Songkran will be celebrated in Southampton for first time

Thai restaurant group Thaikhun is looking for participants for the UK’s first Songkran water fight outside their premises at Westquay on Wednesday April 13 between midday and 1pm.

This one-off experience will give adults and children taking part the chance to have ‘a true Songkran experience’ as they will be welcomed to throw and splash each other with water, similar to events taking place across Thailand over this period.

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Participants will be split into teams, seeing fighters go head-to-head to soak each other as much as possible. 

Everyone participating in the water fight will also be entered into a draw to win a once-in-a-lifetime prize – a travel voucher to be used towards a trip of their choice.

A spokesperson for Thaikhun told the Daily Echo: “We’re calling any energetic and enthusiastic people to come and take part in a huge water fight to celebrate the annual Thai festival, Songkran.

“Songkran is a huge celebration in Thailand, so we’re excited to be able to bring the festivities to the UK for everyone to enjoy this April. We will be celebrating in true Songkran style with a giant water fight, providing passers-by with waterproof ponchos and water pistols, and encouraging them to throw and pour water over each other."

In Thailand, the water is used to symbolise the ‘washing away’ of past misfortunes and is sprinkled onto elders or Buddha images at temples and homes across the country. Pouring water over somebody during Songkran is meant to bring good luck.

Guests will be able to have their photo taken as part of an interactive water fight as well as alongside a Thai Tuk Tuk. Involvement in the water fight will be optional, and those wanting to get involved will be provided with a waterproof jacket.

Family-run restaurant chain Thaikhun can be enjoyed in nine cities across the UK and has been in Southampton since the opening of the 'Watermark' development in the historic walls outside Westquay in December 2016. Translated to Your Thai, it is inspired by Thai street vendors and brings the flavours of Bangkok to Britain.