Europe’s only celebration of alternative East & South-East Asian culture returns

Eastern Margins announces the second edition of Margins United - an expanded, multi-venue festival. Celebrating the full spectrum of ESEA creativity - from music and art to food and fashion - Margins United brings underground culture and community to the forefront. Following its sold-out debut in 2024, Margins United continues its mission to carve out space for ESEA music, food, fashion, art and community in the UK’s cultural calendar - platforming artists and collectives who define the underground and defy expectations.

When: 27th September 2025
Where: Scala (London, UK)

Last Updated: 10/04/2025


At the centre of this year’s edition is the iconic Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, returning to live performance for the first time in over two years. A trailblazer in J-pop and globally recognised as one of the original architects of hyperpop, Kyary’s legacy spans viral hits like PonPonPon and Fashion Monster, high fashion collaborations, and groundbreaking performances at the Tate Modern. Having worked with SOPHIE, Charli XCX and more, her Margins United appearance marks a pivotal moment in UK pop history.

She’s joined by a wave of groundbreaking talent from across the diaspora. Chart-smashing producer Jax Jones heads up an exclusive set fresh off his global hit ‘Bad Boys’ with comeback queen Rebecca Black and Margins long-time family member, sooyeon (fka Oh Annie Oh). Off the back of her sold-out London show earlier this year, LA’s alt-pop riser Emei will descend on Margins United for the first time - not to be missed! Tokyo’s cult rap star Tohji brings his future-facing sound to London for the first time in over 18 months following the release of his acclaimed zero-one EP in February and an 11,500 sold-out arena show in Tokyo. Meanwhile, much-loved South London rapper Jianbo returns with his cinematic world-building sonics, bounding through UK garage, modern jazz, grime, dubstep and beyond. Adored Budots pioneer DJ Love will make a much-anticipated return, alongside live sets from Lucy Tun, Billionhappy and more.

Once day turns to night, the energy continues at Scala. Japanese DJ collective Minna-no-Kimochi headline the club show, bringing pure emotional release to the dancefloor. They’re joined by a stacked cast of underground heroes, including Dirty K, Hainafromchina b2b DJ G2G, and more to be announced.

A firm favourite from last year, the Eternal Market returns in 2025, expanded across the Exhibition space to spotlight the very best of East and South-East Asian creativity. Expect over 20 independent traders, food vendors, publishers and fashion designers from across the diaspora. Whether it’s pandan cakes and streetwear, zines and chilli oil, or books and football shirts, the market offers a powerful and inspiring snapshot of ESEA joy in London and beyond. Much-loved vendors returning include Lil Wong Bakes, Two Hot Asians, and Yang’s Noods with their artisan delicacies, alongside Fatboy Zine and Juniper By The Sea with their incredible array of reads. They’ll be joined by a new wave of traders for a fresh, expanded take on this beloved part of the festival.

ABOUT EASTERN MARGINS
Founded in 2018, Eastern Margins has become a leading platform for alternative Asian culture in the UK - curating events, club nights, creative partnerships and now their flagship festival, Margins United. With roots in the underground and eyes on the future, Eastern Margins continues to build a home for the artists and communities who are too often left on the fringes