Southampton’s diverse culture can be found in all corners of the city, and for more than twenty years Southampton Mela Festival has celebrated that diversity through this popular annual event.

Southampton Mela Festival will be back again on Saturday, July 13. The event, which has become a highlight on the city's cultural calendar can expect to attract a turnout of over 25,000 people in Hoglands Park over the course of the day, also making it the city’s largest free festival.

The Daily Echo, along with Southampton Forward spoke to Dahlia Jamil, the Chief Executive of Southampton based Art Asia Trust, who spoke about the inception of the Southampton Mela Festival and why it has proved so popular.

Daily Echo: Dahlia JamilDahlia Jamil

Dahlia said: “It dates back to the early 2000’s when 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 Southampton Mela Festival is for everyone, regardless of their heritage.”

The first Mela Festival was held in 2003, and since then it has grown into a popular tradition for residents and visitors from across the region.

Dahlia said: “One of the primary motivations behind founding the Southampton Mela Festival was to create a space where people of all backgrounds could come together, share music, food and celebrate.

"The Mela Festival is also about being part of Southampton, enjoying a great day out with family and friends and participating or watching activities that are not always available to see and do and least of all free.

"Southampton Mela Festival 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."

Daily Echo: Southampton MelaSouthampton Mela

Dahlia continued: “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.

Daily Echo: Southampton MelaSouthampton Mela

Families will gather to enjoy a day of entertainment, sampling delicious 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.

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.

Dahlia said: “The Mela serves as a platform for dialogue and education, promoting cross-cultural understanding and breaking down stereotypes. 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.”

  • SO: Cultured is our regular feature in partnership with Southampton Forward.