In early April a new festival celebrating Indian culture will be launched by London’s Southbank Centre.

Called ‘Alchemy’, the festival will feature a full programme of music, dance, literature, food, debate and fashion.

Events will range from a rare classical concert by celebrated composer A.R. Rahman to the very best UK Bhangra, to an evening of music and chat with the Grewal Family from Channel 4’s hit docu-drama The Family.

It will also have free classical and folk dance workshops, early morning yoga, the Alchemy Market and an immersive installation that recreates the sights and sounds of Southall.

The five-day festival will take over all venues and spaces of Southbank Centre from 7th to 11th April.

Also featured
- Literature and talks
The Alchemy Debates, part of British Council’s UK-India Cultural Connections programme (7/8/10/11 April) explores the foundations and context of Alchemy, opening with the timely discussion India: Global Powerhouse? (7 April). Throughout the festival UK and Indian artists come together to begin the process of creating new collaborative work and share progress with the public on two occasions.

- Free events
A free events programme throughout the Festival will transform The Clore Ballroom, Spirit Level and surrounding areas with a range of events including Daandiya Raas Stick Dancing, The Southall Story: Live featuring performances by Bhangra musician Kuljit Bhamra and Mohindra Kaur Bhamra and an insight into life in Southall with The Southall Storytellers.

- Food
The Alchemy Market in Southbank Centre Square will offer Indian food, hot chai and crafts and The Nation’s Dish will see a guest appearance by celebrity chefs.

On 8 April BBC Radio 1 DJ, Nihal hosts his BBC Asian Network show at Southbank Centre, broadcasting live from The Clore Ballroom. He brings together a panel of artists and decision makers to discuss the ingredients that make Indian culture what it is today, followed by a ‘cook off’ between celebrated chef, Atul Kochar and Sarbjit Grewal, the mother from Channel 4’s The Family.

Tickets from: Southbank Centre: 0871 663 2500
www.southbankcentre.co.uk