Hosted by BBC journalist and broadcaster, Samantha Simmonds, and magician, Paul Martin, the coveted awards recognise the very best of Asian cuisine across a range of national and regional categories. ARTA 2025 continues to reward excellence, craft, creativity and great taste by bringing together the UK’s most celebrated Asian restaurants, chefs and culinary professionals under one roof.

This year, over 1,295 restaurants and takeaways from across the UK were nominated by diners and food lovers, with a significant number of nominations coming through ChefOnline, ARTA’s strategic partner and one of the UK’s leading platforms connecting diners to Asian restaurants and takeaways. Leveraging its national customer base of over a million, ChefOnline helped drive strong nationwide participation in the awards. Nominations were also bolstered by strong social media engagement and data insights such as Food Hygiene Ratings.

Speaking about the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards 2025, Mohammed Munim, Founder Member and CEO of ARTA, said “Asian restaurants and takeaways have long played a vital role in the UK’s economy and culture. Their contribution through job creation, community impact, and culinary excellence, deserves to be recognised. Especially in today’s challenging climate, ARTA is proud to champion their achievements and support their continued success. Every nominee is a testament to the industry’s resilience and we look forward to celebrating them on 6th October.”

From the prestigious National Champion of Champions, Regional Restaurant of the Year, and Chef of the Year to Takeaway of the Year and National Newcomer of the Year, ARTA 2025 will shine a spotlight on the remarkable talent, innovation and dedication that powers the UK’s thriving Asian restaurant sector.

ChefOnline is the ARTA 2025 Strategic Partner; Guavapay, Super Pollo, Work Permit Cloud and Cobra Beer are Associate Sponsors; Madhu’s is Catering Partner. ARTA 2025 is also proudly supported by Cambridge Regional College, Squire Mile Insurance and Lexpert Solicitors.

Following are the ARTA 2025 shortlisted Top 10 Restaurants and Takeaways in the regional category awards.

ARTA 2025 Shortlisted Top Ten Restaurants and Takeaways:

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Northern Ireland:

Bites Of India, Botanic, Belfast

Himalayan, Botanic, Belfast

Indian Ocean Restaurant, Holywood, Belfast

Kohinoor Indian Cuisine, Lisburn, Belfast

Little India Restaurant, Carrickfergus, Belfast

Mayur Indian Restaurant, Larne, Belfast

Monsoon, Dundonald, Belfast

Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge, Belfast

Shimla Indian Cuisine, Cregagh, Belfast

Yaks, Bangor, Belfast

Firangi, Cambuslang, Glasgow

Gurkha Kitchen, Fraserburgh, Aberdeen

Masala Twist, Glasgow

Opium, Glasgow

Prince of India, Pitlochry

Rustom Restaurant, Haymarket, Edinburgh

Sidhu’s, Perth

Yakitori House, East Kilbride, Glasgow

Regional Restaurant of the Year – South Wales:

1988 Indian Restaurant, Penarth, Cardiff

Elaichi, Carmarthen, Swansea

Hatti Indian Restaurant, Newport

Mango Tree, Cardiff

Raj Kitchen, Swansea

Rasoi Waterfront, Swansea

Red Fort, Caerleon, Newport

Salkaara, Cardiff

Spice Delight, Penarth, Cardiff

Regional Restaurant of the Year – North Wales:

Anise, Wrexham, Llandudno

Black Peppers, Wrexham, Llandudno

Ijazz Indian Cuisine, Wrexham, Llandudno

Junction Tandoori Restaurant, Llandudno

Maahis, Wrexham, Llandudno

Spice of Llanberis, Caernarfon, Llandudno

Tava Restaurant, Wrexham, Llandudno

Thai Dine, Wrexham, Llandudno

Valley Spice, Corwen, Llandudno

Thisha Curry House, Rhyl, Llandudno

Regional Restaurant of the Year – North West:

Achari, Bolton

Freya’s Grill, Darwen, Blackburn

Junoon, Helsby, Warrington

Krapow Thai Restaurant, Warrington

Lily’s Indian Vegetarian Cuisine, Ashton-under-Lyne, Oldham

Maki & Ramen, Manchester

Mr Chaat, Bolton

Thamin, Littleborough, Oldham

Venus Lounge Restaurant, Heywood, Oldham

Wild Ginger, Rochdale, Oldham

Regional Restaurant of the Year – North East:

Chutney, Gleadless Townend, Sheffield

Jolsha, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland

My Delhi, Newcastle upon Tyne

Punjabi Heaven Restaurant, Roundhay, Leeds

Sachi’s Burley, Burley in Wharfedale, Leeds

Sherkhan Of Alnwick, Alnwick, Newcastle upon Tyne

SIBU, Batley, Wakefield

Soami’s Trio By Parvin Kumar, Consett, Durham

Soho Tavern, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne

Urban Choola, Sheffield

Regional Restaurant of the Year – West Midlands:

Alessi Indian Restaurant, Audley, Stoke-on-Trent

Bao To The Broth, Hereford

Golden Keg, Draycott in the Moors, Stoke-on-Trent

Gurkha Imperial Dining, Bromsgrove

Indian Edge, Kenilworth

Maneki Ramen, Worcester

Millennium, Kings Heath, Birmingham

Monsoon Majestic Indian Dining, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent

Tamarind, Balsall Common, Coventry

Pickles Indian and Grill Cuisine, Spon End, Coventry

Regional Restaurant of the Year – East Midlands:

House Boat Restaurant, Derby

Kushboo, Kettering, Northampton

Laziza Indian Bar & Restaurant, Burton Waters, Lincoln

Nazreen, Burton Latimer, Kettering

Shapla Spice, Ripley, Derby

Silchar Indian Dining, Hinckley

Spice Lounge, Brackley

Aramintas, Northampton Wakaze, Leicester

Wakaze, Leicester

Zaap Thai Street Food, Nottingham

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Hertfordshire:

Abbots Tandoori, Abbots Langley, Watford

Dalchini Spice, Shefford, Stevenage

Dragon Garden, Borehamwood, Watford

Ginger Bar & Restaurant, Hertford, Stevenage

MITR Restaurant, Royston, Stevenage

Oishii Japanese Restaurant, Hertford, Stevenage

Old Siam, Hertford, Stevenage

Raj Of India, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans

Tamarind, Potters Bar, Enfield

The Cochin Indian Restaurant, Hemel Hempstead

Regional Restaurant of the Year – East Anglia:

Sushi And Salad, Ely, Cambridge

Rose and Mango, Saint Neots, Peterborough

New Saffron Indian Restaurant & Takeaway, Thetford, Ipswich

Tamarind Fine Indian Dining, Blofield, Norwich

Takayama Restaurant, Ipswich

The Kimchi, Norwich

Bananaleaf, Chesterton, Cambridge

Lowestoft Tandoori, Lowestoft, Norwich

Taste of India, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich

Shilpa Indian Restaurant, Papworth Everard, Cambridge

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Essex:

Taz Restaurant, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford

Temple, Woodford, Ilford

Neyzen Restaurant and Pods, Romford

The Britannia & Gurkha Restaurant & Bar, Berechurch, Colchester

Rim Jhim Spice Indian Restaurant, Stanway, Colchester

Moonlight Tandoori, Harlow, CM18 7NW

Maharani Indian Restaurant, Colchester

Kelvedon Spice, Kelvedon, Colchester

Golden Mayfair, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea

Wadud’s Fusion of Thai & Indian Restaurant, Braintree, Chelmsford

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Kent:

