Brick Lane festival draws more than 40,000 to London’s Banglatown

More than 40,000 people visited Brick Lane on 20 September for the Curry Festival, filling London’s Banglatown with food, music and performances rooted in the neighbourhood’s Bangladeshi heritage.

The procession brought dancers, dhol drummers and giant puppets through the street. British-Bangladeshi performers joined other music and dance acts on a permanent festival stage, while local restaurants, food stalls and chefs offered regional dishes. A family area included activities such as saree draping and dance workshops.

The festival returned in 2025 after a long break, and this year’s turnout was larger. For independent restaurants and traders, the crowds were also a chance to introduce visitors to businesses that operate in the area beyond a single event day.

Brick Lane’s South Asian cultural identity was visible in both the programme and the everyday businesses around it. The festival connected London’s wider audience with a community that has shaped the East End across generations.