A MULTICULTURAL festival is due to return to a town park this weekend after it was cancelled last year.
Eastleigh Mela was cancelled in 2020 along with Southampton Mela due to the pandemic, but this Sunday, the popular celebration of Asian culture is returning to Leigh Road Recreation Ground.
Celebrating cultural fusion, the event will see an "eclectic mix" of performers take to the park with tribute bands RU40 and the Rollin Stoned being joined by Taz Stereo Nation.
Other acts include Sazia Judge, an energic Punjabi singer from Birmingham, New Forest Medlars and Chinese, Irish and Bhangra groups from the South Coast.
Taking place from 11am until 6pm, the free event has been described by Eastleigh Business Improvement District (BID) as a "true family festival, offering something for everyone to enjoy."
Interactive activities like boogie bounce and balloon modelling will be available for children and Saints legend, Matt Le Tissier will also be appearing as guest of honour.
The ex-Southampton FC and Eastleigh player said: "I’m really happy to have been invited. I think the Mela in Eastleigh is a signature event, and just shows how we can all celebrate together."
Mela Coordinator, Mohammed Mossadaq, added: "We are really happy to be back. Everyone has had a tough time and this will bring a cheer to the people of Eastleigh and he surrounds.
"Covid 19 hasn’t gone away, and we will be encouraging people to practice ‘Hands, Face Space’.
"All our performers and volunteers are being asked to take lateral flow tests, in order to keep everyone safe.
"We want everyone to have a fabulous time, but also be Covid wise."
The event, which is being held for the fifteenth time, comes as the Southampton Mela has been cancelled for a second year in a row.
Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council Keith House said: "The Mela has a proud history of fun and inclusion in Eastleigh. It’s good to have it’s colour and energy back in our town centre thanks to the good works of the organisers.”
Eastleigh MP, Paul Holmes added: "I am delighted that we are starting to see vital events such as the Eastleigh Mela return.
"After a difficult 18 months, it is right that we can come together as a community and celebrate. I wish the event much success."
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