Mela is produced by ArtsEkta, a multi-award winning cultural organisation that works to develop intercultural relationships at the heart of the community and transform communities through shared creative experiences. The brainchild of Indian-native Nisha Tandon, ArtsEkta was founded in 2006 on the principles of inclusivity, creativity and openness in all aspects of society – Ekta means ‘uniting’ in the Indian language. Bringing together communities of Belfast and beyond, they create projects that inspire audiences to engage with the diversity, tastes, rhythms and sights that make up the multicultural life of Northern Ireland. Over the last decade they have grown dramatically in size and scope and are now recognised as one of the region’s leading arts charities and a pioneer in the development of intercultural arts for Northern Ireland.
Forward to 2020, and Mela is now one of Northern Ireland’s largest arts festivals bringing together music, dance, arts and food from across the world to celebrate our city’s proud cultural diversity. Belfast’s August Bank holiday weekend is synonymous with the Mela (a Sanskrit word meaning ‘to meet’) when tens of thousands of visitors pack come together to revel in a unique carnival of global cultures. The event fills Belfast’s beautiful Botanic Gardens with the sights, sounds and aromas of nations right around the world. Music and dance, arts and culture combine to create the heady, good humoured atmosphere of a unique event which invites the world into the heart of our city.
MELA DAY
28 August 2022, Botanic Gardens – It’s back! Join in at Botanic Gardens for the festival finale as it’s transformed into a global wonderland of music, dance, food and art
MELA CARNIVAL
20 August 2022, Belfast City Centre – Soak up the party vibe at their first ever carnival parade as it weaves through the city centre finishing with a dramatic aerial spectacle at City Hall.
MELA+
21 – 27 August 2022 – Extend your festival experience with MELA+, featuring a week long programme of cultural events across the city.
