Newcastle Mela returns for Bank Holiday celebration

A cultural festival is returning to Newcastle this Bank Holiday weekend, with up to 40,000 visitors expected for two days of music, dance, food and family entertainment.

Newcastle Mela will take over Exhibition Park this Sunday (August 30) and Monday (August 31) for its 32nd year, celebrating the cultures and traditions of Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and other South Asian communities.

Organised by Newcastle Asian Arts & Music, the free family-friendly festival will feature established and emerging artists including Jassi Sidhu, Raxstar, Chalo Baithak, Mazhar Rahi, Sahara and Zack Knight.

A highlight of this year’s programme will be Rising from the East, a specially commissioned performance bringing together Indian artists from across the North East.

Featuring Breeze George, Madhura Godbole, Mi Marathi Dhol & Tasha, Kalakshetra and Spice of South, the showcase will explore different Indian regions and traditions through music and dance.

Individual performances will culminate in a collaborative finale combining classical dance, Bollywood, Marathi and South Indian traditions with Punjabi dhol.

Away from the main stage, visitors will be able to sample South Asian street food and browse stalls selling henna, jewellery and traditional clothing.

Community and cultural organisations will showcase their work, while workshops, free activities and a funfair will provide further entertainment.

Celebrations will get underway a day earlier with Mela in the City at Grey’s Monument on Saturday (August 29).

Delivered in partnership with NE1, the free preview will run from 11am until 4pm and feature live performances and cultural activities ahead of the main weekend.

Taj Mohammed, chairperson of Newcastle Asian Art and Music, said: “Newcastle Mela has become such an important part of the city’s cultural calendar and it’s amazing to see how it continues to grow. 

“It’s all about community – and everyone is welcome. 

“From delicious food stalls to music, dance and family fun, there really is something for everyone.”

Newcastle Building Society returns as headline sponsor, with further backing from Newcastle City Council, Unison Northern, Arts Council England, The Army and the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Andrew Haigh, chief executive at Newcastle Building Society, added: “Mela is one of the highlights of the Newcastle summer, bringing together people from across our communities and celebrating the best of our city. 

“We’re delighted to be supporting Mela again as headline sponsor and we’re looking forward to a fun, vibrant weekend of events.”

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