Belfast Mela unveils exciting line up for nine day festival

The 18^th Belfast Mela Festival, sponsored by Sensata Technologies, was launched today by the Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Micky Murray, at The Atrium, Ulster University, Belfast.

Now recognised as one of NI’s largest arts festivals, Belfast Mela brings together music, dance, art, theatre, wellbeing and food from around the world to celebrate the city’s growing cultural diversity.

This spectacular multicultural festival which attracted more than 60,000 people last year will once again take place over nine-days.

Starting on Saturday 17 August at 12.30pmat Writer’s Square, the city centre will be awash with a kaleidoscope of colour and creativity as the spectacular Mela Carnival featuring more than 1,000 participants makes its way to City Hall for a wonderful free Mini Mela from 1pm to 4pm.

With extended MELA+ events all week, including a mesmerising fusion of Irish and Indian folk music at the Citadels of the Sun concert; a Caribbean themed Silk Road Supper Club at The Academy Restaurant and Baba Bollywood at the Grand Opera House, the traditional Mela Day then returns to Botanic Gardens on Sunday 25August, bringing a spectacular party in the park to close the festival once again.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Micky Murray said: “Belfast Mela is always a real highlight in our cultural calendar, but this year, during Belfast 2024, our biggest ever citywide celebration of creativity, I think it takes on even greater significance, as so many more people are discovering – or remembering, the joy that creativity and the arts can bring to our everyday lives.

“This beautifully diverse and vibrant programme, so carefully curated by the expert ArtsEkta team is going to bring a lot of magic and fun to the city for eight days. The Mela really resonates with my priorities this year as First Citizen – helping to make Belfast a place where everyone feels welcomed and included; a more inclusive, diverse and kinder city where we can shine a light on all that’s good about our people and our place.”

Dr. Nisha Tandon, OBE, Founder of Belfast Mela and Director of ArtsEkta says: “The Mela has become the city’s favourite annual get together and a firm cultural highlight of the summer where we can all celebrate as one.

“In a world full of darkness and despair, it has never been more important that we embrace the individuality and cultural heritage of our communities and find strength in our diversity

“I look forward to welcoming you all to festival events as we approach the end of the summer and encourage you all to learn, share, talk and celebrate everything that is good about our city and its people”

Liam Hannaway, Chair, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said, “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support Arts Ekta and the Belfast Mela Festival, thanks to The National Lottery players.  This thrilling celebration of music, dance, storytelling, street carnival and food, helps bring people and communities closer together to enjoy the arts, and funding from The National Lottery has been a game changer in helping to achieve that.  With something to suit all tastes and ages, I would encourage everyone to go along and enjoy this spectacular nine-day event this August.”

Darren Walker, Site Leader at Sensata Technologies NI, principal sponsor of Belfast Mela says: “As a global company, we are very proud of our diverse workforce. We know that we are smarter together. That’s why we are delighted to continue our support for the Belfast Mela Festival and its goal to celebrate the richness of culture that we have in Northern Ireland. It’s great to see it continue as a nine-day festival with lots of events for all the family.”

ArtsEkta is also delighted to announce its first ever Wellbeing Sponsor for 2024 in a new partnership with AllState NI to introduce Mela’s Wellbeing Week with sound baths across the city, as well as a new AllState NI World of Wellbeing at Mela Day in Botanic Gardens’ Rose Garden with activities to suit all ages including a new tranquil retreat with soothing sounds at the Tropical Ravine; sound escape sessions, magical sounds with stories for children and grown-ups,  womb harmony and healing, Qi-Gong sessions, yoga and meditation, Reiki, massages and mindful art, amongst many more workshops and activities.

Stephen McKeown, Vice President/ Managing Director, Allstate Northern Ireland said: “Inclusive Diversity & Equity (IDE) is a core value at Allstate, and it’s our purpose-driven employees who bring it to life.  We embrace diverse perspectives, experiences and engagements that contribute to a more inclusive place to work.  The Belfast Mela Festival aligns with our values to celebrate and showcase cultural diversity and promote diversity and inclusion.”