BackIn 2023, we continued Mela as a week long festival with three massive outdoor events attracting over 60,000 people.
Highlights of 2023 included:
- The return of Mela Carnival, featuring a spectacular parade across the city centre culiminating in a global village party at City Hall grounds with dramatic aerial shows
- A new event at Botanic Gardens, Mela Colours, welcoming thousands for one massive colour throwing party in the park
- The spectacular festival finale at Botanic Gardens with over 20,000 people flocking to the park to enjoy a wonderland of world music, dance, food and art
- Launch of our Momentos exhibition at 2 Royal Avenue marking the memories and experiences of older people from migrant communities.
- Premier of major new music collaboration commissioned by the festival with the Orchestral Qawwali Project and acclaimed composer Neil Martin at St Annes Cathedral
- A whole host of food events including a three course dining experience at the Silk Road Supper Club; our Tea Walking Tours and cookery demonstrations at Taste the World.
- A whole host of wellbeing experiences with events across the city’s parks and studios
2023 Festival Snaps