Durbar Spice, Downe, Bromley

The Bombay, Swanley, Bromley

The Bombay Restaurant, Swanley, Bromley

Spice Village, New Ash Green, Longfield

Prince of India, Faversham, Rochester

Mowglis, Beachampton, Milton Keynes

Indian Valley Restaurant and Takeaway, Orpington, Bromley

Ginger & Spices, Chislehurst, Bromley

Spice Lounge, Faversham, Rochester

Shozna, Rochester

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Surrey:

Bay Leaves, Ewell, Kingston upon Thames

Trishala, Redhill

3 Rooms Indian Restaurant, Ottershaw, Kingston upon Thames

Yaadein Authentic Indian Restaurant, Stoneleigh, Kingston upon Thames

The Cricket Lounge, Worcester Park, Sutton

Spicy Tadka Staines, Staines-upon-Thames, Twickenham

Rishi’s in Slate & Grain Brasserie and Bar, Hackbridge, Sutton

Red Rose of Chessington, Hook, Kingston upon Thames

Coulsdon Spice, Coulsdon, Croydon

Colombo Kitchen – Hopper & Kottu Bar, Worcester Park, Kingston upon Thames

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Sussex:

Akash Indian Restaurant & Takeaway, Horsham, Redhill

Alishaan Indian Restaurant, Sompting, Brighton

Andaaz Indian Restaurant, Worthing, Brighton

Calcutta 16, Shoreham-by-Sea, Brighton

ETCI Kitchen, Brighton and Hove, Brighton

Moonstone Sri Lankan Restaurant, Brighton and Hove, Brighton

Tamasha, Lindfield, Redhill

The New Curry Centre, Horsham, Redhill

The Parsons Table, Arundel, Brighton

The Royal Indian Restaurant, Hailsham, Brighton

Regional Restaurant of the Year – South Central:

Chennai Express, Fleet, Guildford

Chilis Indian & Indo Chinese Restaurant, King’s Walk, Reading

Haweli Restaurant, Southall

Jalpari of Woodley, Woodley, Reading

Mint Lounge, Southampton

Padharo Indian Restaurant, Southampton

Spice Lounge, Burford, Oxford

Spicy Tadka, Basingstoke, Reading

The Paradise Balti House, Petersfield, Guildford

Suan Thai Restaurant, Romsey, Southampton

Regional Restaurant of the Year – South West:

Chilli’s, Weymouth, Dorchester

Ebisu, Weston-super-Mare, Bristol

Indian Queen, Saint Columb, Truro

Paprika, Whitchurch, Bristol

Royal Jaipur, Landford, Salisbury

Salkaara, Henleaze, Bristol

Spice Lounge Indian Cuisine, Ilfracombe, Exeter

Spice Route, Andover, Salisbury

Sultanz Indian Restaurant, Camborne, Truro

Vegan India, Bishopston, Bristol

Regional Restaurant of the Year – North London:

Pinos Warung, Chalk Farm, London

Mala Brasserie, Whetstone, London

Hanwoo Village Angel, Islington, London

Taste of Goa, Finsbury Park, London

Ruhit’s Indian Cuisine, Brent, London

Taherah, Belsize Park, London

Day of the Raj, Mill Hill, London

Taste of Nawab, Muswell Hill, London

Malay Fellas, Camden, London

Yaki Ya!, Colindale, London

Regional Restaurant of the Year – City & East London:

Forest Tandoori, Walthamstow, London

Mumbai Square Restaurant, Aldgate, London

The India, Islington, London

Meraz, Tower Hamlets, London

Bengal Tiger, Shoreditch, London

Muhib Indian Cuisine, London

Bengal Village, London

The Famous Curry Bazaar, London

Eastern Eye Balti House, London

The Empress, London

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Central & West London:

