The celebration, known as Songkran, took place at Westquay and marked the start of the Thai lunar calendar year, bringing colour, culture and water‑fuelled fun to the Esplanade.
Songkran is traditionally celebrated in Thailand during the hottest time of the year and is centred around water, which symbolises washing away bad luck from the previous year and starting afresh.
The event was organised in partnership with local Thai restaurant Thaikhun and the shopping centre, drawing families, shoppers and members of Southampton’s Thai community.
Ian Leigh, managing director of Thai Leisure Group, which runs Thaikhun, said the event was about bringing people together.
Thai dancers with Ian Leigh, managing director of Thai Leisure Group (Image: NQ)
He said: “This weekend marks Thai New Year, Songkran as it’s called in Thailand, and it’s always marked by celebration of water.
“It usually accompanies the hottest time of the year in Thailand – not quite the same here – but we’ve got the sun out, which is brilliant.
“Our restaurant has been here nearly 10 years and we play an important role in local Thai culture, so we wanted to put on a bit of a show with music, dancers, food and just have fun.”
Ian added that Songkran was a time for positivity and celebration.
“It’s not an easy time right now in the world or in Southampton,” he said. “We need to dance, celebrate and have some fun.”
Thai New Year celebration at Westquay (Image: NQ)
He explained the tradition behind the event, saying water is used to symbolically wash away bad luck and negative spirits, allowing people to start the new year with good fortune.
Among those attending was Khemsiri Bhamornbutr, who moved to Southampton from Thailand.
Thai New Year celebration at Westquay (Image: NQ)
She said: “In Thailand we celebrate Songkran in the summertime with good food and water fights to cool off. I came today to join Southampton celebrate the beginning of the new year and it’s been really good.”
Trisha from Southampton found out about the event through a friend and visited with her children.
She said: “It’s amazing that this is on the city. I am looking forward to having fun with the kids.”
The event featured Thai dancers, colourful costumes, music, food and drink and a communal water fight, offering a taste of Thailand in the heart of Southampton.