Belfast Mela returns for landmark 20th year

Twenty years after it first brought people together through culture to celebrate Northern Ireland’s growing diversity, the 2026 Belfast Mela returns later this month with a special anniversary programme. Now one of Northern Ireland’s best-loved festivals, Mela has grown into the largest celebration of multiculturalism on the island of Ireland.

The 20th anniversary programme was officially launched by the deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Hedley Abernethy at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Office today (Thursday 6 August), with the First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA; deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly; Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons MLA, and Minister of Finance, John O’Dowd MLA joining funders, partners, artists and community representatives to mark the start of this milestone year.

Special performances by soul artist Manukahunney and the South Asian Dance Academy were introduced by host UTV’s Paul Reilly.

Running from August 22-30, this year’s festival begins with the vibrant Mela Carnival on Saturday 22 August, followed by the world premiere of Earth Child at the Titanic Slipways on Sunday 23 August. An expanded Mela+ programme runs throughout the week, before Mela Day returns to Botanic Gardens on Sunday 30 August, with five stages, global street food, family activities and performances from around the world.

Since its beginnings in 2006, Belfast Mela has grown from a small community gathering into one of Northern Ireland’s best-loved festivals and a cornerstone of Belfast’s cultural calendar. Over the past 20 years, it has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors and showcased artists from across the island of Ireland and around the world, introducing audiences to new cultures, traditions and experiences.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Hedley Abernethy, said: “For two decades, Mela has brought communities together, celebrating the richness of our diverse cultures while creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect, learn and celebrate together.

“Belfast City Council is once again proud to support this landmark festival, which will bring colour, creativity and celebration to the city. I am especially looking forward to the new Earth Child concert at Titanic Slipways to celebrate 20 years of Mela.

“I’d like to thank Nisha Tandon, ArtsEkta, and the many artists, volunteers, partners and community groups whose passion and dedication have made Belfast Mela such an enduring success over the past 20 years.”

Nisha Tandon, Founder of Belfast Mela and CEO of ArtsEkta, said: “Reaching our 20th anniversary is an incredibly proud moment for everyone who has been part of Belfast Mela’s journey. What makes this festival so special isn’t just its scale, but its ability to bring people together through shared experiences, creating spaces where different cultures are celebrated, new friendships are formed, and everyone feels they belong.

“This year’s programme reflects everything Mela stands for – it’s bold, joyful and ambitious, while staying true to the values that inspired us from the very beginning. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead with excitement to the next chapter, continuing to build connections, champion creativity and showcase Belfast as a confident, welcoming and internationally connected city. Whether you’ve been coming to Mela for 20 years or are joining us for the very first time, we can’t wait to welcome you to celebrate this landmark year with us.”

The celebrations begin on Saturday 22 August as the Mela Carnival returns for its fifth year. Starting at 12.30pm from Writer’s Square, making their way down Royal Avenue to City Hall, more than 800 performers, musicians, dancers, drummers, circus artists and community participants will fill Belfast city centre with colour and rhythm. The carnival will be followed by a free afternoon of family fun across Cathedral Quarter.

One of the highlights of this year’s anniversary programme is Earth Child, a spectacular new outdoor production commissioned especially to mark Belfast Mela’s 20th anniversary. Staged at the iconic Titanic Slipways on Sunday 23 August at 8pm, the free large-scale production has been created by ArtsEkta, Fidget Feet Aerial Dance and acclaimed artist Gráinne Holland. The show tells the story of a child’s search for balance in a world unravelling – guided by ancient elemental tribes of Air, Water, Fire and Earth.

Combining spectacular aerial theatre with performers soaring above the Belfast skyline, suspended 35 metres in the air from two towering cranes, original live music, global drumming, dance, storytelling, fireworks, and stunning visual effects, Earth Child promises to be one of the most ambitious outdoor productions ever presented in Northern Ireland.

The Mela+ programme features exhibitions, comedy, talks, workshops, live performances and unique cultural experiences. Highlights include Marking Time: ArtsEkta at 20, a special exhibition celebrating 20 years of creativity, connection and cultural change, running from August 10-23 at Ulster University with a special panel discussion at the university on Monday 17 August chaired by UTV’s Paul Reilly; Mela Laughs on Thursday 27 August at 7pm, hosted by Bronagh Diamond at OliveTree House, and the return of the hugely popular Silk Road Supper Club on Tuesday 25 August at 6pm at Banana Block, which this year presents ‘A Night in Seoul’, celebrating Korean food and culture.