BKC – Biryani Kebab Chai, Marble Arch, London

Chettinad Restaurant, Camden, London

Dhaba@49, Westminster, London

Durbar Tandoori, Notting Hill, London

Indian Express, West Kensington, London

Maharaja of India, Leicester Square, London

The Mughal’s Indian Restaurant, Kings Cross, London

Tajmahal Indian Cuisine, Kings Cross, London

Tokri Restaurant, Gunnersbury Ave, London

Tamarind Kitchen, Westminster, London

Regional Restaurant of the Year – South London:

Pure Indian Cooking, Fulham, London

Colombo Kitchen, Putney, London

Indian Room, Balham, London

Pravaas, South Kensington, London

Troia, Southbank, London

Mumbai Delight, Vauxhall, London

Chaska Maska, Brockley, London

The Mantl, Knightsbridge, London

Saka Maka Hither Green Indian Restaurant, Hither Green, London

Toba, Westminster, London

Regional Takeaway of the Year – Northern Ireland:

Mao Asian Cuisine, Ballymoney

Lucky Star, Antrim, Belfast

Khyber Tandoori, Carryduff, Belfast

Curry Leaf, Hillsborough, Belfast

Chutney Joe, Saintfield, Belfast

Asha Tandoori, Bangor, Belfast

Dungannon Spice, Dungannon, Belfast

Night of Bengal, Belfast

Ruchi, Belfast

Bengal Cottage, Belfast

Regional Takeaway of the Year – Scotland:

Diamond Inn, Scotstoun, Glasgow

Slumdog Delivered, Corstorphine, Edinburgh

Zain’s Curry House, Dalry, Kilmarnock

The Red Tiffin Takeaway, Glasgow

The Aladdin’s Indian Takeaway, Perth

Azaad Takeaway, Invergowrie, Dundee

Spicy Bite Takeaway, Edinburgh

Spanning political drama, espionage, media power struggles, and multi-generational family sagas, these six titles offer a vast and versatile narrative canvas, rooted in Archer’s signature style of pace, plot twists, and character-driven storytelling. Applause will reimagine and develop these stories into premium series and feature films across languages and platforms, bringing Jeffrey Archer’s world to screen, made in India for the world.

Spanning political drama, espionage, media power struggles, and multi-generational family sagas, these six titles offer a vast and versatile narrative canvas, rooted in Archer’s signature style of pace, plot twists, and character-driven storytelling. Applause will reimagine and develop these stories into premium series and feature films across languages and platforms, bringing Jeffrey Archer’s world to screen, made in India for the world.

Applause Entertainment is a leading content and IP creation studio, led by media veteran Sameer Nair. Known for its premium drama series, films, documentaries and animation, the studio has delivered acclaimed shows such as The Hunt, Criminal Justice, Scam, Rudra: The Edge of Darkness and Undekhi. Its content spans multiple languages and platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, Sony LIV and  JioHotstar. Applause has also forayed into theatrical and direct-to-streaming films like Zwigato, Por Thozhil, Do Aur Do Pyaar and Sharmajee Ki Beti, along with the docu-series Modern Masters. The studio has exciting content in the pipeline that includes an ambitious Mahatma Gandhi biopic series, South cinema and a Big Movie Slate.

Jeffrey Archer has topped the bestseller lists around the world, with sales of over 300 million copies in 115 countries and 49 languages. He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction. He gained a Blue in Athletics at Oxford, was President of the University Athletics Club, and went on to run the 100 yards in 9.6 seconds for Great Britain in 1966. Jeffrey served five years in the House of Commons and thirty-one years as a Member of the House of Lords. His latest novel, End Game, is the eighth of the William Warwick novels and will be published on 23 September 2025.

With this collaboration, Applause expands its creative horizon, blending iconic global storytelling with its own narrative sensibility, and continuing to build a content slate that is bold, cinematic, and ready for the world stage. It also opens up a fertile creative ground for creators, writers and directors to engage with universally loved narratives and reimagine them with a contemporary, cinematic voice.

