Launching on Thursday, the 19th Belfast Mela was officially opened at Tetto – the Bullitt Hotel’s rooftop restaurant – by Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly and Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
The event opened with a performance by Kenyan-born musician Njambi, as well as a cross-cultural dance performed by the South Asian Dance Academy and Irish Entertainment Group.
Pictured at the launch of the 19th Belfast Mela Festival in Tetto, Belfast today are (l to r) the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, Nisha Tandon, OBE, Founder of Belfast Mela and Director of ArtsEkta and Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA with South Asian Dance Academy dancer Lauren Martin.
Credit: Press Eye
Last year’s 18th annual Mela saw almost 60,000 people turned up for the festivities.
This year will see events taking place up until August 24, celebrating diversity through food, dance, music and other cultural practices.
One ambitious new programme is the Mela International Residency programme, an exchange between international artists supported by the Arts Council of NI and the Parbha Khaitan Foundation.
The festival starts on August 16 at 12.30pm, when visitors will be treated to the much-loved carnival of lights, which will light up the streets of Belfast for a fourth consecutive year.
Hundred of artists and those in traditional dress will parade through Writer’s Square to City Hall, alongside floats and music.
The celebrations will continue with a free Mini Mela from 1-4pm, hosted by U105’s Carolyn Stewart and UTV’s Paul Reilly, with live performances, workshops and family friendly fun.
On the same day from 2-3pm will feature the centrepiece, the When Worlds Collide moving outdoor theatre.
This poignant tale follows two young girls – one from the mangroves of the Sundarbans, the other from Belfast’s rivers – who unite through themes of climate crisis, ancestral heritage and digital activism. It blends storytelling, original music and dance into a stirring call for environmental action created and performed by young people from across the city and beyond.
For the very first time, the magic of Mela will be brought to the Cathedral Quarter, supported by CQ BID. St Anne’s Square, Commercial Court and Cotton Court will come alive with Dhol drummers, Chinese Lion and Dragon dancers, Bollywood and Mexican dancers along with SPARK drummers from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
On August 20 at 7pm, the Silk Road Supper Club will return to Holohan’s Pantry with a journey to Tunisia, led by Cathago Head Chef, Sadeh Cyndi.
The Ulster Museum will host their Shared World’s exhibit on August 22 at 2pm, it will include the works of global artists, including Indian poet Dr Sanjukta Das Gupta, and local writer Alicia McCauley.
At 7pm that day, the Lyric theatre will host a dynamic performance of Tāla, featuring renowned Kathak dancer Shinjini Kumar, alongside percussionist Rishiraj Kulkarni.
For the finale on August 24, from noon to 6pm, the Mela Day will return to Botanic Gardens. There, thousands will once again flock to enjoy sights, music, traditions and tastes from around the world.
Founder of Belfast Mela and Director of ArtsEkta, Nisha Tandon OBE said “we’re proud to unveil our most ambitious programme”.
“Mela continues to flourish as a shared space of creativity, connection and belonging,” said the founder.
“This year, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors from across the island of Ireland and beyond to experience the magic of Mela – a powerful showcase of diversity, unity, and the transformative power of the arts.”
While the Mela Carnival is free, Mela Day tickets are £12 for adults, £9 for concession and £24 for family (two adults two children under 16). Children under five go free.
More information can be found at www.belfastmela.org.uk
