Voices of Mela is a film and photographic exhibition.
The exhibition was commissioned to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the festival back in 2016. We are delighted to bring the exhibition online for the first time exploring all our favourite and iconic moments of the festival as well as the immeasurable impact it has had on the cultural landscape of Belfast
Watch the Exhibition Film
Gallery Exhibition
Tir na-nog Irish Dancers perform a showcase of traditional Irish ‘festival’ dancing. Belfast Mela 2011. Photo by Jake Samuels.
Local Polish artist Konrad Pawlaszek demonstrates the traditional paper craft of Wycinanki. Belfast Mela 2012. Photo by Jake Samuels
Local artist and community worker Stella Tsang presents the traditions of Chinese Calligraphy. Belfast Mela 2012. Photo by Jake Samuels.
Models showcase traditional Asian dress in festival fashion show. Belfast Mela 2009. Photo by Ronnie Moore.
Rt Hon Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson MP receives traditional Indian ‘Tilaka’ greeting from Mela founder Nisha Tandon OBE. Belfast Mela 2008. Photo by Ronnie Moore.
Fire drawing comes alive as part of opening night show Spellbound, re-telling centuries old Indian folklore using music, dance and special effects. Belfast Mela 2013. Photo by Jake Samuels.
Young people from the Philipino community. Belfast Mela 2015. Photo by Carrie Davenport.
Glasgow based Punjabi folk dance group Virsa showcase the traditions of Indian Bhangra. Belfast Mela 2008. Photo by Ronnie Moore.
Traditional Asian curries come together with Irish stew from local food producer Hot Lips. Belfast Mela 2011. Photo by Jake Samuels.
Young people from the Philipino community. Belfast Mela 2015. Photo by Carrie Davenport.
Stilt walker preparing costume for the Mela opening procession. Belfast Mela 2013. Photo by Jake Samuels.
Artist Helena Bourk works with young people in Culture Land – an interactive global arts installation. Belfast Mela 2013. Photo by Jake Samuels.
Mela audience member admires traditional Henna paint tattoo. Belfast Mela 2013. Photo by Jake Samuels.
Young members of the Indian community getting ready to showcase a traditional Bharatnaytam classical dance. Belfast Mela 2013. Photo by Jake Samuels
Jaipur Kawa Brass Band lead colourful and vibrant Mela opening procession. Belfast Mela 2010. Photo by Ronnie Moore.
Performers from Kawa Circus perform a traditional Rajasthani street show for audiences. Belfast Mela 2010. Photo by Ronnie Moore.
Zimbabwean dance music group Harare perform on Mela World Stage. Belfast Mela 2010. Photo by Ronnie Moore.
ArtsEkta’s newly formed South Asian Dance Academy perform first showcase on Mela World Stage. Belfast Mela 2010. Photo by Ronnie Moore.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Guy Spence with chief guests in leading the festival opening procession. Belfast Mela 2015. Photo by Carrie Davenport.
Eastern-inspired gifts on sale at the Mela Ethnic Bazaar. Belfast Mela 2014. Photo by Carrie Davenport.
Young people from Annadale Haywood Residents Association in South Belfast. Belfast Mela 2014. Photo by Carrie Davenport.
Carnival artist and performer John Quinn performs with ‘The Great Indian Elephant’ through the park. Belfast Mela 2014. Photo by Carrie Davenport.
Belfast based Zen restaurant bring a taste of the Far East to the Mela. Belfast Mela 2014. Photo by Carrie Davenport.
Crowds dancing to British Asian artist Malkit Singh performing on the Mela World Stage. Belfast Mela 2014. Photo by Carrie Davenport
An elderly member of the Indian community enjoying the Mela celebrations. Belfast Mela 2014. Photo by Carrie Davenport.
Members of Bulgarian Folk Dance group ‘Chemsir’ take part in festival opening procession. Belfast Mela 2014. Photo by Carrie Davenport.
Local African group Magwere perform on Mela showcase stage. Belfast Mela 2014. Photo by Carrie Davenport.
Deputy First Minister, the late Martin McGuinness MLA officially opens the first ever Mela held in Belfast. Belfast Mela 2007. Photo by Kelvin Boyes.