Sameer Nair, Managing Director, Applause Entertainment, “This is a milestone moment for us. We’ve told stories reimagined from Indian books, formats, and real events and now we step into the world of global fiction. Jeffrey Archer’s novels are compelling, character-rich, and built for screen. To reimagine these stories with scale and style, and to position them for audiences across the globe, that’s the creative opportunity we’re excited about.”

Author, Jeffrey Archer, “It’s an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Sameer Nair and the team at Applause Entertainment. Their passion for storytelling, their body of work, and their global outlook make them the perfect partners to bring my books to screen. I’ve always had a deep fondness for India, a nation that has embraced my stories like its own and as an ardent cricket lover, it’s a country I feel incredibly connected to.  I’m thrilled to see my characters and stories take on a new life, across India, and far beyond.”

Chairman of Vedanta and Patron of Riverside Studios, Agarwal shared: “We are honoured to host the UK premiere of a film as inspiring and thought-provoking as ‘Tanvi The Great’.
“Anupam Kher has delivered a cinematic message that uplifts and challenges societal norms in equal measure. This story of resilience resonates universally, and we are proud to be part of its journey.”

‘Tanvi The Great’ tells the moving and powerful story of Tanvi Raina, a spirited young autistic girl who dreams of honouring her late father’s military legacy by reaching the Siachen Glacier—the highest battlefield on Earth. Faced with societal doubts and rejection from the Indian Army, she embarks on a journey of grit and resilience, training under a retired Major to defy expectations and chase her dream with unwavering determination.

Director, Anupam Kher says: “Tanvi The Great is more than just a film — it’s a tribute to courage, individuality, and the indomitable human spirit. I wanted to tell a story that reminds us all that no dream is too distant when backed by relentless perseverance. Bringing Tanvi’s journey to life has been one of the most emotionally rewarding experiences of my career.”

Actor Boman Irani shared: “This film is a celebration of inner strength. It’s not often that a script moves you in the way ‘Tanvi The Great’ did. I’m proud to be a part of a story that doesn’t just entertain but inspires.”
Lead Actress Shubhangi Dutt notes: “Portraying Tanvi has been life-changing. Her determination and courage are infectious. I hope her story inspires young people everywhere to believe in the impossible.”
Pallavi Joshi added: “There’s a quiet power in ‘Tanvi The Great’. It reminds us that those who are often underestimated are the ones who rewrite the rules. It was an honour to be part of a film with such heart.”

Actor Karan Tacker stated: “Working on ‘Tanvi The Great’ was not just creatively fulfilling — it was emotionally transformative. It’s rare to come across a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.”
Produced by Anupam Kher Studio, ‘Tanvi The Great’ features a stellar cast including Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Iain Glen, Jackie Shroff, Pallavi Joshi, Shubhangi Dutt, Arvind Swamy and Karan Tacker. The film is set for theatrical release on July 18, 2025.

“Khudaya Ishq” is a soul-stirring love song, layered with longing and emotion, composed by the renowned Amit Trivedi, whose work in Queen and Udta Punjab has redefined musical storytelling while Kumaar’s poignant lyrics have touched hearts in many popular songs over the years. The track features the distinctive vocals of Arijit Singh, who has graced countless chart-toppers, alongside the soulful Shilpa Rao, known for her songs like “Khuda Jaane“, “Ghungroo” and many more.

Brought to life on screen by the electric chemistry of Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, whose performances gently echo the song’s emotional core, capturing the ache, tenderness, and quiet moments of connection that define a true love story.

Music composer, Amit Trivedi says, “Creating the music for Abir Gulaal has been a truly enriching journey, and this first song is a testament to the beautiful synergy between Kumaar’s evocative words and the melodious voice of Arijit Singh alongside Shilpa Rao. It’s a melody woven with emotion, and I sincerely hope it touches the hearts of everyone who listens.“

Released under the iconic Saregama Music label, Khudaya Ishq is now streaming on all major platforms. So plug in your earphones, turn up the volume, and let it wrap around your heart.