The festival also marks the beginning of an exciting international cultural partnership with Tunisia, bringing an immersive Medina experience to Mela Day for the first time. Inspired by the vibrant medinas of Tunisia, the new cultural quarter will invite visitors to explore Tunisian music, food, crafts, storytelling and family activities, creating new opportunities for cultural exchange and strengthening connections between communities in Northern Ireland and Tunisia.

The celebrations begin on Saturday 22 August as the Mela Carnival returns for its fifth year. Starting at 12.30pm from Writer’s Square, making their way down Royal Avenue to City Hall, more than 800 performers, musicians, dancers, drummers, circus artists and community participants will fill Belfast city centre with colour and rhythm. The carnival will be followed by a free afternoon of family fun across Cathedral Quarter.

One of the highlights of this year’s anniversary programme is Earth Child, a spectacular new outdoor production commissioned especially to mark Belfast Mela’s 20th anniversary. Staged at the iconic Titanic Slipways on Sunday 23 August at 8pm, the free large-scale production has been created by ArtsEkta, Fidget Feet Aerial Dance and acclaimed artist Gráinne Holland. The show tells the story of a child’s search for balance in a world unravelling – guided by ancient elemental tribes of Air, Water, Fire and Earth.

Combining spectacular aerial theatre with performers soaring above the Belfast skyline, suspended 35 metres in the air from two towering cranes, original live music, global drumming, dance, storytelling, fireworks, and stunning visual effects, Earth Child promises to be one of the most ambitious outdoor productions ever presented in Northern Ireland.

The Mela+ programme features exhibitions, comedy, talks, workshops, live performances and unique cultural experiences. Highlights include Marking Time: ArtsEkta at 20, a special exhibition celebrating 20 years of creativity, connection and cultural change, running from August 10-23 at Ulster University with a special panel discussion at the university on Monday 17 August chaired by UTV’s Paul Reilly; Mela Laughs on Thursday 27 August at 7pm, hosted by Bronagh Diamond at OliveTree House, and the return of the hugely popular Silk Road Supper Club on Tuesday 25 August at 6pm at Banana Block, which this year presents ‘A Night in Seoul’, celebrating Korean food and culture.

The festival also marks the beginning of an exciting international cultural partnership with Tunisia, bringing an immersive Medina experience to Mela Day for the first time. Inspired by the vibrant medinas of Tunisia, the new cultural quarter will invite visitors to explore Tunisian music, food, crafts, storytelling and family activities, creating new opportunities for cultural exchange and strengthening connections between communities in Northern Ireland and Tunisia.

The celebrations culminate on Sunday 30 August as Botanic Gardens bursts into life for the traditional Mela Day from 12-6pm, hosted by broadcaster Carolyn Stewart and UTV’s Paul Reilly.

Across five stages and a series of immersive cultural zones, visitors can enjoy live performances, international street food, artisan markets, storytelling, family entertainment and interactive experiences throughout the day, including World Stage, Showcase Stage, Culture Land, Little Asia, The Medina, Baba Bollywood, World Food Village, Feast Of Fire, Taste the World, World of Words, World of Wellbeing, The Wilding, Mela Bazaar and the Mela Fairy Trail.

Twenty years on, Belfast Mela continues to fill the city with music, colour, food and creativity, while offering opportunities for people of all backgrounds to come together, discover something new and celebrate the diversity that makes Belfast what it is today.

Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons MLA said: “As Belfast Mela celebrates its 20th anniversary, it stands as a testimony to the power of the arts, growing from a grassroots response to need to become the international showcase it is today.

“Mela brings people together to celebrate the richness of our diverse communities, creating connections, fostering understanding and welcoming everyone to be part of the experience.”

Minister of Finance, John O’Dowd, MLA said: “For 20 years, Belfast Mela has brought people together through culture, creativity and shared experiences. It has become a much-loved part of our cultural calendar and a celebration of the diversity that enriches our society.

“The festival offers opportunities to learn about different cultures, make new connections and enjoy the rich mix of traditions that help shape a modern and inclusive society. I am delighted that the Civil Service continues to support Belfast Mela and the values of respect, inclusion and belonging that are at the heart of the festival.”

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Congratulations to Arts Ekta as they mark 20 years of presenting the wonderful Belfast Mela Festival. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support Arts Ekta and the Belfast Mela Festival, thanks to The National Lottery players.

“This extraordinary celebration of music, dance, storytelling, street carnival and food, helps bring people and communities closer together to enjoy the arts. With many events free to attend, this Festival ensures that more people from all backgrounds can enjoy arts experiences and I would encourage everyone to go along and enjoy!”