The Filipino community in Britain is over 200,000 strong and holds more than two centuries of history across the UK. For decades, those lived experiences remained absent from major museums, archives, and national cultural venues. This September, a public showcase changes that by opening the doors to a British Filipino home right on the South Bank.
Running from 3 to 6 September 2026, non-profit group Voice ESEA takes over the Oxo Tower Gallery for “SALO SALO: Come Together”. The project marks the third edition of the collective’s ECHO series, which explores overlooked East and South East Asian histories through oral testimony, art, and public events.
Admission to the main gallery is entirely free, with attendees encouraged to donate what they can.
Two Centuries of History Under One Roof
Voice ESEA structures the showcase around seven distinct themes. The exhibits span from Liverpool’s maritime “Little Manila” during the nineteenth century to contemporary oral accounts recorded by three generations of British Filipinos. Displays incorporate photography, sound installations, archival materials, and physical textiles, bringing attention to workers across the NHS, healthcare, and domestic sectors.
“This exhibition acts as an invitation for people to step into a shared space of stories and experiences, sparking conversations around belonging, migration and British identity,” the organisers noted.
Read more: Balikbayan Festival 2026 Highlights the Evolving Identity of British Filipinos
The four-day schedule features interactive sessions for visitors wanting to learn heritage techniques.
Activities begin on Thursday 3 September with a “Parol” bamboo lantern session led by Philippine Generations. The opening night continues from 4.45pm with live music from Welsh-Filipino rocker Franco, violinist and vocalist Muri, Manchester electronic duo Beck Pocket, and DJ kayfabe, with food provided by supper club The Adobros.
On Friday 4 September, animator Ainara Basco runs a Tagalog storyboard session, followed by an archival discussion co-hosted by the Royal Geographical Society. Saturday 5 September offers paper weaving with Phoebe Singzon, Baybayin ancient script lessons with author John NL Leyson, and an ube and white-chocolate cookie pop-up by West London micro-bakery TAYO.
Sunday 6 September rounds out the weekend with Capiz shell earring assembly alongside Zoey Tabin van Spall of Aking Sinta Jewellery, traditional henna tattoo demonstrations, and an afternoon screening of British Filipino feature film Raging Grace followed by a director Q&A with Paris Zarcilla.
Event Details and Bookings
“SALO SALO: Come Together” runs from 11am to 6pm daily between 3 and 6 September 2026 at Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH.
Gallery admission is free. Individual tickets for specific workshops, discussions, and film screenings can be booked through Voice ESEA’s official Eventbrite page.
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