Indian Stories Limited and A Richer Lens Entertainment, in association with Aarjay Pictures, present Abir Gulaal. Produced by Vivek B Agarwal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy, this charming romantic comedy guarantees a mix of laughter, emotion, and a story that celebrates the power of love and healing. Experience the magic of Abir Gulaal in theaters on May 9th, 2025.

The highly anticipated concert will take place in London, Manchester and Birmingham, bringing fans an evening of soul-stirring Sufi and Bollywood melodies.

Having performed on prestigious stages across the globe, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan returns to the UK taking centre stage alongside his son, Shah Zaman Ali Khan. 

Promising to be a celebration of music, culture and timeless artistry, the concerts will take the audience on a journey through Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s iconic hits and soulful renditions. 

With a career spanning decades, RFAK’s music transcends generations, from Sufi classics to Bollywood chart-toppers, with his live performances having captivated millions around the world and this concert will be no exception.

Vijay Bhola, Director of Rock On Music says, “I am honoured to have the opportunity to work with such a great artist. The tour is expected to be a sellout and for the very first time Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will be accompanied by his son Shah Zaman Ali Khan.”

Rock On Music has consistently brought some of the most prestigious musical talents to the UK, and this collaboration with The Concert Organisation ensures an unparalleled live concert experience for fans of Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, old and new. Yet again, Rock On Music concerts are a testament to the power of music in uniting people and celebrating cultural heritage across the UK.

The London Eid Festival returned in spectacular fashion this past weekend at Westfield London, welcoming thousands of visitors from all faiths and diverse backgrounds to mark the end of Ramadan in a joyful, sunlit celebration of food, culture, and community.

Taking place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th April, the first weekend of this two-part event began with early festivalgoers arriving at Westfield Square well before the 11am opening to enjoy freshly cooked halal street food. From there, guests made their way into the central area of the Westfield mall, which had been transformed into a vibrant indoor market showcasing the rich diversity of Eid celebrations.

A free-to-attend event, the London Eid Festival offered over 80 international stalls, featuring everything from boutique gifts, modest fashion, and children’s Islamic books to Korean corn dogs, Henna artists, and lifestyle products. Participating businesses hailed from across the globe, including Turkey, Dubai, and Malaysia, creating a truly international experience at the heart of West London.

Outdoors, Westfield Square hosted the food stands and the main entertainment stage, where community celebrities, local performers, and cultural acts took to the stage throughout the weekend, creating a joyful soundtrack for festivalgoers basking in the spring sunshine. The stage was hosted by Tariq Halal, and the lively atmosphere was amplified by a curated Westfield Eid playlist that played across the venue.

The London Eid Festival is now in its sixth year and has grown to become Europe’s largest Eid celebration, welcoming visitors from across the UK and beyond, and uniting communities in the spirit of togetherness and celebration.

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Waleed Jahangir, Festival Director and Managing Director of Algebra Consulting, commented:

“The London Eid Festival is a celebration of unity, culture, and faith – and we are proud to offer a space that welcomes everyone to enjoy and learn. Whether it’s sharing a meal, discovering new brands from around the world, or simply being part of the community spirit, this event reflects the vibrancy of London and the strength of our shared values. The response this weekend has been phenomenal, and we look forward to doing it all again next weekend at Westfield Stratford City.”

Following its success at Westfield London, the festival will continue next weekend from 11th to 13th April at Westfield Stratford City, with more entertainment, food, and cultural activities planned.

For the first time since the 2017 BBC Proms and only the second time ever in the UK, in a Brighton Festival Exclusive on Friday 9 May Anoushka Shankar will perform in full Passages, her father Ravi Shankar’s album created in collaboration with American composer Philip Glass. The album, a sharing of different musical vocabularies, combines Glass’s minimalist style with Shankar’s expressive brand of Indian classical music, with both writing arrangements based on themes suggested by the other. This collaborative spirit will be recreated live on stage by Anoushka Shankar, Britten Sinfonia and a specially curated ensemble of Indian classical musicians.

