19 April 2024
Celebrating Diversity Through Arts, Culture and Heritage:
Southampton Mela Festival Still Endures Over 20 Years On
Southampton will once again play host to the Southampton Mela Festival, on Saturday 13th July 2024. This annual event, which has become a highlight on the city’s cultural calendar can expect to attract a turn out of over 25,000 people in Hoglands Park over the course of the day.
The inception of the Southampton Mela Festival dates back to the early 2000’s when Southampton charity Art Asia Trust recognised the need for a platform that would showcase the vibrant South Asian culture of the city, promote inclusivity and understanding among different communities. The inaugural Mela Festival was held in 2003, and it has since grown into a beloved tradition for residents and visitors alike across the region.
One of the primary motivations behind founding the Southampton Mela Festival was to create a space where people of diverse backgrounds could come together, share music, food and celebrate their cultural heritage. It provides a platform for artists, musicians and performers not just from South Asian communities, but the world over, to showcase their talents while inviting people from all backgrounds to join in the festivities.
Chief Executive of Art Asia Trust, Dahlia Jamil said:
“The Southampton Mela Festival is for everyone, regardless of their heritage. It’s a wonderful showcase of our diverse city that welcomes our community together to enjoy music, food, dance and crafts. This year the festival is running from 11am to 10pm to enable us to fit in all the wonderful worldclass acts that we have already programmed on our three stages. We look forward to seeing you there”
The team at Art Asia Trust believe the success of the Mela can be attributed to the great partnerships they have in the region with other arts organisations and collaborators. The festival this year will feature a dynamic lineup of performers ranging from traditional South Asian music and dance to contemporary fusion acts that blend cultural elements with modern influences.
Attendees are treated to colorful displays of traditional attire, rhythmic beats of the tabla and dhol drumming, mesmerizing dances like Kathak and Bhangra, and soulful renditions of classical and folk music as well as a blast of Bollywood! Music genres extend beyond the South Asian continent with Chinese music and dance, African beats and Spanish flamenco across the three stages; the main stage, world stage and community stage.
Families will gather to enjoy a day of entertainment, sampling delicious South Asian cuisine from local vendors offering a diverse array of dishes. Children can participate in interactive workshops, learning about art, crafts, music and cultural traditions in a fun and engaging environment. Moreover, the Mela serves as a platform for dialogue and education, promoting cross-cultural understanding and breaking down stereotypes.
The Mela is the largest free festival in Southampton and relies on the support of sponsors and funding from Arts Council England. Art Asia Trust are taking catering stalls and arts stalls bookings, and appeal to sponsors who would like to support this multicultural event.
In a world that often emphasizes differences, events like the Southampton Mela Festival remind us of the beauty and strength that arise when communities come together in unity and harmony.