04/03/26

Battersea Power Station launches a Station of Stories

This World Book Day, one of London’s most recognisable landmarks turns the page on a new cultural chapter. From Thursday 5 March 2026, Battersea Power Station launches A Station of Stories, a year-long programme of literary events, workshops and creative experiences marking 2026 as the National Year of Reading.

Designed to animate the Grade II* listed building and its riverside neighbourhood, the initiative invites visitors to slow down, get curious and rediscover the pleasure of reading, whether through family theatre, author talks or a glass of wine paired with a good book.

5–8 March: Mr Men Little Miss Takeover

The celebrations begin on World Book Day, Thursday 5 March 2026, with a four-day Mr Men Little Miss collaboration running 5–8 March 2026 in partnership with Sanrio and Farshore, part of HarperCollins Publishers.

Local primary schools will kick off the launch with a story-creation session led by illustrator Adam Hargreaves, alongside storytelling sessions and a treasure hunt woven through the Power Station’s vast interiors. A group photo moment and interactive activities will set the tone for the months ahead. Across the weekend, families can drop into free creative workshops, while character photo opportunities will be available on Thursday 5 March, offering a playful entry point into the wider programme.

March Highlights: Theatre and Family Programming

Literary storytelling continues with stage adaptations at Arches Lane Theatre, including The House at Pooh Corner on 7, 21 and 28 March 2026, bringing A.A. Milne’s world to life for a new generation.

From Monday 30 March 2026, the Power Station’s glass elevator experience, The Chimney Lift, relaunches its Peppa Pig Meet and Greets, taking place every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during term time, a relaxed midweek cultural outing with skyline views included.

June: Wine, Words and After-Hours Culture

In June, The Wine Circuit returns to Battersea Power Station from 12–14 June 2026, hosting a ticketed wine tasting and book club as part of A Station of Stories. Expect thoughtful pairings, discussion-led sessions and a more intimate way to engage with contemporary writing.

Throughout 2026

The year-long programme extends across the neighbourhood’s cultural spaces and retailers. Highlights include:

Writing workshops and creative sessions with brands such as Moleskine
Special literary moments at Waterstones
‘In Conversation’ author readings exploring architecture and design at Battersea Power Supplies Museum and Gift Shop
Family theatre and pop-up performances
“Read & Relax” nooks installed across the site, designed as ambient spaces to pause with a book

In September 2026, Where The Pancakes Are will mark the release ofGruffalo Granny, the first new Gruffalo book in 20 years, with themed pancake specials.

Dates to Remember

5 March 2026 — World Book Day launch
5–8 March 2026 — Mr Men Little Miss activities
7, 21 & 28 March 2026 — The House at Pooh Corner, Arches Lane Theatre
From 30 March 2026 — Peppa Pig Meet and Greets (Mon–Wed, term time)
12–14 June 2026 — The Wine Circuit wine tasting and book club

Further announcements will unfold throughout the year, click here for more information.

Written by Claire Bloom

Photography courtesy of Battersea Power Station

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day in London

ENTERTAINMENT

Sound Bites: A New Food and Music Festival Arrives at Syon Park This May

ENTERTAINMENT

What to do for International Women’s Day 2026

ENTERTAINMENT

Phantom Peak to open major new venue at Westfield Stratford City in Summer

Japan Centre Launches Special Events and Tastings to Celebrate World Sake Day

Sep 27, 2021
2 min read

Updated: May 9, 2024

World Sake Day (translated to Nihonshu no Hi in Japanese) is an important date in the Japanese calendar with celebrations held annually across the globe.

This date is considered “New Year’s Day” for sake because it marks the first day of the sake making season in Japan, and to honour it this year, Japan Centre is hosting a series of special sake tastings to raise a glass to one of Japan’s most famous exports. Starting in 1978, the day has become synonymous with commemorating the contribution that sake has had on Japanese culture, as well as the skilled brewers who create the fermented rice drink.

For a limited time, Japan Centre is offering up to 20% off its sake range and presenting a series of tastings so you can try before you buy, as well as learn all about this complex beverage that is created like a beer, but drinks like a wine. They are also putting on an online sake brewery tour for those who wish to learn all about the brewing process. Founded in 1976, Japan Centre has been credited for trailblazing the familiarisation of Japanese food in the UK. A family business to this day, has helped to transform the Japanese food and dining scene in London through its food halls, book shop, and ramen bars.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn more about sake as well as the fascinating culture it was born from.

Japan Centre World Sake Day Events:

Online Event: Visit a Sake Brewery 2nd October, 4pm JST (8am BST London)

Join Lauren, your local host, on a one-hour virtual exploration of an amazing Sake brewery in Fujinomiya (at the base of Mt. Fuji), and learn interesting facts about sake, the brewing process, food pairing ideas and so much more.

Sake Tastings at Japan Centre Ichiba, Westfield London and Japan Centre Leicester Square

Did you know that Japan Centre has 80-100 different kinds of sakes imported from local suppliers? Try before you buy, at one of the upcoming Sake tastings in celebration of World Sake Day. Japan Centre’s in-house Sake Sommelier Sachiko Koyama will also be on-hand to answer any questions about sake brewing, how it’s made, and the different types and classifications of sake.

Dates:1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, and 10th October | from 12pm-5pm

Written by Claire Coveney

Photography courtesy of Japan Centre

#Japancentre #japanese #sake