Rachel Portman, the first female composer to win an Academy Award, for the 1996 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, has written a new concerto for violin, narrator and orchestra that considers the Tipping Points we may have reached in the climate crisis. The UK premiere will be performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and violinist Francesca Dego on Thursday 22 May, as the centre piece of a nature-themed programme conducted by Grammy Award-winning Ludovic Morlot. This concert will also include Sibelius’s orchestral hymn to the Finnish forests, Tapiola Op. 112 and the monumental Vespers of the Blessed Earth from American composer and environmental activist John Luther Adams with Brighton Festival Chorus.

On Saturday 17 May, London Symphony Orchestra is accompanied by acclaimed violinist Leila Josefowicz and led by one of today’s most versatile conductors, Susanna Mälkki in a series of orchestral showpieces including Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto and Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. The programme is prefaced by the high-energy A Short Piece for a Large Orchestra, by pioneering mid-20th century Black-American composer Julia Perry. 

Harpsichordist and founder of Baroque ensemble Les Arts Florissants, William Christie celebrates his 80th birthday with a concert at Glyndebourne Opera House on Sunday 4 May. Christie has played a pioneering role in the rediscovery of Baroque music, bringing forgotten French repertoire of the 17th and 18th centuries to audiences worldwide. This performance will also showcase members of Le Jardin des Voix, Christie’s academy for young Baroque singers.

On Sunday 18 May, celebrated cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and the prizewinning Castalian String Quartet present a programme including a contemporary response to Bach’s iconic Solo Cello Suites by British composer Natalie Klouda that blends Baroque and Indian classical styles; Schubert’s final chamber work, Quintet in C and Thomas Adés’ “magically allusive” (The Guardian) Arcadiana. 

Violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason plays with Create Music’s Brighton & East Sussex Youth Orchestra on Monday 12 May, supported by Mayo Wynne Baxter. An opportunity for these young classical musicians to be inspired by an accomplished young professional through a performance of accessible music, the programme includes Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite and Mussorgsky’s Night on a Bare Mountain (featured in Disney film Fantasia). Also to feature is early 20th century composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, whose work received two world premieres in the very same Brighton Dome Concert Hall that this concert takes place.

Conductor Harry Christophers’ elite vocal ensemble The Sixteen perform a programme ranging from music by a mystic 12th century German abbess, via the ‘holy minimalism’ of Arvo Pärt, to two contemporary British pieces for the rare combination of choir and violin on Saturday 10 May. On Monday 19 May, a song recital from one of the country’s finest mezzos, Dame Sarah Connolly, supported by Patron Margaret Polmear, includes a selection of German, French and English language songs by Schumann, Wolf, Debussy and Barber. 

Brighton Festival’s series of lunchtime concerts returns, showcasing young and emerging artists and giving audiences the opportunity to see the classical stars of tomorrow. The series features a wide range of ensembles and programmes, including medieval ensemble Rune, who will perform musical stories inspired by 14th century Italian poet and scholar Giovanni Boccaccio’s masterwork Decameron, in association with Brighton Early Music Festival. Elsewhere, established French ensemble Quatuor Van Kuijk honour countryman Ravel’s 150th birthday alongside music from their new album and the 2025 Glyndebourne Jerwood Young Artists perform popular operatic extracts.

Brighton Festival 2025 Guest Director Anoushka Shankar said:

“I’m thrilled to be welcoming an incredible range of performers from across the spectrum of classical music to Brighton Festival 2025. This year’s Festival explores art’s power to challenge and uplift and there are so many unique perspectives and collaborations in the classical programme that will do exactly that. I’m also hugely excited to share the music of my father, Ravi Shankar, with Brighton Festival audiences”. 

