SOUTHAMPTON'S biggest free festival got off to a blazing start as the sun shone on the crowds for the annual Mela.
Organised by Art Asia, the event is in its 15th year - with only one year having been rained off - and despite an increasingly stretched Arts Council budget boasted a huge variety of music, art, dance and workshops.
The event in Hoglands Park regularly draws over 20,000 people.
With three stages and performances from bhangra to brass band, flamenco to fusion, and tabla to traditional Irish the event never fails to deliver in showcasing the diversity of Hampshire’s talent.
The sports stage had young and old flexing their hips with zumba, boogie woogie, and tai chi, while queues for food and ice cream stretched for yards.
Clouds drew over for a time this afternoon but failed to spoil the show with rain.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel