Sensasian Zone

@ The Big Feast 2026

11:00 - 17:00 | Sat 29 August

Sensasian is our festival of South Asian arts and culture. For 2026-27, the festival is expanding across four venues over eight months, including, for the very first time, a dedicated zone at The Big Feast 2026.

Sensasian will take over the Smithfield area of The Big Feast showcasing some of the very best South Asian artists across dance, music, storytelling, hands-on crafts and more.

Join us for a relaxed day full of FREE art, food and activities as we celebrate local communities and global culture.

SENSASIAN ZONE ARTISTS

ROOTS TO RISE
11:20 (AD) & 16:30 (AD) | 45 mins
Theatre / Dance / Music | Suitable for all

Dance journey of three women as they reconnect with ancestral wisdom and celebrate the future.

Each performance is Audio Described.

STORYTELLING WITH PETER CHAND
11:00 & 13:25 | 15 mins

Family Stories | Suitable for all
Travel the world with wonderful stories for all ages. Expect flying mice, arrogant elephants and much more.

Click through to the artist page for details of where else in the festival to see this performance with BSL.

DHAMAKA
12:15 | 40 mins
Music | Suitable for all

Powerful and explosive tabla ensemble that will leave you energised.

THE ELEPHANT & THE DRUMMER
12:55 & 13:00 | 30 mins
Dance / Interactive | Suitable for all

Join Elnaz the Elephant and Dholli the Drummer as they are brought together by their shared love of dance and music on a journey of self-discovery and body positivity.

Click through to the artist page for details of where else in the festival to see this performance.

BHARATANATYAM
13:45 | 40 mins
Dance | Suitable for all

Storytelling through traditional dance performance with stunning costumes.

STORYTELLING WITH PETER CHAND
16:00 | 20 mins

Tales from the Motherland | Age 14+ only

Life, love, passion and much more with a collection of evocative and beautifully dark stories from India. Suitable for adults and those aged 14 and above.

ACTIVITIES

INDIAN WOOD BLOCK PRINTING
11:00, 13:00 & 15:00 | 1 hour
Age 5+ | Bookable & walk up* | FREE

Create your own cotton tote bag at this fun Indian block printing session.

*Capacity is limited so booking in advance is advised.

FOOD FOR ALL
12:00 - 14:00
For everybody | Drop-in | FREE

Food for All is a volunteer-led initiative from the IKCSON Stoke Hare Krishna Centre, providing freshly prepared vegetarian meals for all.

Food will be served from 12 to 2pm - or until it runs out!

PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP
12:00 - 15:00
For everybody | Drop-in | FREE

Did you fall in love with Elnaz the elephant who longs to dance in The Elephant and The Drummer? Then join in making your own lollipop stick version of her to take home and dance with as much as you like!

HENNA BY CHERRIE
12:00 - 17:00
For everybody | Drop-in | FREE

Get a gorgeous hand-drawn natural temporary henna tattoo.
We expect this to be a popular activity so queues are likely.

BOLLYWOOD AND BHANGRA DANCE WORKSHOP
14:30 & 15:30 | 20 mins
For everybody | Drop-in | FREE

Bollywood fun and energetic moves of Bhangra with Harji and Indian Fusion.

ROOTS TO RISE DANCE WORKSHOP
15:45 | 45 mins
For everybody | No booking required | FREE

Discover how dance can encourage you to connect, create, and bloom just like the characters in Roots to Rise!

Open to all ages and abilities, and you are welcome to participate at your own pace.