Woman single-handedly organised London’s first pan-Asian festival under one huge roof!
One woman’s vision is behind a unique three day celebration of all things Asian which takes place at Tobacco Dock from Friday, May 15th to Sunday, May 17th. Li Li conceived the idea of FestivalAsia as a way of bringing the massive diversity of this eclectic continent to a London audience for the first time under one roof in the impressive setting of former warehouse Tobacco Dock in Wapping, a light and spacious venue perfectly suited to the fabulous mix of pan-Asian entertainment, culture and spirituality which visitors will experience at this three-day spectacular. In addition, get the chance to taste speciality cuisine from more than 20 Asian countries alongside Asian-branded liquor at FestivalAsia’s bespoke Asian bar.
Comprising performance, martial arts, music, cookery, massage, fashion, art and spirituality and with more than 100 exhibitors, this unmissable event boasts over 90 performances. FestivalAsia – London’s largest indoor festival about all things Asian. – has something to offer everyone. Li Li said: “FestivalAsia evolved because so many people are now becoming interested in Asia that I thought an event encompassing as much as possible about the diversity of Asian arts, culture, foods and entertainment, would be really appreciated by London audiences.”
Latest acts on the bill for this exotic pan-Asian celebration include the visually-enthralling Guan Yin Northern Lion Dance or revel in the sublime, elegant moves and colourful garb of INA Indonesian dance troupe. www.inadance.nl. Listen to the serene strings of Indonesian harp from Djitron Pah or hear Amy Yuan’s recital on the Erhu – a two-stringed Chinese fiddle. www.amyyuan.com Other highly acclaimed music, performance and dance acts include sitar player and composer Jonathan Mayer, Akarai Mochizuki -the only Enka (Japanese blues) singer in the UK and award-winning Korean violinist Eunsley. Don’t miss Orientalya’s exciting Bollywood dance fusion, with special guest Sunny Singh-renowned choreographer of more than 50 Bollywood films, while KAYA play traditional Korean music on the 25-string Kayagum – traditional harp – accompanied by acoustic guitar. Or experience the dulcet tones of Chinese Pipa Player, Cheng Yu and the unique sound of Mia Ismi Halida – batik violinist & vocalist. Visitors can also marvel at the exotic Indonesian fashion show from Kabaya Lence www.kabayalence.co.uk.
Indonesia Pavilion – Emerald of the Equator showcases the artistic and cultural highlights of this huge archipelago alongside a presentation from the Indonesian ambassador, with presentations also planned from the ambassadors of Mongolia and Afghanistan.
Born in China, Li Li, 28, is also a professional singer who studied opera at the prestigious Birmingham Conservatoire, winning several awards. She starred in the touring show ‘Magical Mozart’ and sang on the recent CD of Britain’s Got Talent finalist, saxophonist Julian Smith.
Li Li also created the concept for the operatic musical comedy I Want to Sing Opera, which held its UK debut earlier this year – the hilarious story of a tea-lady turned opera singer, directed by Stephen Tiller. Li Li has sung in numerous operas including Madame Butterfly, The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutti.
The unique focus of FestivalAsia is that it embraces the diversity of Asian Cultures from many countries making up this fascinating continent. This pioneering festival is predicted to attract around 20,000 visitors who can expect an inspirational mix of music, dance, food, fashion, martial arts and much more, sure to enlighten, educate, move and entertain.
