Southampton's biggest free arts celebration this weekend promises a packed two-day line-up for 2026, with something entirely different on each day.
Art Asia has announced the full line-up for the Southampton Mela Festival 2026, taking place on Saturday and Sunday (July 18 and 19) in Hoglands Park.
Admission is completely free, and the festival is open to everyone.
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Now firmly established as one of the South of England's most beloved multicultural celebrations, the Mela brings together world-class performances, vibrant arts workshops, delicious world food, street entertainment, and a genuine community spirit in the heart of the city.
Saturday's event runs from 12pm to 10pm, while Sunday offers a full afternoon of culture and family fun from 12pm to 8pm.
Around the site, visitors can experience the spectacular Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band, the irrepressible Old Thumper Jazz Band, the ever-popular Circus Raj and beautiful flower installations, Phool Bloom by Nutkhut.
The Chinese Dragon performers will be roaming the site all weekend and a children’s fun fair is set to entertain youngsters. There will be free African Drumming sessions and Samba Drumming workshops, while visitors are invited to try Rangoli, Madhubani painting, Chinese calligraphy and chess, clay moulding, Bangladeshi folk art, weaving and spinning, and much more.
Festival-goers can catch performances from Teabreak, telling the story of tea and how it’s found itself into our pots through an audio and dance journey, with tea served from Trigger’s beautifully hand-painted tuktuk.
Nightjar Collective, African Activities CIC's ensemble of drummers and singers from across West Africa and the UK, perform Nightjar, inspired by the nightjar's annual journey between the two regions, celebrating the connections between people, cultures and traditions.
New Forest Heritage Centre will bring an exhibition telling the fascinating story of the Indian army hospitals in the New Forest during World War I.
Art Asia Chief Executive, Dahlia Jamil said: "Art Asia’s Southampton Mela Festival is a flagship celebration of the city's diversity, bringing together thousands to share music, food, dance, and heritage.
"It's a tapestry where South Asian heritage meets the city's vibrant diversity, where rhythms from Asia, Africa, Europe and America become one.
"Everyone is invited to celebrate, learn, and belong. Come and immerse yourself in a global celebration of culture."
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