floats, dancers and community groups. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can enjoy roaming entertainment including DJs and live performances.
Sign up via Eventbrite to register your spot at the Brick Lane Curry Festival and get 20% off at all participating restaurants across the weekend.
Programme highlights
Procession highlights:
Prepare for a spectacular opening to the festival as a vibrant procession winds its way from Allen Gardens through the heart of Brick Lane. Bursting with colour, music and movement, the parade will feature dazzling performances from the Chinese Lion Dance performers, Taal Torongo, Showmi Das Dance Company, IMD Legion and Bolly Flex. Bringing the streets to life will be three giant bespoke puppets, specially created by acclaimed arts organisation Emergency Exit Arts for the Festival.
Festival stage highlights:
The festival stage will showcase an exciting line-up of live music, dance and cultural performances throughout the day. Audiences can enjoy appearances from Bengali music stars Nish, Mumzy and Khiyo, alongside performances from IMD Legion, Bolly Flex, Taal Torongo, Showmi Das Dance Company, the Bollywood Brass Band and more. The programme will also feature DJ sets, community performances and special guest appearances, creating a lively soundtrack to the celebrations.
Featured Artists and Community Partners:
Khiyo – Headlining the festival, this pioneering group blends British and Bengali influences to create an acclaimed contemporary sound rooted in tradition.
Nish – The British-Bangladeshi singer and rapper brings a dynamic mix of R&B, hip-hop and South Asian influences.
Mumzy – One of the UK's most recognised South Asian music artists, known for his infectious blend of pop, R&B and global sounds.
IMD Legion – East London's renowned street dance collective, famous for high-energy performances and gravity-defying choreography.
Bolly Flex – A leading Bollywood dance company fusing traditional Indian dance styles with contemporary performance.
Taal Torongo – The UK's first Bangladeshi dance group, celebrating cultural heritage through vibrant performances.
Showmi Das Dance Company – Specialists in Kathak, South Asian classical and folk dance, bringing elegance and storytelling to the festival.
Chinese Association of Tower Hamlets – Presenting spectacular traditional lion and dragon dances in a celebration of the borough's rich multicultural communities.
Bollywood Brass Band – The UK's iconic Indian-style brass band, delighting audiences with a joyous fusion of Bollywood classics and brass band traditions.
Osmani Soundz – A trailblazer of the UK Asian Underground scene whose influence helped shape a generation of British South Asian music.
Street Entertainment
From midday until 7pm, Brick Lane itself becomes a stage. Visitors can encounter lively pop-up performances at every turn, from the infectious sounds of the Bollywood Brass Band and the thunderous rhythms of dhol drummers to performances from talented students at Access Creative College. The continuous programme of street entertainment will keep the festival atmosphere buzzing throughout the day.
The Gaat: Family Zone
At the heart of the festival, The Gaat will offer a welcoming space packed with free, family-friendly activities. Visitors can try their hand at traditional saree draping and lungi wrapping, take part in energetic dance workshops led by IMD Legion and Bolly Flex, and immerse themselves in South Asian culture through hands-on experiences.
Younger festivalgoers can enjoy sports activities, games and bouncy castles throughout the day, making The Gaat a lively hub where families can relax and play together while exploring everything the Brick Lane Curry Festival has to offer.
The Brick Lane Curry Festival is part of the Love Tower Hamlets campaign which promotes Tower Hamlets’ destinations, venues, people and economic opportunities as offering the best of London in one borough.
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman said:
"The Brick Lane Curry Festival made a fantastic return last year, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate the food, culture and community that make this part of Tower Hamlets so special. This year we're building on that success with an even bigger, better and spicier festival.
Brick Lane is famous around the world for its incredible restaurants. The festival is a chance to celebrate that rich culinary heritage, support our local businesses and showcase the very best of the East End. Whether you're coming for the outstanding food, the live performances or the vibrant atmosphere, there's something for everyone, and I encourage residents and visitors alike to join us for what promises to be another unforgettable day."
Guljar Khan, Chairman of Bangla Town Business Association said:
"Last year’s Brick Lane Curry Festival was a resounding success, reminding the world of the incredible energy, warmth, and flavour that defines Banglatown.
Seeing our streets filled with thousands of smiling faces, all celebrating our rich culinary heritage and vibrant community spirit, was a moment of immense pride for every local trader.
This year, the Banglatown Business Association is thrilled to partner once again with Tower Hamlets to make the festival even bigger, bolder, and more delicious.
Brick Lane’s famous curry houses and local independent businesses are the beating heart of the East End, built on decades of hard work, passion, and tradition.
This festival isn't just a celebration of world-class food, it is a lifeline for our high street, supporting local livelihoods and keeping our historic culture thriving. Whether you are a lifelong fan of an authentic Indian curry or visiting Brick Lane for the very first time, our doors and kitchens are open wide.
On behalf of all our local businesses, I warmly invite you to come, feast, and experience the unforgettable hospitality and curry of Brick Lane Banglatown.”
Yasmin Haque, Secretary, Brick Lane Community Forum said:
“Brick Lane Community Forum is proud to be one the key organisers of this monumental event in Bangla Town.
We are hopeful for Bangla Town and the Famous Curry Festival to re-establish themselves in the significant icons and events to visit.”
Sign up via Eventbrite to register your spot at the Brick Lane Curry Festival and get 20% off at all participating restaurants across the weekend.
ENDS
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Event listings
Brick Lane Curry Festival, Brick Lane, London, E1
Main festival day: 20 September
Book free tickets via Eventbrite.
Notes to Editors
About Tower Hamlets and the Council
Tower Hamlets offers the best of London in one borough. It is the fastest growing and most densely populated place in the UK; it provides the nation’s third largest economic output; it has destinations that would be the envy of any city; it is one of the most diverse places in the UK and has London’s youngest population with an average age of just 30 years old.
Located in the heart of the East End, it encompasses vibrant communities, rich cultural heritage, and major landmarks including Canary Wharf, the Tower of London, Victoria Park and Brick Lane.
The council is committed to delivering high-quality public services, tackling inequality, and supporting residents to thrive through investment in housing, education, health, and the local economy. For more information, visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk.
About Love Tower Hamlets
Love Tower Hamlets is a campaign that celebrates the borough’s rich history, vibrant communities, and unique position at the heart of London’s past and future. Tower Hamlets has long been a place where people from around the world have sought safety, opportunity, and a better life — shaping a borough known for its diversity, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The campaign brings together residents, partners, and businesses to share stories that inspire pride, attract investment, new talent and visitors, and showcase all the reasons people choose to live, work, study, create, and thrive here. By telling the story of Tower Hamlets — from lifelong locals to global companies — Love Tower Hamlets aims to strengthen community ties, boost the local economy, and enhance the borough’s reputation as a place of opportunity and belonging. Visit www.lovetowerhamlets.com
Posted on Tuesday 11th August 2026