Brighton Festival 2025 runs from 3-26 May. Anoushka Shankar has worked with the Festival to shape a programme that imagines a hopeful future after a difficult time, celebrating our collective ability to recover, take action and come together to change the world for the better, inspired by the idea of a ‘New Dawn’.

Brighton Festival takes place from 3-26 May 2025. Please see full event listings for times, locations and prices at brightonfestival.org.

The UK Asian Film Festival has long been a champion of South Asian female-centric cinema and women in film, both on and off-screen. Each year, its programmes challenge patriarchal norms, spark critical conversations, and drive its mission to advocate for gender equality in the film industry.

This year’s “Longing and Belonging” theme will celebrate films that explore one of the most profound human experiences—the search for connection, identity and purpose. In every corner of the world, people grapple with feelings of longing—the ache for love, the pull of home, the need for acceptance and the pursuit of meaning. Through the lens of cinema, these universal desires come to life in stories of displaced immigrants, journeys of self-discovery, quests for love and the tension between tradition and modernity. As society moves forward, cinema remains a powerful tool for change—one that sparks conversations, amplifies voices and builds empathy.

The Opening Gala will take place at BFI Southbank, London on Thursday 1st May, featuring the European Premiere of the powerful anthology film, My Melbourne (Australia, 2024; Dir’s: Onir, Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan; Language: English). The film explores identity, belonging, and resilience through four true stories of underrepresented voices in Australia. A queer man reconnecting with his father, a deaf dancer chasing her dreams, a food blogger bonding with a homeless poet, and a refugee girl finding hope through cricket. This anthology is a bold and moving celebration of diversity.

The Closing Gala will feature the London Premiere of Academy Award-nominated film, The Glassworker, (Pakistan, 2024; Dir: Usman Riaz; Language: English) on Saturday 10th May at BFI Southbank, London. As war looms, a gifted glassmaker and his father see their world disrupted by an army colonel and his violinist daughter. When love blossoms between the young artists, they must find the courage to stand up to their fathers.

The UK Asian Film Festival showcases a diverse selection of films each year, alongside a compelling lecture series, interactive audience workshops, live performances, visual arts exhibitions, and masterclasses. It also hosts the annual Short Film Competition, celebrating the finest films connected to South Asia while highlighting the rich and varied facets of South Asian arts and culture.

UK Asian Film Festival Founder and Director, Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry MBE says, “The need to belong is a fundamental force that binds us all, propelling us to overcome adversity, find strength in our challenges, and create spaces where we can truly thrive. When we feel welcomed and respected, even the toughest obstacles become surmountable; conversely, exclusion can leave us feeling isolated and alone. At the UK Asian Film Festival, we honor the indomitable spirit of filmmakers who have defied the odds to bring their artistic visions to life. Their stories are powerful reminders of the importance of acceptance, unity, and the transformative impact of doing what is right. This festival not only celebrates diverse narratives but also builds bridges between communities, inspiring us all to connect, reflect, and rise together through the magic of cinema. Join us on the big screen as we embrace the visionary creations of young British Asian storytellers alongside with global filmmakers and witness the power of film to unite and uplift.”

UK Asian Film Festival Creative Director, Samir Bhamra says, “This year’s UKAFF gala screenings are deeply personal, visually stunning and utterly unmissable. They demand to be seen on the big screen. If you have ever loved, lost, or longed to find where you truly belong—come, witness, and feel these stories unfold in the cinema, where they are meant to be experienced.”

CEO, Lyca Radio Network, Raj Baddhan  says, “We’re excited to partner with the UK Asian Film Festival for its 27th edition. This event perfectly aligns with the core values of the Lyca Radio Network brand. Our commitment to supporting outstanding Asian cinema is at the heart of this collaboration. As the festival’s exclusive radio partner, we’re thrilled to offer our listeners exclusive access to exceptional films and talented personalities. This year, we’re going all out to enhance our coverage and make this incredible festival even more memorable.”